Alright, fellow NCIS fans, gather 'round! Just when you thought the currents at the Navy Yard couldn't get any choppier, the show is throwing us a curveball – or maybe, a welcome (or not-so-welcome?) blast from the past. Remember that agent who always seemed to get under Torres's skin?
A familiar face Returns to the Bullpen
You guessed it – Special Agent Dale Sawyer is returning to our screens! We'll get to see the talented Zane Holtz step back into the role for Season 22. Mark your calendars for Episode 15, titled "Moonlit," because that's when he'll make his reappearance. Seriously, it feels like it's been way too long since we last saw him, right?
Who is Special Agent Dale Sawyer, Again?
For those whose memories might be a bit hazy (hey, it's been 22 seasons, we get it!), Sawyer first popped up way back in Season 18. He made appearances across Seasons 18, 19, and 20 but was noticeably absent during Season 21. His last sighting was actually during the show's massive 450th episode back in 2023!
Sparks Fly: The History of Torres and Sawyer
Sawyer isn't just any agent; he's perhaps best known as Special Agent Nick Torres's (Wilmer Valderrama) official NCIS "frenemy." Their relationship started with a hefty dose of rivalry. Remember when Torres was convinced Sawyer was gunning for his job? Things thawed slightly when Sawyer admitted he shared Torres's interest in the high-stakes world of undercover work, but that underlying tension? It's always made their interactions crackle.
What Brings Sawyer Back in Season 22?
So, why now? The upcoming episode "Moonlit" promises to tie Sawyer directly into a compelling case. The official word is: "After a Navy Lieutenant’s death reveals ties to Special Agent Sawyer (Holtz), Torres and Knight uncover a murder linked to a wealthy family." Sounds like Sawyer might be bringing some trouble (or at least, some complicated case files) back with him. And buckle up, because the summary also teases a side plot: "Meanwhile, Parker discovers a shocking connection between his mother’s death and Lily." Plenty going on!
The Secret Behind the On-Screen Chemistry
Here’s a fun little behind-the-scenes nugget that makes the Torres-Sawyer dynamic even better. Their chemistry isn't just good acting; it's real! Zane Holtz and Wilmer Valderrama are actually good friends off-screen.
Back when Sawyer last appeared, the showrunner spilled the beans:
"We get a visit from Zane Holtz, who has appeared in several episodes before as Agent Sawyer, but I don’t know if audiences know that he and Wilmer have worked together on other projects, so they are old and good friends…I didn’t have to manufacture any chemistry between the two. It was a director’s dream because they’ve been buddies for a long time, and it shows on-screen.”
Knowing this just adds another layer to their scenes, right? It explains why their banter and rivalry feel so natural.
Get Ready for "Moonlit"
So, are you excited to see Sawyer back? What kind of sparks do you think will fly between him and Torres this time? We can't wait to see how his return shakes things up in Season 22. Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
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