Leslie Hope is on her way to CBS.

The veteran actress (24, The Mentalist, Revolution) will guest star on the second episode of NCIS Season 11 and only stick around for one installment... but her character will nevertheless play a crucial role, showrunner, Gary Glasberg tells TV Line.

Hope's character “is one that has tremendous importance in the NCIS world,” Glasberg teases of Sarah Porter, a high-level Navy official. “I can’t think of anyone I’d rather have joining us at this pivotal time than Leslie. We’re thrilled to have her.”

The significant episode in question will be titled “Past, Present, Future.”

NCIS Season 11, meanwhile, kicks off on Tuesday, September 24.

Matt Richenthal is the Editor in Chief of TV Fanatic. Follow him on Twitter and on Google+.