As NCIS: Origins wrapped up its explosive first season in late April, fans were left reeling from multiple major reveals—from Lala Dominguez’s tragic fate to Leroy Jethro Gibbs crossing paths with his future second wife. Yet amid all the chaos, one name was conspicuously missing from the finale: Cliff Wheeler, played by Patrick Fischler. The former Special Agent in Charge of the NIS Pendleton office had been suspended in the episode “Darlin’, Don’t Refrain,” and his absence raised eyebrows.
Now, ahead of Season 2’s return on CBS in 2025, showrunners David J. North and Gina Lucita Monreal are breaking their silence—and teasing that Wheeler’s story is far from over.
“We certainly have not seen the last of Wheeler,” North confirmed. “Patrick Fischler is phenomenal, and we have big plans for the character going forward.”
Wheeler’s Fall From Grace
Wheeler’s suspension stemmed from his mishandling of the Sandman serial killer investigation. At the beginning of “Darlin’, Don’t Refrain,” Wheeler was already under fire for the prison death of Bugs Floyd—the man who had falsely confessed to being Sandman. As the plot unraveled, it was revealed that the real killer was Luke Fletcher, a trusted veteran support group leader. In a dramatic confrontation, Gibbs was forced to kill Fletcher to stop him.
But Wheeler’s troubles didn’t end there.
In a moment of raw honesty, he admitted to shredding a crucial document that referenced Bugs’ partner and a covert mission called Operation Sundown—an act that effectively buried key evidence and misled the investigation. While his decision was made in the interest of closing the case swiftly, the fallout was inevitable. Wheeler’s judgment was called into question, and the suspension followed swiftly.
A Personal Bombshell
As if a career-threatening scandal wasn’t enough, “Darlin’, Don’t Refrain” also dropped a more intimate revelation: Wheeler has a romantic history with FBI Detective Noah Oakley. Though only hinted at subtly throughout the season, showrunner Monreal confirmed this storyline had been “planned from close to the beginning.”
“The first time we meet Oakley, there’s a reference to something that happened years before,” she explained. “Then when Franks goes behind Wheeler’s back and contacts Oakley, Wheeler’s intense reaction—‘He’s my guy’—wasn’t just professional. That was a seed we planted early, and it’s something we’re excited to explore further in Season 2.”
This development adds complex layers to Wheeler’s character, especially considering NCIS: Origins is set in the early 1990s—a time when being openly queer, particularly in military-adjacent roles, was not only controversial but dangerous. With his family life also under strain and his career in limbo, Wheeler is poised to become one of the most emotionally nuanced characters in the series moving forward.
What’s Next for Cliff Wheeler?
The showrunners remain tight-lipped about whether Wheeler will return to his former post at Camp Pendleton. However, their emphasis on his continued presence strongly suggests he’ll remain deeply involved in the lives of Gibbs, Franks, and the broader Origins team.
Given how central the Pendleton office is to the show’s narrative structure, it’s hard to imagine Season 2 progressing without Wheeler occupying some form of leadership—or at least remaining in close proximity to the team. His romantic subplot with Oakley, combined with the fallout from the Sandman case, promises rich narrative material for the upcoming season.
Fans eager to see how his personal and professional arcs unfold will not be disappointed.
A Bigger Universe Takes Shape
In addition to teasing Wheeler’s future, Monreal also hinted at the larger universe that NCIS: Origins is building toward. Set to air Tuesday nights at 9 p.m. ET as part of CBS’s 2025–2026 lineup, the prequel will be nestled between NCIS Season 23 and NCIS: Sydney Season 3.
And for fans of NCIS: New Orleans, there’s even more reason to tune in. The showrunners revealed that future episodes will explore the formation of the Fed 5, setting the stage for narrative crossovers and connections that will tie multiple branches of the franchise together.
Final Thoughts
While Season 1 of NCIS: Origins left viewers with a slew of questions, one thing is now clear: Cliff Wheeler’s journey is far from over. Between professional redemption, emotional reckoning, and deeper universe-building, Season 2 is shaping up to be a must-watch.
Whether he resumes his leadership role at Pendleton or finds a new path entirely, Wheeler remains a character to watch—thanks in no small part to Patrick Fischler’s commanding performance and the creative team’s ambitious plans.
Buckle up. The next chapter in NCIS: Origins looks more intense—and more personal—than ever.
