Jacqueline "Jack" Sloane is one of the most interesting characters in the NCIS world and it seems like she still has more stories to tell. Maria Bello's contract expired at the end of the previous installment, but there's no indication she's leaving the series. Her character may still be part of the upcoming NCIS season 18.
Bello's Sloane could be explored in different ways in NCIS season 18. She has been through a lot even before she joined the team. While she shared some of her stories and what she's gone through, it feels like there are still some buried secrets from her past.
Her backstory in the previous season has been shown and it proved to be devastating. Moving forward with the new season, the series may focus and explore other parts of her past, as well as the people currently associated with her outside her job.
It's also interesting to see Sloane spending time with her daughter, Faith. The door is left open for them to have a deeper relationship, and after what they've been through in season 17, Faith could probably understand more what her biological mother does for a living.
Sloane also has skills and does her best in her job, though it wasn't quite shown in season 17. So, it would be nice seeing her showcasing and utilizing her specific skills in NCIS season 18. She's particularly good when it comes to profiling and understanding criminal minds.
Aside from that, here relationship with other of the characters is worth-exploring as well, especially with Gibbs. Her bond with him is becoming deeper and their chemistry increases. In fact, during season 16, they both know things about one other that nobody else knows.
Sloan and Gibbs' relationship is one of the most interesting parts of the series. In NCIS season 18, Gibbs may finally decide to let someone in and he'll realize Sloane could be the one. There have been hints that the latter has some feelings for Mark Harmon's character.
Meanwhile, the release date of NCIS season 18 remains uncertain at the moment. Considering the current health crisis around the world, there could be potential changes in the schedules. Filming may not start immediately, thus causing a delay.
But recently, CBS shared its new 2020-2021 primetime schedule, which includes NCIS, Blue Bloods, Magnum P.I., and All Rise. Yet, it should be noted that the network isn't specifying when some of these shows are going to return.
