CBS Breaks NCIS’ Cardinal Rule For The First Time Ever

Amid the chaos in NCIS season 23, CBS also manages to break the show’s cardinal for the first time since it premiered in 2003. One of the longest-running procedurals on TV has seemingly found its new identity during the 2025-2026 TV cycle following a period of reinvention. Not even halfway through its run, NCIS season 23 has already come up with a string of solid storylines, with a few more to come when it returns from its winter hiatus.

With the MCRT being very busy in the year, it’s easy to miss some of the smaller plots that happened during its run thus far. After teasing the possibility of it, NCIS season 23 legitimizes Nick Torres and Jessica Knight romance possibilities. The show is not new to slow-burn office romances, with Tony Dinozzo and Ziva David setting a precedent. That said, CBS introduces a new twist to the equation that sets up a new occurrence in the franchise.

NCIS Season 23 Divides MCRT Between Palmer and Torres

While Knight’s romance with Torres blossoms, NCIS season 23 decides to make things more complicated by revisiting her past relationship with Jimmy Palmer. The pair’s love story was cut short in the NCIS season 21 finale after she was offered her dream job that forced her to relocate to Camp Pendleton. Despite breaking up, Knight staying in Navy Yard left the door open for a reconciliation. Now, however, things have become more complicated with the inclusion of Torres.

Regardless of what NCIS plans for this series-first love triangle, setting it up breaks a cardinal rule for the show, which is that MCRT always remains in unison. Throughout its run, the procedural has operated on a united front; it doesn’t matter what the circumstances are or who its active members are, the squad always sticks together. Now, the remainder of MCRT will inevitably have to pick sides once this love triangle becomes public.

While this situation is purely personal and there’s no doubt that the work still comes first for everyone involved, it will likely still have an impact on how MCRT operates moving forward. Since this whole plot is new to NCIS, it’s anybody’s guess about how it will manifest in the show. Hopefully, however, it doesn’t lead to serious fracturing of the squad.

Who Knight Should Be With In NCIS

Because all involved are beloved characters in NCIS, it’s difficult to choose between Torres and Palmer with regard to being Knight’s romantic partner. Both are great characters, albeit with different appeals. In terms of narrative, either relationship has their own unique storytelling benefits. While there’s a consensus that Knight and Palmer’s break-up was totally unnecessary, it would be a lie to say that the idea of her being with Torres isn’t enticing.

Making things so much more complicated is the return of Ellie Bishop in the NCIS season 23 fall finale. Emily Wickersham was Torres’ last serious romantic partner, although the pair never really officially dated. Reuniting them will definitely stir up some unresolved emotions from both parties, which will have an impact on whether he is ready to explore a possible love story with Torres.

Whatever the case may be, it’s difficult not to appreciate how creative and exciting storylines have been in NCIS season 23. This is the best way to re-energize the fanbase after a period of reinvention in the last several years.