The NCIS season 23 finale brought a beloved character back to life - at least in spirit - before teasing the potential death of a different character. Warning: Spoilers below from NCIS season 23, episode 20. During the Tuesday, May 12, season 23 finale, director Leon Vance (Rocky Carroll) returned in multiple flashbacks after being killed off earlier in the season. The glimpses at the past began 12 months prior when Vance called his daughter, an NCIS agent Kayla (Naomi Grace), to check in about work. As the two were on the phone, an explosion went off at the coffee shop, Kayla just left.