“The Untold Exit Story: How Agent LaSalle’s Departure from NCIS: New Orleans Left Fans Stunned – Get Ready for the Shocking Revelation!”
Lucas Black’s exit from NCIS: New Orleans and the departure of his character, Agent Christopher LaSalle, came during the show’s sixth season. NCIS itself originated as a backdoor pilot within a season 8 episode of JAG, introducing the character of Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs, portrayed by Mark Harmon. The positive response paved the way for NCIS to become a standalone series in 2003. Despite a slow start, it eventually became a massive hit for CBS, securing an 18-season run.
In addition to the main series, NCIS also spawned two highly popular spinoffs. NCIS: Los Angeles, starring LL Cool J and Chris O’Donnell, has been airing since 2009 and is set to return for its twelfth season. NCIS: New Orleans, which began in 2014, stars Scott Bakula as Agent Dwayne Cassius Pride and Lucas Black as his trusted colleague, Christopher LaSalle. The show ran for six seasons, but when it returned for season seven, Lucas Black was notably absent from the cast.
LaSalle’s departure was a significant moment for NCIS: New Orleans fans. During season 6, his character investigated the death of his brother, Cade, portrayed by Clayne Crawford. This investigation led him to a remote cabin, where he was shot by cult leader Eddie Barrett. LaSalle was rushed to the hospital, where he was initially stabilized. He briefly regained consciousness and shared an emotional conversation with Dr. Wade, played by CCH Pounder, promising to go fishing with her. However, he tragically passed away.
Lucas Black later explained that his decision to leave the show was driven by his desire to spend more time with his wife and children. While his departure saddened fans, the series provided his character with a poignant and emotional farewell, casting a somber shadow over the rest of the season. Agent Pride later took it upon himself to track down LaSalle’s killer, Barrett, resulting in morally complex circumstances.
Lucas Black’s exit from NCIS: New Orleans also allowed him to rejoin the “Fast Family” with an appearance in the sequel, F9. Black reprised his role as Sean Boswell, initially introduced in the third Fast & Furious installment, The Fast & The Furious: Tokyo Drift. His character returned briefly in the seventh film, but earlier rumors of a more substantial role in The Fate Of The Furious did not materialize. With F9, Boswell is set to join the team and reunite with his presumed-deceased friend, Han, played by Sung Kang.