For Emily Wickersham, showing women in positions of authority crucial during ‘moments of change’

Wickersham (left) and Wilmer Valderrama —PHOTOS BY SONJA FLEMMING

Followers of NCIS special agent Nick Torres (Wilmer Valderrama) and his colleague Ellie Bishop (Emily Wickersham) in the top-rated crime procedural series “NCIS” were thrilled to see the pair finally deciding to talk about their increasingly hard-to-conceal feelings for each other in Episode 14 (“Unseen Improvements”) last week. The show, which is telecast at 10 p.m. on Fox, is set to wrap up its 18th season on Monday next week.

“The season has been presenting some personal ‘life moments’ for my character—and it has been really fun for me to dive into because I love exploring stuff outside of her everyday office job,” Emily Wickersham told Inquirer Entertainment in a recent chat. “I’ve also seen more action this season. But the most exciting stuff for me this time is seeing the developing relationship between Bishop and Torres.

“It’s not necessarily giving in to what the fans expect, but the series is just doing what’s right for it … by developing the characters in the way the writers think is appropriate. Over the years, the fans have responded well to that.

“The relationship between Bishop and Torres has really been building over since the beginning—and it’s definitely at its strongest this season. So it’s been so much fun to explore that with Wilmer because it adds a whole different element to the day-to-day that we do over there.”

Asked how the pandemic has affected her work as an actress, especially given the global context that we’re all living in right now, the 37-year-old actress, who first appeared in the “Gut Check” episode of Season 11, said, “It feels really special, and I’m just glad to be working. But it was initially weird for all of us. Everyone is walking around with masks and face shields, and we get tested weekly. We have to walk through certain ‘cones’ where you have all of these rules we must adhere to.

Emily Wickersham in “NCIS”

Connection

“There have always been rules on set, but now, there’s this added element that’s been a big adjustment for all of us. It’s great because everyone is taking the safety measures so seriously. It was a big change, especially when you’re rehearsing with your face shield and mask on. It’s hard to hear your scene partners [deliver their lines], and you know how important connection is between actors.

“Connection is everything, so that’s been a challenge, and some things may take longer than normal. Overall, we’ve really just risen to the challenge because it’s what we have to do—and we all want to be here.”

After 10 seasons with the show, has all that sleuthing rubbed off on Emily—from the technical elements of crimefighting to medical forensics?

“You know, I live in LA (Los Angeles) and have driven by some crime scenes,” the actress related. “And sometimes, I’ve been so curious I wanted to get out of my car and ask questions in a way that I wouldn’t have before joining ‘NCIS.’ Don’t worry, I haven’t really done that, because that would have been completely inappropriate (laughs). Yes, I’ve had the inclination to do so, but I’ve managed to suppress it.”

The political landscape has also become very polarizing in the past couple of years, particularly where issues about police brutality and systemic racism in the United States are concerned. And as far as these themes are concerned, Emily said that they have not fallen on deaf ears.

“We’re constantly trying to portray the reality of what’s going on around us,” Emily pointed out. “But we’re also advised by certain technical advisors on how to approach the different situations as one would in the most responsible, honest and truthful way. I know it’s such a weird moment in time, indeed.”

It is for this reason why Emily isn’t taking her role lightly, she explained, “Playing a female detective in a position of authority is a wonderful thing—and I see it as a major responsibility. You see, I grew up doing a lot of things often associated with guys. I played a lot of sports, so I was always like, ‘Where are all the girls?’

“I feel like there are more men in the police force, so the more women there are in shows like ‘NCIS,’ the more positive it is. Remember, we’re in such a moment of change all over the world, particularly in terms of women’s rights. So, it’s a very positive thing to see more women in the service.”

And seeing the show explore more topical issues is making Emily prouder to be a part of it.

“Yeah, I talk to our writers about this all the time, because we’re in such a special position—to be able to reach so many people when we address controversial topics and bring certain themes to light.

“You know we can’t be ‘super heavy’ all the time, so it’s amazing when we get to do this—like, when we examine the opioid crisis and all that. For any actor, it’s important to be a part of a show that can do that, reach out to so many people, and get them thinking about these topics!”

The Season 18 finale of “NCIS” will be aired on Monday at 10 p.m. on Fox (channel 50 on SkyCable, and channel 233 on Cignal).