What do Ralph Waite, Robert Wagner and Michael Nouri have in common? They've all turned up on NCIS for guest roles. And not just a quick pop in scene or two. No, they've been integrated into the show and two of them have already recurred. (I'm counting on Robert Wagner to recur in the future, as well).

So, the news today that Gena Rowlands will be on NCIS in March has me feeling very enthusiastic. And it's a multi-episode role.

Michael Ausiello reports in Entertainment Weekly that Gena has been cast as Jethro's former mother-in-law, Joann, an elegant, upscale type. NCIS executive producer Shane Brennan said that her showing up in Jethro's life again will bring with it lots of turmoil and emotional "heartache, anger and blame in the process."