Since its inception in 2003, NCIS has been one of the longest-running and most successful crime procedural dramas on TV. Renowned for its compelling investigations, multifaceted characters, and mix of suspense and comedy, the show has kept viewers glued to their screens for over two decades.
Several guest stars have contributed to the series over the years, portraying characters that enhance the suspenseful storylines. One of these is Tania Raymonde, who has played two different characters nearly two decades apart. Her work in NCIS showcases her talent as an actress, effortlessly blending into the show's evolving world of crime and investigation.
Tania Raymonde made her NCIS debut in season 2, episode 17, titled An Eye for an Eye, which aired in 2005. The episode followed the NCIS team as they investigated a disturbing case involving a package containing human eyes. As they dug deeper into the mystery, they encountered Anna Real, a young woman whose life became intertwined with the investigation.
Anna was presented as a person trapped in risky situations, unwittingly entangled with people who have ties to crime. During the episode, the character experienced intense emotional distress, struggling with fear and doubt as the team worked to protect her and uncover the truth.
Raymonde's performance as Anna captured the essence of vulnerability, making the character's predicament believable and interesting to watch. Her performance brought an emotional depth to the episode, elevating the story's intensity and keeping the audience captivated until the end.
Nearly two decades after her initial appearance, Raymonde reprised her role in NCIS during season 20, episode 13, titled Evil Eye. This time, she took on a vastly different character—Chloe Marlene, a celebrated actress rehearsing for a character who is a law enforcement official. To ensure an authentic performance, Chloe followed the NCIS agents as they investigated a murder case.
Unlike Anna Real, who was a victim of circumstances, Chloe Marlene brought a different energy to the show. She was enthusiastic, charming, and intent on observing real-life agents for her upcoming role. However, as she witnessed the seriousness of the investigation, she gained a newfound respect for the risks and nuances of law enforcement.
Raymonde expertly balanced humor with sincerity, allowing Chloe's character to evolve throughout the episode. Her interactions with the team highlighted the contrast between the world of entertainment and the reality of crime investigation, bringing a new perspective on how crime dramas are watched on screen and viewed in real life.
Raymonde's ability to portray two vastly different characters within the same series highlights her range as an actress. While her initial role as Anna Real helped establish the dramatic, high-stakes atmosphere of the earlier seasons, her return as Chloe Marlene in season 20 introduced a lighter yet intellectual dynamic.
The contrast between these two characters illustrates her versatility and capacity to add depth to her roles, regardless of how disparate they may be. Her return in season 20 also continues the show's long tradition of recasting talented actors in new roles, a common practice in long-running procedural series.
Although veteran viewers will recognize her from her previous appearance, Chloe Marlene's storyline stands alone, offering a new and engaging subplot to the episode. Whether portraying a young woman caught in a life-or-death situation or a famous actress searching for authenticity in her work, Raymonde's performances have left a lasting impression on the series.
Aside from NCIS, Tania Raymonde has built a versatile and successful career as an actress. She is best known for portraying Alex Rousseau in Lost, the adopted daughter of Benjamin Linus, whose character was pivotal to the show's intricate plot.
Raymonde has made several notable television show appearances, including in Malcolm in the Middle, Cold Case, and Goliath. She also took on the challenging role of Jodi Arias in the Lifetime movie Jodi Arias: Dirty Little Secret, which dramatized one of the most infamous recent murder cases.
Catch the latest episode of the series streaming on Paramount+.