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Blink and you'll miss it! Dominic Vail, played by Adam Jamal Craig, was one of NCIS: Los Angeles' original characters—and one of its initial jaw-dropping departures. To answer it directly: Dominic Vail's exit in season 1 wasn't due to anything Adam Jamal Craig did incorrectly. His departure was a creative decision by the producers, spearheaded by executive producer Shane Brennan, to prove that no character was safe on the show!
It's crazy to think about, but the plan was in place from day one! Brennan and the crew intended for the viewers to know early on that NCIS: Los Angeles would not only break the standard "everyone lives" TV rule.
So, although Craig's performance was a hit and he gelled immensely with the cast, his character was killed off to keep the storytelling fresh and emotionally charged. No behind-the-scenes soap, no acting problem—just good ol' storytelling shock value.
Dominic Vail's character development in NCIS: Los Angeles: From newbie to hero
Dominic Vail arrived on the scene of NCIS: Los Angeles as a new, tech-biased, and somewhat inexperienced agent. With Kensi Blye (played by Daniela Ruah) as his partner, Dom's initial narrative indicated that he was struggling to catch up with the high-risk velocity of undercover assignments. His ceiling for growth appeared astronomical, making what came next all the more surprising.
In Episode 13, "Missing," Dom was kidnapped mysteriously, and a season-long mystery was created. For weeks, viewers wished he would return dramatically. Sadly, in Episode 21, "Found," his destiny was sealed. Dom was rescued alive but taken hostage, and in a daring rescue mission, he gave his life to save fellow agent Sam Hanna (LL Cool J). His death was also depicted as a heroic, sacrificial move, but it created a significant emotional gap for the team and audience members.
Why did the producers kill off Dom in NCIS: Los Angeles?
Executive producer Shane Brennan confirmed that Dominic Vail's death was an intentional aspect of building NCIS: Los Angeles's identity. From the start, Brennan wanted to create a tone in which no character had any promise of long-term longevity. It was about creating stakes that felt real, immediate, and emotionally raw.
Notably, there were no ulterior motives for the exit. Adam Jamal Craig was not let go, nor were there any performance issues. The writers just made up their minds that killing off a lead character so early would surprise the audience and make the show less formulaic than most network dramas. Brennan remained faithful to his credo: if the audience anticipated the unexpected, they'd become more emotionally engaged.
How did Adam Jamal Craig respond?
Understandably, Adam Jamal Craig was caught off guard when he learned his character would be leaving. In later interviews, he admitted to being surprised by the decision. However, he remained nothing but respectful toward the producers' vision. Craig publicly expressed that he trusted Brennan’s creative leadership and understood the bigger picture for the show.
His gracious and professional reply preserved the positive image, even as viewers grieved for Dom's demise. There was no bitterness, no scandal—just an actor honoring the work and the television storytelling's unpredictable nature at times.
What changed for NCIS: Los Angeles after Dom's departure
Dom's departure made way for fresh dynamics in NCIS: Los Angeles. Eric Christian Olsen's LAPD Detective Marty Deeks was brought in as the LAPD-NCIS liaison in Season 2. Dom was gruff and stoic, but Deeks added a lighter, humorous tone to the team.
Deeks eventually emerged as a very popular character on the show, even having a romantic relationship with Kensi that was one of the most viewed on NCIS: Los Angeles. Dom left the show after a very short stint, but his departure had a lasting impact because it changed the course of the team and set the rule for shock.
Adam Jamal Craig's career after NCIS: LA
Following his departure from NCIS: Los Angeles, Adam Jamal Craig continued working in smaller roles, including guest appearances in The Power to Cure and Armed Response. He later, however, turned his attention away from the entertainment world. Craig started an IT firm by the name of HyperNerd Inc., venturing into the world of technology and exploring business opportunities that had no connection to Hollywood.
Although he left mainstream acting behind, his short but vivid performance as Dominic Vail continues to linger with NCIS: Los Angeles viewers. Chatter surrounding Dom's explosive departure still comes up in fan discussions, evidence that his presence mattered so much given the scant time on-screen.
Why Dominic Vail's exit still matters
Dominic Vail's exit is still one of NCIS: Los Angeles' greatest shockers and most discussed scenes. It had nothing to do with ratings, drama, or unhappiness—it was about tone. A tone where dedication to the story meant sometimes getting rid of favorite characters abruptly.
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The showrunners risked a bold move by allowing Dom to be let go so soon, but it paid off. It reestablished that NCIS: Los Angeles was not going to tread safely. Adam Jamal Craig's work as Dominic Vail had an indelible emotional impact, and to this day, most fans still consider his departure as one of the show's landmark moments.
Also read: NCIS: Los Angeles needs to bring back this fan favourite character
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