Before Eleven In Stranger Things, Millie Bobby Brown Took On One Of The Most Chilling Roles of A Killer

Before Stranger Things turned her into a sci-fi icon, Millie Bobby Brown had already delivered a standout act in a completely different genre. Back in 2014, the young performer stepped into the shoes of a character far removed from her later role as Eleven.

At just 10, she played Rachel Barnes in a Season 12 episode of NCIS, portraying a grade-schooler at the center of a murder case. What started as a typical crime drama episode ended with an unexpected twist involving Brown’s character. Her performance earned attention for its intensity and calm portrayal of a child with deadly intentions.

Millie Bobby Brown Once Played Killer in NCIS

Two years before her breakout on Netflix, Millie Bobby Brown appeared in NCIS as Rachel Barnes, a school-aged girl caught in the middle of a homicide inquiry in the episode Parental Guidance Suggested. She was introduced as a cheerful, chatty child walking home from school with a friend and his dad, casually explaining why wearing a “Harry Potter” outfit three Halloweens in a row still worked for her. The scene painted her as just another carefree kid returning home — until she found her mother lying motionless with a gunshot wound.

The storyline gradually shifted, revealing layers behind her character. Rachel’s father, a Navy officer, had been away frequently due to his position. This detail played a key role in the episode’s psychological buildup. While law enforcement began piecing things together, Gibbs, played by Mark Harmon, interacted with Rachel to gain her trust. In one scene, he offered her popcorn and hot chocolate and helped her build a fort for comfort. With his own family history marked by loss, the moment reflected Gibbs’ emotional understanding.

Eventually, the narrative revealed its turning point — Rachel had shot her mother. Her motive stemmed from her longing for her father’s presence. The episode also exposed that her mother had secretly consulted a serial offender to understand her daughter’s dangerous tendencies. The situation escalated when Rachel, confronted by Gibbs, showed no guilt. Instead, she responded calmly: “Can I have another juice box?”

The character’s cold demeanor and calculated actions drew comparisons to the 1956 psychological thriller The Bad Seed, which also depicted a young girl engaging in violent behavior while her military father was away.

Brown’s short appearance in the episode left a lasting impression on viewers. Her portrayal was noted for its restraint and believability. While several Stranger Things cast members had earlier roles — Finn Wolfhard appeared in Supernatural, Sadie Sink in The Americans, and Noah Schnapp voiced Charlie Brown in The Peanuts Movie — Brown’s turn in NCIS stood out for its disturbing performance.

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