NCIS season 18 episode 8 is still a few weeks away from arriving on CBS but there have been updates on what's coming next in the police procedural drama. For instance, recent reports suggest that this could be the final one for Maria Bello's Jack Sloane.
The title of NCIS season 18 episode 8 is "True Believer." According to the synopsis, Sloane's name was discovered in an abandoned bus with a dead driver in Afghanistan. This prompted her to go on a trip and Leroy Jethro Gibbs (Mark Harmon) accompanies her.
Later on, Sloane and Gibbs went on a mission to search for a group of girls who were kidnapped from the bus. Although nothing is confirmed that NCIS season 18 episode 8 is the final one for Bello's character, the storyline revolves mostly around her -- hinting that the series is setting up her exit.
Sloane will also spend a lot of time with Gibbs and this could allow them to talk about the feelings they have towards each other. Their relationship is something that must be addressed before the character's departure. If they won't end up together, they need some sort of closure.
Bello already confirmed that she is leaving the current installment of the police procedural, though her final episode remains a secret until now. As for how her departure will be, co-showrunner Frank Cardea previously told TVLine that they try to consider what does Sloane deserves.
Cardea explained that since Sloane is one of the strongest and passionate characters, they're trying to figure out how to have her go on something worthy of that. He also assured fans that they'll resolve whatever she and Gibbs have before she officially leaves.
Right now, it is uncertain how she will be written out in the story. But, previous speculations noted that Sloane may die -- either due to a medical condition or case-related. The latter seems likely, considering her mission in the upcoming episode.
Elsewhere in NCIS season 18 episode 8, Timothy McGee (Sean Murray), Ellie Bishop (Emily Wickersham), Nick Torres (Wilmer Valderrama) will be tracking down a hacker. This person has been sending emails compromising information to the Taliban.
In another report, the previous episode addressed the COVID-19 pandemic for the first time. Jimmy Palmer (Brian Dietzen) was the one impacted the most. It was revealed that his wife Breena died due to the virus. This is something that would play out on his story in the next few episodes.
NCIS season 18 episode 8 airs on Tuesday, Mar. 2, on CBS.
