Gary Cole has become a familiar face to NCIS fans as Alden Parker, the calm yet sharp leader who stepped in after Gibbs’ departure. But despite settling into the role over the past few seasons, Cole recently admitted he’s not entirely at ease about his character’s future. In a candid moment, the actor revealed he’s fully aware that no one is ever truly safe in the NCIS universe—especially not team leaders.

“It could happen anytime,” Cole remarked, reflecting the ever-present uncertainty in long-running shows where even fan-favorites have been written off. His comments weren’t rooted in any confirmed plans to end Parker’s story but came from an understanding of how quickly plot shifts can occur in high-stakes television dramas. For NCIS, shocking twists are part of its DNA—and that includes sudden exits.

Cole’s portrayal of Parker has earned him respect from both fans and castmates, yet he remains realistic about the nature of the job. As a veteran actor, he knows character arcs must sometimes take dramatic turns to keep the show compelling. His openness about the possibility of being written off speaks to his professionalism—and adds a new layer of tension for fans watching the current season.

For now, Alden Parker is still firmly in charge. But with Cole sounding the alarm, audiences may start watching his scenes with fresh eyes—wondering if the next mission could be his last.