Rocky Carroll on How Vance’s Dynamic with Parker Differs from Gibbs on NCIS
Rocky Carroll has been a staple on NCIS since 2008, witnessing numerous cast changes throughout the years. For much of his tenure, his character, Director Leon Vance, frequently clashed with Mark Harmon’s Leroy Jethro Gibbs. However, after Harmon’s departure in Season 19, Gary Cole’s Alden Parker took over as team leader, introducing a very different dynamic between the two characters.
In a conversation with CinemaBlend, Carroll reflected on how Vance’s relationship with Parker contrasts with his previous interactions with Gibbs.
A Relationship Forged Through Tragedy
Vance and Gibbs had a rocky relationship in the beginning, marked by tension and mutual distrust. Over time, however, their bond strengthened—largely due to shared tragedy. Gibbs lost his wife and daughter to a drug dealer, while Vance’s wife, Jackie, was killed in Season 10 during an attack on Ziva David’s father, Eli. These painful experiences ultimately brought the two men closer.
A Different Energy with Parker
Carroll explained that Vance’s relationship with Parker, on the other hand, is much smoother. After years as NCIS Director, Vance has become more open and settled, no longer carrying the same burdens of grief and distrust. Parker, while having his own complicated past, brings a more relaxed and cooperative energy to the role, making for a refreshing change of pace.
As NCIS continues into its 22nd season, Vance and Parker’s partnership offers a different yet engaging leadership dynamic—one built not on shared trauma, but on mutual understanding and experience.
