NCIS: Sydney star Olivia Swann has hinted at major upcoming twists for her role as Agent Michelle Mackey in the show’s second season.
The latest addition to the NCIS franchise, set in Australia, features American special agents Mackey and DeShawn Jackson, portrayed by Sean Sagar, cracking cases in the land of Oz.
Alongside Aussies JD Dempsey, played by Todd Lasance, and Evie Cooper, brought to life by Tuuli Narkle, the new season promises elevated suspense with a slew of high-octane missions characteristic of the beloved crime series. With its return on Paramount+, audiences can anticipate Mackey’s evolution from one of the toughest Special Agents-in-Charge ever seen to someone who starts revealing more layers of her personality.
Speaking to Express Online, Swann shared some insights: “So, with season two what I love is that we obviously know Mackey for being so strong and hardcore and she has this outer-shell that you can’t penetrate.
“What I love about season two is, because of the intensity of episode one where we start, we reveal so much more about her. We see more vulnerability. We get to peel back the layers and see what’s underneath the armor.
“It makes her an even more compelling character to watch because we get some of the lightness and humor that exists inside of her. I loved being able to bring that out and play that”, reports the Mirror.
Throughout the initial season, viewers witnessed Mackey’s budding bond with the offbeat forensic expert Blue Gleeson (Mavournee Hazel), despite her dynamic with JD still being a work in progress. While Mackey maintains a tough exterior to lead her team effectively, actress Swann teases that the character will become more approachable as the audience gets closer to her.
“I mean, the shell is still there,” she reflects. “It will always be there, but that’s what makes those moments where we do see the lightness and the fun that she has – and she has a lot of fun this season – it makes it so much more amazing to see and so much more compelling.”
She hints that this aspect feels quite different from the Mackey fans are accustomed to, yet it enlivens her character, making her more endearing.
The show’s followers were also saddened by revelations of Roy Penrose’s (William McInnes) challenging personal life after he faces the ordeal of admitting his wife into a dementia care facility. Speculation abounds whether Mackey could face an equally heart-wrenching plotline this season.
When probed about delving into Mackey’s family background in the new season, Swann stated: “Oh always, I always am so ready to learn more about Mackey.
“And potentially we do in season two, we’ll have to find out.”
Whetting appetites for future episodes, Swann dropped a tantalizing tease: “There’s many a twist in this season. And it’s actually so cool to be able to say we really swing for the fences. And we take everything up to another level.
“So, literally, episode one we kind of throw you into the action, into the intensity, and it just ramps up. The finale of season two is truly next level.”
Swann enthusiastically concluded, making it clear she’s all in for a third season. Fans are encouraged to keep watching if they want to ensure further adventures with Mackey and the Sydney crew.
NCIS: Sydney season 2 continues Fridays on Paramount+.