After a return that left fans wanting more, Catherine Bell is open to stepping back into the shoes of Sarah “Mac” MacKenzie. The actor has confirmed she would rejoin the NCIS universe, but only if the story provides a satisfying and meaningful continuation for her character and her long-running relationship with Harmon “Harm” Rabb, played by David James Elliott.
Bell and Elliott briefly returned to their iconic JAG roles during seasons 10 and 11 of NCIS: Los Angeles. Fans hoped this appearance would bring closure to their relationship, which was famously left open-ended with a coin-toss in the JAG series finale. Instead, the reunion revealed that Mac and Harm had been separated for nearly a decade, a plot point that disappointed many longtime followers.
Speaking at Motor City Comic Con, Bell acknowledged the fan reaction, stating that their brief return “was a little disappointing” for an audience that had waited years to see the couple together. This experience informs her current stance on any future comeback.
What a Return Would Require
For Bell, a future appearance is not about a simple cameo. She has a clear vision for what would make a return worthwhile. The storyline would need to honor the characters’ history and show genuine development in their relationship.
She sees Mac as a “well-known, self-assured leader with experience who is still working for the government.” A new story would need to reflect this established character, focusing on a future where she and Harm genuinely reconcile rather than remain apart.
Bell stated that if Mac returns, the plot should reflect her personality and ideals. She wants to tell their story more thoughtfully, “ideally concentrating on a future in which the two reconcile.”
Support for a Meaningful Comeback
The potential for a proper Mac and Harm story is bolstered by the continued expansion of the NCIS franchise. With new series like NCIS: Origins and NCIS: Tony & Ziva in development, opportunities to revisit older characters in a significant way are growing.
David James Elliott has also expressed his own interest in returning to his role, suggesting that a JAG revival is not completely out of the question. The ongoing involvement of original creator Donald P. Bellisario further allows for the creation of new stories that respect the legacy of the original series.
While there is no official date or project announced for Mac’s return, the combined interest from Bell, Elliott, and the fan base keeps the possibility alive. For now, Bell’s condition stands: she will return only for a story that gives her character and her relationship with Harm the satisfying chapter they deserve.
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Other NCIS: Los Angeles Alumni Making a Comeback
The return of familiar faces from NCIS: LA is already underway, highlighting a trend of reintegrating beloved characters into the broader universe.
LL Cool J recently returned as Sam Hanna, his character from NCIS: Los Angeles, in an episode of the flagship NCIS show. The actor had also previously appeared on NCIS: Hawai’i before its cancellation. His return to the main series confirms that the door is open for other alumni.
Similarly, original star Daniela Ruah, who played Kensi Blye, has addressed the potential for her own return. When asked about reprising her role, she struck an optimistic tone.
Ruah told TVLine, “If I get asked, I will certainly figure it out at the time.”
Her character’s story, along with that of her on-screen partner Marty Deeks (Eric Christian Olsen), was left with a new beginning, as the series finale revealed Kensi was pregnant.
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