Jessica Knight’s departure could reintroduce a beloved NCIS trope, adding fresh dynamics to the series. Knight’s romance with the team’s medical examiner, Jimmy Palmer, broke tradition and opened the door for new relationship possibilities. Nick Torres might find a new love interest in NCIS Season 22, potentially deepening his character arc and enriching the series’ dynamic.
Jessica Knight’s farewell from NCIS would be a significant loss for the series, but her departure could restore the best trope to the franchise after six years. Knight joined the Major Case Response Team (MCRT) in NCIS Season 19 and proved herself a skillful agent alongside Nick Torres and Timothy McGee. As Katrina Law’s character prepares to leave, a new agent can step into the role, carrying on the NCIS legacy.
The NCIS Season 21 finale set the stage for Jessica Knight’s departure. While Katrina Law has not confirmed her status for Season 22, the episode centered on Jess accepting a promotion that would take her to the other side of the United States. She could reconsider and stay with Jimmy Palmer for a few more years, but it’s more likely Knight will move forward with her decision. This change creates exciting opportunities for new dynamics and fresh growth, including a franchise trope with proven success.
Jessica Knight’s departure could restore romance between the two leading agents on NCIS. The franchise employed this trope at the beginning of the series when Sasha Alexander’s Kate Todd worked alongside Anthony DiNozzo, creating a “will they/won’t they” dynamic. This continued with Ziva, who took over for Kate in Season 3 and developed a deeper connection with Tony. The franchise’s golden years were during the Tony/Ziva era, and a similar dynamic could revive the series’ appeal if Nick Torres finds a new romantic interest.
While Knight’s relationship with Jimmy Palmer was unique and brought fresh possibilities to the series, it did not follow the traditional trope of leading agents in a romantic subplot. Knight and Palmer’s relationship, while exciting, was a departure from the show’s norm. As Knight prepares to leave, Nick Torres, who has been without a promising relationship since his involvement with Ellie Bishop, has another opportunity for romance, potentially adding new depth to his character.
Jessica Knight broke a tradition of romance between the series’ leading agents. While Tony and Kate had a sibling-like relationship, the series implied they could have ended up together if Kate hadn’t been killed. Ziva’s arrival and her romantic tension with Tony maintained this central relationship dynamic for the first 11 seasons of NCIS.
Knight reworked the playbook, dating the medical examiner instead of another agent. This was a refreshing change, as it gave Jimmy, who had lost his wife to COVID-19, an on-screen romantic storyline. However, Knight’s potential departure might end their romance, especially given Jimmy’s reluctance to pursue a long-distance relationship.
Knight’s departure opens the playing field for another NCIS romance between the series’ leading agents. Nick Torres, who had a brief and unresolved entanglement with Ellie, is overdue for a compelling relationship. A new agent could bring more depth to Nick’s character, allowing him to fall in love again after mourning his high school sweetheart, Sofia, who died of cancer. Nick’s recent resolution of his childhood trauma in Season 21 makes it the perfect time for him to open up to a new love interest.
NCIS’ core relationships have the potential to live on in unique ways. When executed successfully, these relationships create a compelling legacy, as seen with Tony and Ziva, who are now set to continue their narrative in a spinoff series. Knight and Palmer could follow a similar path someday, but for now, there are exciting opportunities for fresh romance at the heart of the NCIS action. Introducing a new romantic dynamic could intensify the series, bringing back the excitement and emotional depth that fans cherish.
