NCIS: New Orleans – Why Lucas Black’s Agent LaSalle Left The Show

One of the most unexpected events from NCIS: New Orleans season 6 was the Chris LaSalle death scene. NCIS: New Orleans is a crime drama series and a spin-off of the NCIS franchise. It follows a team of Naval Criminal Investigative Service agents stationed in the Big Easy, regularly dealing with crimes involving the Navy and Marine Corps. One of the most popular characters on the show was Agent Christopher LaSalle, played by Lucas Black. “Matthew 5:9” sees the team investigating the murder of Cade Lambert, but before they could solve the case, someone shoots and kills LaSalle.

Lucas Black’s Agent LaSalle was a fan favorite because of his sense of humor and dedication to his work. Other major NCIS: New Orleans characters, such as Agent Percy and Agent Brody, left in previous seasons, but the nature of their departures made way for a possible return. Chris LaSalle’s death shocked longtime fans of the show, and the tragedy dampened things, but the series went on without him. Since the shocking moment, Black has clarified why his character’s exit from the series was so sudden.

What Happened To Chris On NCIS?

Someone Killed Chris As He Investigated A Drug Ring

In NCIS: New Orleans season 6, episode 6, “Matthew 5:9,” Agent Chris LaSalle looks to avenge his brother Cade Lambert’s death by targeting an Alabama-based drug ring he believes had a hand in the murder. While Pride assists in the case, he eventually finds Chris’ body and realizes someone shot him in the line of duty. At the end of the episode, they hold a funeral for Chris and a wake at Pride’s bar.

Chris LaSalle’s death is mainly due to Lucas Black leaving the series. However, the character’s murder is necessary for the show. While a character like Agent Sonja Percy left the show alive, this death forced the entire team to go through a lot while mourning and the NCIS team members had to build up their skills to compensate for the loss. All in all, Chris LaSalle’s death resulted in a stronger and more unified team, which helped as they had to fight tougher battles leading up to the show’s eventual end in season seven.

Why Lucas Black Left NCIS

Lucas Black Put His Family First

Lucas Black was a regular on NCIS: New Orleans since its inception in 2014, appearing in 125 out of 155 episodes. In an interview (via Express), Black explained that the show’s long production hours took time away from his family, saying: “All throughout my career, there was a concern because I would observe how the entertainment industry would destroy families.” He realized the strain on his family would intensify if he continued with the show. The NCIS shows survived many character’s exits, so it was probably for the best.

Unfortunately, Lucas Black’s character left NCIS: New Orleans on a sorrowful note, but the general reaction to LaSalle’s final episode demonstrates his impact on the show’s audience. Black said he sees his time spent working on NCIS: New Orleans as a worthwhile experience, though taking time off from acting was a positive change of pace for him and his family.

What Lucas Black Has Done Since NCIS

Faith-Based Movies, F9, & A YouTube Channel

Since leaving NCIS: New Orleans, Lucas Black took some time off from acting. He hasn’t appeared in any other television shows since this procedural and has mostly remained a part-time star. In 2021, Black returned to the Fast & Furious franchise, reprising his role as Sean Boswell. His first appearance as Sean was in 2006 in Fast & Furious 3: Tokyo Drift. He also had a cameo in Furious 7 but played a big role in F9 two years after Chris LaSalle’s death. That was his only major role since leaving NCIS.

He appeared in two movies for the faith-based Great American Pure Flix streaming service, with roles in Legacy Peak (2022) and Birthright Outlaw (2023). He also appeared in the Christian drama movie Unsung Hero, which was released into theaters in 2024 and starred Jonathan Jackson, Candace Cameron Bure, and Terry O’Quinn. Other than that, the former NCIS: New Orleans star launched a YouTube channel called Real Life Lucas Black with hunting and fishing adventures.

NCIS: New Orleans

The third series in the NCIS franchise, NCIS: New Orleans is a crime drama television series that aired for seven seasons from 2014-2021 on CBS. The police procedural show follows the work of a New Orleans-based team of NCIS Special Agents led by Supervisory Special Agent Dwayne “King” Cassius Pride, played by Scott Bakula. The cast also includes CCH Pounder, Rob Kerkovich, Daryl “Chill” Mitchell, Lucas Black, and Vanessa Ferlito, among others.

Release Date

September 23, 2014

Seasons

7

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