It’s somewhat of a bittersweet time for TV fans as the NCIS universe has been rocked following a huge plot twist that saw a major character killed off in episode 13 of season 23.

The latest installment of the hit CBS police procedural show, which aired on March 25, marked its 500th episode, and delivered a dramatic episode, and, while the show is known for its twists and turns, many viewers were left speechless when Director Leon Vance (played by Rocky Carroll) was shot by a seemingly rogue agent.

The 62-year-old actor joined NCIS nearly two decades ago in season five (which aired in 2008) and became a regular in season six.

In the latest episode, the NCIS team faced the threat of being shut down by the Department of Defense. As Leon fought to save his team, he tragically met his end after nearly two decades on the show.

He was then welcomed to heaven by a young Chief Medical Examiner, Donald “Ducky” Mallard (Adam Campbell) – and it’s fair to say the emotional ending pulled on the heartstrings of fans.

Mark Harmon and Rocky Carroll starring in NCIS(Image: Channel 5)

Viewers were quick to take to social media to dish their reactions to the huge twist. “I did NOT expect to cry tonight but here we are! I didn’t expect that plot twist at all! Rest in peace director Vance, you will be missed,” penned one fan as a second added, “This show definitely won’t be the same as he was a legacy character.”

Someone else said, “Wow, I did NOT see that #NCIS plot twist coming. I am unwell and miss Vance already!” and a fourth chined in admitting, “Dude this episode had me BAWLING.”

A fifth added, “I’m a fan of the NCIS universe. Tonight’s 500th NCIS episode shocked me – Director Vance, played by Rocky Carroll for 18 years, was killed off. I’m sad. Vance was a solid character. I hope Timothy McGee becomes the next director.”

“I thought he would’ve survive wearing a vest but didn’t it. They should’ve kept that and total badass boss knowing he wasn’t going anywhere yet. #NCIS,” a sixth suggested.

While the moment shocked viewers, Rocky has since spoken out on the decision in an interview with TV Insider. He told the outlet. “It was basically presented to me that the studio and the network wanted to do something really spectacular, really big, and something that would really send shockwaves through the NCIS fan base and the community,” said the actor.

He also appeared on Good Morning America, where he admitted, “The only thing that surprised me more than getting the news of what was going to happen was how quickly I was able to come to terms with it.”

The show’s executive producer, Steven D. Binder, was the mastermind behind the twist and, when he pitched the idea, Rocky admitted he realized it was “actually a terrific story.”

While the death will leave a Vance-shaped hole in NCIS fans’ hearts, the actor said he is proud of the episode and believes there is plenty to celebrate.

“I would have loved to have been one of the characters who was there for the very last episode, when they board up the windows, and when they officially do say, ‘All right, it’s time for everybody to turn off the lights and go home.’ You’d like to be one of the last men standing,” he continued. “But after 18 seasons, I couldn’t have asked for more.”

Although Rocky will no longer appear on screen, he remains a regular director on the drama and has already returned to the set to work on another episode in season 23, according to Variety.