Olivia Swann Discusses the Season 2 ‘Mystery’ of NCIS: Sydney and Reveals Mackey’s Secret

Olivia Swann discusses the upcoming events in season 2 of NCIS: Sydney, following the exciting — and a bit intricate — premiere.

Swann, who portrays NCIS special agent in charge Michelle Mackey, revealed exclusively to Us Weekly that this season is “explosive, intense, funny, and compelling.”

Note: Spoilers ahead from NCIS: Sydney season 2, episode 1.

The season 2 premiere, which aired on Friday, February 7, showcased Mackey and Australian Federal Police (AFP) leader Jim “JD” Dempsey (Todd Lasance) facing repercussions for their season 1 finale actions, where they bent some rules to rescue JD’s son after he was kidnapped.

Despite their sidelined status, Mackey and JD succeeded in apprehending Russian assassin Ana Niemus (Georgina Haig), who was complicit in the kidnapping, and uncovered Colonel Richard Rankin’s involvement (Lewis Fitz-Gerald).

However, after Rankin suffered a heart attack at NCIS headquarters, they discovered that he was being manipulated by an unnamed antagonist and that his pacemaker had been tampered with to silence him.

“This is certainly the underlying mystery of the season,” Swann said when discussing the true mastermind behind Rankin’s heart attack. “We get small glimpses of it, and the tension builds as we progress.”

She teased, “The resolution is incredibly satisfying.”

One of the most significant surprises from the premiere is that Mackey has a teenage son back in the United States, a fact she’s kept hidden from everyone.

Will viewers finally meet him, and will her team discover her secret? Swann provided some insights exclusively to Us about what to expect for the remainder of the season:

Is Niemus Truly Out of the Picture?

Throughout season 1, the NCIS and AFP team in Australia aimed to hunt down rogue Russian agent Monica Rowe, also known as Ana Niemus. In the season 2 premiere, Niemus threatened JD, asserting that if he didn’t reveal who was behind the effort to eliminate her, she would come after him and his son.

JD indicated that Rankin, who orchestrated her hit (likely against his will), was hospitalized. However, it was a ruse, and JD along with Mackey managed to capture her after a gripping confrontation.

When asked if Niemus has been completely neutralized as a threat, Swann told Us, “My guess is as good as yours,” hinting that this may not be the last viewers see of the elusive spy.

Motherhood for Mackey

Swann shared her ideal scenario for Mackey as a mother, indicating she would “love to” see a reunion with her teenage son on screen.

“I’ve known since season 1 that she’s a mother, and I cherish that secret she’s kept,” the actress noted. “Introducing her older son could add a fascinating dimension to her character. I sincerely hope that plotline will be explored eventually.”

She pointed out that although Mackey revealed this secret to JD when they both faced termination, there’s a “slim” chance she’ll confide in the rest of the team.

Swann added that fans will witness how her role as a parent influences her work as an agent moving forward. “On good days, she thinks, ‘This is why I do this job, to keep the world safe for my son,’” she said of her character’s mindset. “But on tougher days, she struggles with feelings of guilt and the pain of being away from her child.”

The Team Is Coming Together

With both Mackey and JD absent from the headquarters, NCIS agent DeShawn Jackson (Sean Sagar) took charge. He managed AFP agent Evie Cooper (Tuuli Narkle), tech expert Bluebird “Blue” Gleeson (Mavournee Hazel), and medical examiner Doc Roy “Rosie” Penrose (William McInnes).

“We witness the development of trust and teamwork as they come together. We’re a bunch of misfits,” Swann said concerning the group dynamics. “We’re all a bit quirky, each with our unique ways, but it starts to flow more smoothly.”

The ‘Frankenstein Moment’ Isn’t the Wildest Plot

In a particularly outrageous moment from the premiere, Blue and the doc resorted to reheating a deceased body so Blue could scan the man’s barcode tattoo. This ink led to technological clues that helped unravel the mystery of Rankin’s alleged blackmail.

“There’s an episode this season that totally surprised me. The Frankenstein moment is pretty mild compared to what’s coming,” Swann teased. “What I appreciate is that, regardless of how bizarre it gets, it’s grounded in reality; there’s a true story behind it that inspires the writers.”

JD Still Haunted by Jack’s Kidnapping

Although Jack was safely returned at the end of season 1, and justice was served during the season 2 premiere, JD is not expected to recover to his usual self immediately.

“What makes JD so wonderful is the heart he brings to the team, and Todd exemplifies this beautifully,” Swann told Us. “There are moments where you glimpse that weight he carries beneath his fun-loving exterior.”

The Future of Richard Rankin’s Storyline

By the end of season 2, episode 1, viewers discover that the military funeral shown at the beginning was for Rankin. However, Mackey learns the truth: Rankin is in a coma and being safeguarded in a secret military location.

Swann indicated that fans will gain significant insights into Rankin’s connections to the unidentified antagonist and his fate as the season unfolds.

“I can’t reveal too much because it intertwines with the broader narrative,” she teased. “It’s a more complex world than what any of the team could have anticipated.”

Prepare for More Blue

Swann announced that season 2 will delve into the backstories of Mackey and her team, with Blue being her favorite. “I’m a Blue fan until the end,” the actress told Us. “I’ve already seen Mavournee’s talent, and she’s extraordinary. I’m thrilled for everyone to see more from Blue as she truly shines.”

She mentioned that the characters’ stories will intertwine in a “thrilling” and “organic fashion” this season.

NCIS: Sydney airs on CBS Fridays at 8 p.m. ET.