There’s no big easy way to say this: Agent Pride’s team will be down a man when CBS’ NCIS: New Orleans opens Season 3.

TVLine has learned exclusively that original cast member Zoe McLellan, who played Great Lakes transplant Special Agent Meredith “Merri” Brody, will not be returning for the coming season.

The reason for McLellan’s exit was a creative decision, seeing as her character had been compromised in the Season 2 finale, due to her association with a Homeland Security agent who turned out to be a misguided zealot.

The black mark on Brody’s record will in fact speak to a larger concern with Pride’s NCIS team, paving the way for the FBI Special Agent being played by new series regular Vanessa Ferlito (Graceland) to come snooping around, to see what’s what.

NCIS: New Orleans opens Season 3 on Tuesday, Sept. 20, now airing at 10/9c (after Michael Weatherly’s new series, Bull).

Want more scoop on NCIS; New Orleans, or for any other show? Email insideline@tvline.com and your question may be answered via Matt’s Inside Line.