Cote de Pablo recently opened up about a particularly harrowing experience while filming an NCIS scene that has left fans shocked. The shoot was meant to convey intense emotional stakes, but things went sideways fast when the practical effects—designed to mimic a controlled explosion—malfunctioned. According to de Pablo, the blast ended up much louder and more powerful than anticipated, throwing safety protocols into disarray and triggering bangs that rattled eardrums and startled the entire crew.

What made the moment even worse was how unprepared everyone was. Cote describes vivid flashes ringing in her ears and the disorienting aftermath that left her shaken for the rest of the day. Though no one was seriously hurt, the atmosphere shifted immediately from excitement to alarm, and the usual set buzz turned into hushed concern as crew members checked on each other and reassessed stress levels on-site.

The worst part, Cote admits, was the emotional toll on the cast. The entire ensemble had been building up to a dramatic confrontation, and to have it overshadowed by a freak accident threw off their mental preparation. Instead of channeling character tension, they found themselves grappling with real fear—fighting to steady themselves and regain focus before filming could continue. What was intended to be a controlled moment turned into a raw rollercoaster neither actors nor crew expected.

In the end, production paused for safety reviews and recalibrations. Cote said it was a stark reminder of the thin line between creating compelling television and the inherent risks behind stunts. While the episode aired without a hitch on screen, de Pablo’s behind-the-scenes story highlights the human cost of those adrenaline-fueled moments—and how easily filmmaking magic can turn into a moment of pure chaos.