Before becoming an acclaimed writer, Taylor Sheridan NCIS acting career highlights included a memorable appearance on “NCIS: Los Angeles.” Sheridan’s role as Navy Captain Jennings in the 2011 episode set a noteworthy stepping stone in his journey, as he transitioned from supporting television parts to creating and writing some of Hollywood’s most authentic military dramas.
Sheridan’s Early Television Appearances and Acting Reputation
Prior to his rise as a leading storyteller in television, Taylor Sheridan struggled to break through as an actor but managed to land minor roles in several well-known series. His screen debut occurred on “Walker, Texas Ranger,” sharing scenes with Chuck Norris, which would be the beginning of a string of television credits. Sheridan went on to appear in popular shows such as “Star Trek: Enterprise,” “NYPD Blue,” “CSI: NY,” “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation,” and “Veronica Mars.” These experiences allowed him to build a varied TV resume, portraying numerous authority figures and establishing a specialized presence in roles related to law enforcement and the military.
Breakthrough With “Sons of Anarchy” and the Shift Towards Writing
The momentum in Sheridan’s acting career grew when he landed the part of Deputy David Hale on the FX series “Sons of Anarchy.” In this high-profile project, he acted across more than 20 episodes, earning recognition for his portrayal of a character with firm moral boundaries. Despite wide praise, this recurring part was not enough for Sheridan, who soon began considering a pivot into writing. His last on-screen television role in a show he did not write himself was as Navy Captain Jennings in “NCIS: Los Angeles.”
The Episode That Showcased Sheridan’s Acting in NCIS: LA
Sheridan appeared on “NCIS: Los Angeles” in the episode titled “The Enemy Within,” which aired on March 22, 2011. This installment stood out as one of Season 2’s highest-rated episodes, drawing approximately 17 million viewers according to Nielsen data. The episode’s geopolitical plot, tense pacing, and notable performances—including Sheridan’s portrayal—helped it gain broad attention near the end of the season’s run.
The central storyline begins with the NCIS team investigating the puzzling disappearance of a Navy Intelligence commander. The narrative, set against Malibu’s moody backdrop, opens with the commander delivering a mysterious envelope at the pier, after which the recipient is murdered. The investigation reveals the commander had been watching a Venezuelan presidential candidate favored by the United States, who was scheduled to visit Los Angeles. The plot soon thickens into a potential assassination attempt on the politician, driving the team deeper into a dangerous conspiracy.
Special Agents Callen, played by Chris O’Donnell, and Sam Hanna, portrayed by LL Cool J, dive into networks of local Cuban expatriates and identify a Venezuelan expatriate with radical connections opposed to the candidate’s politics. Tension mounts when two NCIS officers narrowly survive an attack, indicating that the team is under active threat from dangerous parties determined to keep their activities hidden. As the investigation progresses, it becomes clear the missing commander may have gone undercover to protect the threatened politician at an upcoming rally, escalating the political risks and urgency of the mission.
How Sheridan Contributed to the Suspenseful Plot
In “The Enemy Within,” Taylor Sheridan assumes the role of Navy Captain Jennings, a Naval Intelligence Officer representing the Defense Intelligence Agency. Though his screen time is brief, Jennings is crucial in briefing Special Agents Callen and Hanna about the missing lieutenant commander, steering the team closer to unraveling the multilayered crime.
this happened, so we need to do this,
—Jennings, Navy Captain. Sheridan’s calm authority and aptitude for playing military roles, often drawing on his earlier experiences embodying lawmen and soldiers, added realism to the scene and reinforced why he had become typecast in such parts.
The intensity of the episode owes much to an atmospheric score and the taut pacing, which together maintain suspense while drawing viewers into the world of espionage and international intrigue. While Sheridan’s part is limited, it is a quintessential example of the supporting characters he often portrayed prior to taking control of his own narratives. His performance as Jennings positioned him as an actor adept in roles requiring clear conviction and unambiguous direction, characteristics that matched the military-themed universe of the show.
The recurring cast—including Chris O’Donnell as G. Callen, LL Cool J as Sam Hanna, Daniela Ruah as Kensi Blye, and Eric Christian Olsen as Marty Deeks—helped carry the high-stakes narrative. Each character played a role in pushing the investigation forward, contributing to the tension and dramatic payoff that made the episode a fan favorite.
Tracing the Military Threads in Sheridan’s Subsequent Work
Although Sheridan’s stint on “NCIS: Los Angeles” was short-lived, it marked a turning point, foreshadowing a future creative obsession with military life and its complexities. It is notable that Sheridan’s later projects delve more deeply into the lives of servicemen, exploring their bravery and personal sacrifices, as well as critiquing the challenges posed by the institutions in which they serve.
In “Special Ops: Lioness,” a show created by Sheridan, military collaboration with intelligence agencies is a core theme. The character Joe is both patriotic and critical, questioning high-level decisions while demonstrating unwavering commitment and skill. Sheridan’s nuanced approach encourages the audience to consider the difficult choices made by military and intelligence professionals without undermining the competence of America’s defense organizations.
His work on “Yellowstone” continues this interest. Here, Kayce Dutton—a former Navy SEAL and son of John Dutton—wrestles with PTSD and emotional challenges, his loyalty and at times volatile behavior clearly shaped in part by his time in uniform.
In the film “Without Remorse,” starring Michael B. Jordan, Sheridan’s screenwriting moves away from idealized heroism, offering a coldly realistic depiction of military operations and loss. The story, adapted from Tom Clancy’s novel, highlights the grim realities faced by servicemen, a perspective Sheridan reinforced by altering elements of the original book for the adaptation. He was brought in to enhance the story when producers sought a fresh take, and his work resulted in a unique exploration of underappreciated military sacrifices.
Sheridan also took a small role as a CIA paramilitary field officer in “12 Strong,” a film chronicling a U.S. Special Forces team’s mission in Afghanistan following 9/11. This appearance, like his earlier television roles, drew upon his proven capability to embody military figures with authenticity.
The Influence and Legacy of Sheridan’s NCIS Appearance
While Taylor Sheridan’s acting part on “NCIS: Los Angeles” may have seemed modest, its implications resonate through his later work. Every subsequent project involving military themes—from “Special Ops: Lioness” to “12 Strong”—reflects a continued engagement with the challenges and triumphs of soldiers and intelligence agents. His storytelling consistently acknowledges the human cost of service and elevates the stories of those whose dedication is often overlooked. It appears the experience of playing Captain Jennings reinforced Sheridan’s appreciation for the military, inspiring the intricate worlds he would later build for audiences around the world.
As Taylor Sheridan’s body of work grows, he remains a unique force in Hollywood—one whose respect for authenticity and complex portrayals of servicemen continues to shape television and film. His journey from supporting television actor, marked most clearly by highlights like “NCIS: Los Angeles,” to powerhouse creator ensures his influence will remain strong as he crafts new narratives at the intersection of law enforcement, intelligence, and the ever-present demands of military service.
