NCIS: New Orleans season 7 officially begins filming just recently. However, only a few details were known about the upcoming installment, aside from the fact that it would take on some events happening in the real world right now. The good thing is that the series shares some casting news in the latest season.
According to a report from Deadline, Chelsea Field will be a series regular in the upcoming NCIS: New Orleans season 7. Her character, Rita Devereaux, has recurred in the series for the past four seasons. Now, she'll be appearing on the show on a regular basis.
Rita was first introduced in the second half of the third installment. She's a Reserve Navy Commander in the JAG Corps and a District Attorney. However, she returned to her hometown of New Orleans to pursue her relationship with Dwayne Pride, played by Scott Bakula, Field's real-life husband.
The actress' promotion means that Rita's relationship with Pride will be further explored in NCIS: New Orleans season 7. It's interesting to see how their bond evolves as the story progresses. On a personal level, this is a chance for Field and Bakula to have more time working together.
Meanwhile, as mentioned, the cast and crew are currently filming new episodes of the latest installment. But then, everyone is required to follow certain health guidelines and protocols implemented in New Orleans. This is a way to ensure their safety while working amidst the pandemic.
Apart from dealing with the current global health crisis, NCIS: New Orleans season 7 premieres with an episode about the early days of the pandemic. The story will reference the events that happened in the real world in the past few months.
One of the main goals of the new season is to bring timely stories to allow viewers to have a different perspective on what's happening. The premiere reflects such events and will show how hard it is working amidst the pandemic.
CCH Pounder, who plays Dr. Loretta Wade, told TVLine that her character will have a significant role in the premiere. She confirmed that the first episode is all about COVID-19, and the premiere is written by Chris Silber and Jan Nash.
At the moment, NCIS: New Orleans season 7 has no official release date. But, since filming has already started, a fall premiere is feasible. The series is expected to return at some point in November on CBS, alongside NCIS season 18 and NCIS: Los Angeles season 12.
