Spoilers for the November 5 episode of NCIS: New Orleans Season 6, entitled “Matthew 5:9,” are discussed below.
Fans of NCIS: New Orleans have had some strong reactions to the shocking death that rocked the series. In the latest episode, the NCIS spinoff killed off one of its original characters: Special Agent Christopher LaSalle. This major plot twist comes not too long after the surprising death of LaSalle’s brother, Cade (Lethal Weapon’s Clayne Crawford), which occurred off-screen.
The implications of Cade’s death had profound on-screen consequences. While trying to bring down the drug ring he held responsible for his brother’s murder, LaSalle was shot several times. At first, it seemed that NCIS: New Orleans would have the fan-favorite survive. He even pulled through surgery. Sadly, his vitals abruptly dropped, and he succumbed to his injuries.
Will the ratings rise following this huge and unexpected plot twist? Time will tell. For now, the shock of LaSalle’s death is still washing over NCIS: New Orleans’ fans. His portrayer, Lucas Black, has seemed to confirm his departure from the crime procedural. All that is left now is for viewers to mourn LaSalle as the characters also process the news in Season 6.
For one fan, NCIS: New Orleans’ move came as a total shocker and not necessarily a well-received one. It is hard to deal with the loss of an original character. Check out their tweet below:
One fan did what you have to do in sad TV situations such as this: use a GIF to express your feelings! (I do it all of the time.) Here is how one NCIS: New Orleans fan used The Simpsons to express their grief over LaSalle:
Again, GIFs are the way to go in these kinds of upsetting situations. Television as a whole has been full of shocking deaths, and thanks to social media, NCIS: New Orleans fans can vent their feelings over them. Check out this fan’s spot-on GIF:
Why, indeed. That is one of the sentiments that you will find echoed throughout social media as NCIS: New Orleans’ fans come to grips with LaSalle’s abrupt death. When in doubt, cry it out, which is what this fan did!
For those who were highly emotional after LaSalle’s death, some are ready to leave. As in, not watch the show anymore. That's a move that would mean not seeing how the aftermath plays out. Regardless, here is one NCIS: New Orleans fan’s plan post-shocker:
Some fans are still trying to cope with the shocking plot twist. It is a lot to take in. Plus, it just happened, and NCIS: New Orleans as a show has not even taken the next step in processing it. Here is one viewer’s lament:
When a character like LaSalle gets a significant arc, such as avenging his brother, you would think he is going to be around for a while. The hero did not win this round, and that is not traditionally how these kinds of stories work. I think that shocking subversion of expectation has only added to fans' sadness.
New episodes of NCIS: New Orleans air Tuesdays at 10 p.m. ET on CBS. If you need to watch another show to try to cheer yourself up, check out this fall’s premieres.
