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Fans were genuinely surprised when Jamie Lee Curtis appeared on NCIS in Season 9. She is best known for her roles as strong, intelligent characters in popular films like Halloween and True Lies. Thus, her entrance into the NCIS universe gave the show a completely different vibe.
She portrayed Dr. Samantha Ryan, the head of the PsyOps Division at the Department of Defense. Not just another one-episode guest, Dr. Ryan is an expert in psychological strategy. The team's typical crime-solving pace was given a more intense feel by Curtis' character, who became involved in serious cases.
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The bond between her and Mark Harmon's character, Gibbs, however, was what truly caught our attention. Their relationship wasn’t fast. It was more subtle and thoughtful, full of mutual respect and quiet tension. It was one of the few times fans saw Gibbs slightly thrown off, maybe even opening up a little.
In short, Jamie Lee Curtis didn’t just make a cool cameo. Her character left a real mark, especially on Gibbs, and that’s why her time on the show is still remembered fondly.
Who was Dr. Samantha Ryan in NCIS? Jamie Lee Curtis' role explored
Dr. Samantha Ryan first appeared in the NCIS episode “Psych Out” from Season 9, which aired back in 2012. Right from the moment she stepped into the scene, it was obvious she wasn’t someone who could be easily pushed around, not even by Gibbs.
As the head of PsyOps, she had a sharp mind for reading people and using that insight to stay one step ahead. She even went as far as to bug Gibbs’s house just to keep tabs on him, showing how serious she was about her job.
Her role often crossed paths with the team, especially when cases involved psychological tactics or national security. At first, she and Gibbs didn’t exactly see eye to eye; he trusted his instincts, while she leaned on careful analysis.
That clash created some early tension, but over time, it shifted into mutual respect, and a strong connection started to build between them. Jamie Lee Curtis gave Ryan a lot of dimension in NCIS, playing her as someone who was tough and smart, but also carrying her own emotional scars.
It's also revealed that she’s a single mom and has a troubling history involving an abusive ex, which gives more depth to her character. Ryan wasn’t just there to be a romantic interest. All of this made Dr. Ryan feel like a real person within the NCIS world.
Also Read: I just found out Millie Bobby Brown played a killer in NCIS before Stranger Things
Dr. Samantha Ryan's unexpected bond with Gibbs in NCIS
Fans of NCIS know that Gibbs has always been known for keeping his walls up. He's private, emotionally reserved, making it hard for people to step into his life. This is why his growing connection with Dr. Samantha Ryan felt unexpected and refreshing at the same time.
Ryan wasn’t afraid to challenge Gibbs. She could keep up with him intellectually and emotionally, which few people ever managed. She pushed him just enough, without crossing a line.
As they grew closer, fans saw a different side of Gibbs. He smiled more, opened up a little, and even showed rare signs of vulnerability. Their relationship felt real and quietly emotional.
Instead of big romantic moments, it was the small things that made their bond special. Two people with emotional scars slowly found comfort in each other’s presence. It added heart to Season 9.
But their growing closeness didn’t last long. Ryan got pulled into a case involving Harper Dearing, a dangerous man with a grudge against the Navy. Things got personal fast.
Dearing arranged for Ryan’s abusive ex-husband to be released from prison. That put her and her young son in serious danger. Suddenly, her personal life was under threat.
To protect her child, Ryan made a tough decision. She quietly stepped away from Gibbs and left the show in the season finale, Till Death Do Us Part. There were no dramatic goodbyes, just a quiet, selfless exit.
Even though her time on NCIS was short, her character left a mark. She showed a different side of Gibbs and brought something emotionally real to the series. Fans still remember her for that.
Also Read: NCIS finally brings back Gibbs in Season 22, but there’s a twist
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