‘NCIS’ Most Frustrating Trend Is Weakening the Franchise

Despite being on the air for 23 seasons and counting and featuring a sizable ensemble, NCIS isn’t really known for its romance. Sure, the fan-favorite pairing of Tony DiNozzo (Michael Weatherly) and Ziva David (Cote de Pablo) spawned a very romantic spin-off, but while they were on the flagship, they only kissed once (one undercover op aside). Gibbs (Mark Harmon) has enjoyed a few fleeting love interests, and there have been a handful of other compelling pairings — Ellie Bishop (Emily Wickersham) and Nick Torres (Wilmer Valderrama), Jessica Knight (Katrina Law) and Jimmy Palmer (Brian Dietzen) — but the procedural largely keeps things professional between its core characters.

As the NCIS franchise has expanded, however, romance has been brought to the forefront. As the flagship revisits the Jess/Jimmy relationship, prequel series NCIS: Origins has built its entire premise on Gibbs’ enduring feelings for his former co-worker Lala Dominguez (Mariel Molino) while introducing his second wife, Diane (Kathleen Kenny). It’s not a bad idea for the franchise to explore its romantic side a bit more; as seen with other beloved procedurals, like Castle, Bones, and 9-1-1, audiences love seeing love bloom between their favorite characters. However, NCIS‘ current approach is a bit concerning and could spell trouble for future episodes.

‘NCIS’ Torres/Knight/Palmer Love Triangle Does Not Fit the Show at All

NCIS Season 23, Episode 8 ended on a rather odd note. All throughout the episode, Palmer had reminisced about his relationship with Knight and even seemed interested in getting back together with her. However, right as he started to approach her with a hopeful smile, presumably to make his big declaration, he saw Torres place his hand at the small of her back and usher her into the elevator. Jimmy’s smile dimmed immediately, and the implication was clear: a love triangle appears to be afoot

The love triangle is one of the oldest and most common romantic tropes out there, yet NCIS has never indulged in one. Most of the time, its romances are clear-cut, since the procedural element of the show already provides plenty of opportunities for obstacles and tension. Now, though, the franchise has two ongoing love triangles; in addition to the surprise Torres/Jess/Jimmy situation, NCIS: Origins‘ Gibbs still has feelings for both Diane and Lala. Both are rather surprising for the CBS universe, but the former is the most baffling.

For one thing, the back touch between Knight and Torres could’ve been platonic, since they are very good friends and close partners professionally. To have Jimmy interpret it as romantic without question seems like a big jump, one more fitting for a YA romance or soapy drama, because Jess and Torres don’t have confirmed feelings for each other. They have a significant bond that has, occasionally, put them in semi-romantic positions — such as when they actually got married for a case — but a previous episode in NCIS Season 23 indicated they only feel strongly for each other as partners in the field.

It could be that NCIS will swiftly clarify that Jimmy really did misread the moment when it returns next year, and that might be its best option. This love triangle already runs the risk of getting more complicated thanks to the surprise return of Bishop. Knight will be tracking her down in the back half of the season, and considering Torres’ largely unresolved feelings for Bishop, he likely won’t take it well regardless of whether he has feelings for Jess.

‘NCIS: Origins’ Romances Make Sense, but the Flagship Show Shouldn’t Copy It

The love triangle on NCIS: Origins is far more clear-cut, and it just got a big shake-up with its Season 2 fall finale. Though Gibbs hasn’t resolved anything with Lala, he officially married Diane in a spur-of-the-moment ceremony in Las Vegas. NCIS fans know his marriage won’t last, but it’ll presumably still cause conflict with Lala, especially since she thinks Gibbs and Diane are broken up.

Unlike the flagship, NCIS: Origins‘ romantic conflicts make more sense. The prequel has been framed as Gibbs recalling the story of his relationship with Lala, and voiceovers from Harmon revealed he still loves her in the present day. However, if the series is going to stick with the established canon, then it cannot ignore Gibbs’ relationship with Diane. The love triangle here feels far more organic. Origins can’t abandon either romance, so it must confront both.

Meanwhile, NCIS hardly needs multiple love stories within its core ensemble. They don’t fit within the show’s established tone, and if anything, they’ll cause unnecessary drama. Jimmy and Torres have a nice friendship, and making them romantic rivals would sully that. The same is true for Knight and Torres; their relationship turning romantic could feel too similar to Tony and Ziva, or even Torres and Bishop. Right now, there’s still time for NCIS to reverse course on this storyline and take a better approach to its romantic possibilities.