Parker Bringing the MCRT Into NCIS Season 23 Proves Gibbs’ Era Has Ended

Parker’s newest story in NCIS season 23 proves that it is finally time for the procedural to drop the occasional Gibbs references. The NCIS season 23 premiere is gearing up to include an almost unusual storyline for the MCRT, but one that is a long time coming. It will also finally prove Parker’s stance as the MCRT leader.

While Gibbs and Parker have been compared ever since Gibbs left in NCIS season 19, there is no need for the two to be compared any longer. Parker may have a different leadership style than Gibbs, but that is expected since he is a completely different character. It is time for NCIS to understand that as well.

NCIS Has Tried To Force In Ways To Show That Parker Is Different Than Gibbs

©CBS / courtesy MovieStillsDB

For the past four seasons, NCIS has often tried to forcibly show ways that Parker is different from Gibbs. While they have both had the same job title and a strong loyalty to their team, their similarities pretty much end there. However, that hasn’t been enough for NCIS, and the series has even tried to show their differences physically.

NCIS season 22, episode 7, even went as far as showing Parker referencing one of Gibbs’ rules. While it is entirely possible that the team has referenced Gibbs’ rules occasionally, it is odd to see Parker quote one of them. Other than their brief exchanges in the early half of season 19, Gibbs and Parker have never worked together.

NCIS has done a great job at showing Gibbs and Parker’s differences by making Parker into a completely new character. However, the references to Gibbs and even the reference to his rules are awkward and forced. Gibbs was a huge part of NCIS, but it is time to move on. NCIS season 23 proves the show knows this.

Parker’s Story Offers An Organic Way For Him To Finally Move Out From Under Gibbs’ Shadow

©CBS / Courtesy MovieStillsDB

Parker’s references to Gibbs have made him seem more like a Gibbs subordinate than an equal replacement, but that is all changing as of the NCIS season 23 premiere. The episode’s synopsis, as released by TVLine, reveals that Parker will call on the MCRT to help him catch his father’s murderer, Carla, who was also NCIS season 22’s major villain.

The key to allowing Parker to move out of Gibbs’ shadow for good is to show Parker organically, including the team. This is something Gibbs would never have done, as he had a habit of trying to solve things on his own. With the start of NCIS season 23, Parker will finally be able to stand his ground as a leader.