Fans of NCIS: Los Angeles still talk about the sudden exits of tech operators Nell Jones and Eric Beale. Unlike characters who receive a dramatic final firefight or a tearful farewell party at a local bar, Nell and Eric simply stepped away from their desks in the Office of Special Projects and sailed off into the sunset together. In real life, actors Barrett Foa and Renée Felice Smith wanted to pursue outside creative projects, which prompted producers to write a happy, open-ended exit rather than killing them off.
The confusion surrounding their departure stems from how their storylines wrapped up during Season 12. Viewers watched them build a tech company, Operation: Sterling, funded by Hetty Lange, before moving to Tokyo. Let's look at why they left the show, how their final arcs played out, and what the actors have done since trading their badges for new creative ventures.
Why Barrett Foa and Renée Felice Smith Left NCIS LA
Barrett Foa played Eric Beale since the backdoor pilot in NCIS, while Renée Felice Smith joined as Nell Jones in Season 2. Over a decade on a procedural drama requires immense time and energy. By Season 11 and Season 12, both actors felt ready to stretch their wings in theater, writing, and directing.
Foa wanted to return to his theatrical roots on stage. He took breaks during Season 12 to star in a regional theater production of Angels in America in Utah, which explains why Eric was absent for several episodes working on his tech startup in San Francisco. Smith wanted to focus on independent filmmaking and writing. She co-wrote and starred in the indie film Sometimes, I Think About Dying and authored a children's book titled Hugo and the Impossible Thing.
Producers didn't force them out due to creative differences or budget cuts. Instead, the actors approached showrunner R. Scott Gemmill with a desire to transition away from full-time series regular duties. The writing team accommodated them by giving the duo an optimistic, life-changing business opportunity rather than a tragic ending.
How Nell and Eric's Exit Played Out On Screen
The on-screen departure unfolded across the twelfth season. Eric spent time building his tech incubator before Hetty provided the necessary capital. When an international tech opportunity arose in Tokyo, Eric realized he couldn't run it alone and asked Nell to join him.
Nell, who had spent much of the season overwhelmed by the interim operational manager role left vacant by Hetty's mysterious absence, felt burnt out. Taking over leadership duties took a heavy toll on her mental health. When Eric offered her a clean slate abroad, she accepted.
In the Season 12 episode "Signs for Adaptation," Nell officially resigned and walked out of the bullpen. Shortly after, Eric returned briefly to tie up loose ends, and the two departed together for Japan. They didn't appear in Season 13 or Season 14 as regulars, though the show occasionally referenced their thriving tech enterprise overseas.
Common Misconceptions About the Exit
Online fan forums often spread rumors about why actors leave long-running series, and NCIS: Los Angeles was no exception.
- Was there a contract dispute? No. Both Foa and Smith left on friendly terms with CBS and executive producer R. Scott Gemmill. They were invited back for guest appearances, though scheduling conflicts prevented them from returning for the series finale in Season 14.
- Did budget cuts force them out? The network didn't write them off to save money. The show was in its later years, but their departure was entirely actor-driven.
- Did Hetty send them away on a secret mission? While Hetty funded Eric's startup, their departure wasn't a black-ops assignment. It was a legitimate civilian career pivot into the tech sector.
Where Are the Actors Now?
Since leaving the show, both actors have stayed busy in different artistic mediums.
- Renée Felice Smith directed short films and continues to develop independent narrative projects. She leans heavily into writing and visual storytelling.
- Barrett Foa returned to the stage, performing in regional theater productions and occasional guest roles on television.
Their departure remains a rare example of a procedural drama letting beloved characters leave with a win. They didn't face a tragic death or a bitter breakup; they simply outgrew the bullpens of Los Angeles and built something new together.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Nell and Eric get married?
The show didn't explicitly feature a wedding ceremony before they left, but their relationship status was cemented when Nell chose to leave her career behind to join Eric in Tokyo, signaling a deep, long-term commitment.
Will Nell and Eric return for a spin-off or reboot?
While CBS hasn't announced any direct spin-offs featuring the characters, both actors have expressed fondness for their time on the show. Because they survived and moved to Japan, the door remains wide open for guest appearances if a future project materializes.
Why wasn't Hetty around when Nell left?
Actress Linda Hunt had a reduced filming schedule during the later seasons due to safety precautions during the COVID-19 pandemic and personal scheduling preferences, which meant Hetty's presence had to be handled through remote video calls and mysterious dispatches.
Did Hetty's funding actually exist?
Within the script, Hetty liquidated some of her hidden assets to fund Eric's tech company, proving once again that she kept track of every agent's potential long-term goals outside of federal law enforcement.
