Dietzen and Palmer’s seniority on NCIS intensified in the Season 21 premiere, which ends with NCIS Special Agent Alden Parker receiving a call from a distressed Palmer, who informs him that Ducky died in his sleep. The ensuing episode opens with Palmer entering Ducky’s house and then Ducky’s bedroom, where Palmer solemnly watches over Ducky’s dead body.
Ducky’s death, which happened in the series due to the real-life passing of David McCallum, represents just the latest devastating personal loss for Palmer, who previously lost his wife, Breena Palmer, in Season 18. However, the news of Ducky’s death was foreshadowed by the announcement of McCallum’s death on September 25, 2023. Breena’s death came as a total shock, especially since it happened off-screen. Moreover, the circumstances of Breena’s death prevented Palmer from being with her before she died.
‘NCIS’ Shocked Viewers With Jimmy Palmer’s Wife’s Death
In the Season 18 episode “The First Day,” it’s revealed that Breena died from COVID-related complications in December 2020. Due to COVID restrictions, Palmer wasn’t allowed to see Breena before she died and was only able to communicate with her through video calls before her death. While Palmer seemingly maintains his trademark cheerful attitude throughout most of the episode, he breaks down in front of Gibbs, who can especially relate to Palmer’s feelings of loss.
Breena made her first appearance in the show’s seventh season, in which she is introduced as a mortician whom Palmer starts dating. In the Season 8 finale, Jimmy reveals that he and Breena are getting married. On February 3, 2015, Breena, whom Jimmy married in May 2012, gave birth to the couple’s first and only child, daughter Victoria, who is named after Ducky’s deceased mother.
Breena Palmer’s Death Had Lasting Effects in ‘NCIS’
Brian Dietzen’s dedication to the series is evident in his co-writing of multiple episodes over the past four seasons and in his choice to expand on Breena’s lasting impact on Jimmy. His increased involvement with the production as writer began with the Season 19 episode “The Helpers,” in which Jimmy is reunited with his deceased wife, Breena, in the afterlife.
By reuniting with Breena, even within a dreamlike setting, Jimmy can come to terms with her death. While Jimmy reminisces with Breena about their time together, she encourages him to stop living in sadness and instead build a life without her. Following Breena’s advice, Jimmy removes his wedding band, symbolizing his need to focus on the future rather than dwell on the past, and finally deal with his grief.
The episode is also notable for the appearance of Jimmy’s daughter, Victoria, who is understandably terrified that the toxin will kill Jimmy and result in the absence of both of her parents. In a powerful scene, a weakened Jimmy tells Victoria that everyone eventually dies, and that death is entirely secondary to how people live their lives.
Palmer Tried To Move on From Breena, But Could Not Escape the Past
While Knight tries to convince Jimmy that they can maintain a long-distance relationship, Jimmy tells Knight they should go their separate ways, encouraging Knight to take the job. After being later convinced by colleague and friend Kasie not to let go of Knight, a frazzled Jimmy attempts to call Knight, unaware that Knight is locked inside a sinking Navy ship.
While the Season 21 finale leaves their relationship open-ended, Season 22 confirms that Jimmy and Knight have officially broken up. Ultimately, the tension between Jessica’s ambitions and Jimmy’s emotional needs proved too tricky for the two to navigate, and they were unable to build a meaningful relationship. Arguably, Jimmy’s past heartbreak with Breena made it even harder for him to compromise on his need for emotional stability and security.
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