I'm not a fan of Rocky Carroll's Director Vance, but this does make sense. However, Linda Hunt may be an Oscar winner but the last "major" film she had a role in was the horrible remake Yours, Mine, and Ours. I doubt she was that expensive.

It's a shame this series won't have a stronger female character. Mace had potential and even if they didn't like Louise Lombard another strong female leader would have been nice.

And don't forget the Law and Order Franchise, with various detectives and D.A.'s (and, of course, Arthur Branch) double and triple dipping.

It makes sense, but it annoys me. Clearly they're using Vance to bring 'old' NCIS viewers over to the new show, on par with the examples cited above. On one hand, I think Vance will have the opportunity for bigger storylines. He isn't needed as much in NCIS: The Old School territory, because the formula was established without him. In NCIS: The New Generation, he might be able to do more. And, I hate to see a good actor wasted. At the same time, because they did it with Jethro and Probie, I dislike the blatant cry for attracting existing viewers to the new show.

Maybe it annoys me more than when Private Practice, et al did it, because despite the flaws in those early shows, I felt something was there and they needed the support. However, I don't feel quite see the potential in NCIS:LA. Also, did CBS's other franchise rely on cross-overs as much as NCIS:LA? Perhaps I'm just forgetting something.

Don't forget Sarah Michelle Gellar guesting on "Angel" while "Buffy" was still going strong! :)

Oscar Goldman (played by Richard Anderson) on "The Six-Million Dollar Man" and "Bionic Woman". And for a season on two separate networks if memory serves.