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."

Only 42 days to go. That's how long until the season premiere of NCIS. According to Entertainment Weekly's Michael Ausiello, quoting exec producer Shane Brennan, the first minute of NCIS is a mindblower. What could this possibly mean? Will someone die, or will we discover what happened to Ziva? Was that her being beaten and tortured in the closing scene of last season's finale?

How will the producers of NCIS make sure that fans tune in to the show they don't switch the channel after the end credits and stay put for NCIS: Los Angeles, the spin-off? One way will be with crossovers. We've already reported the Rocky Carroll will appear on both shows, now comes word that NCIS mainstay Pauley Perrette will do a two-episode stint on NCIS: L.A.

And they aren't waiting for the guest stint. In the second episode, Perrette's brilliant, goth scientist character, Abby Scuito, will do a "fun little cameo" according to exec producer Shane Brennan.