After more than two decades on the air, NCIS remains one of television’s most enduring crime procedurals. However, no show is immune to criticism, and NCIS has faced its fair share over the years—whether it’s the formulaic nature of its cases, the frequent cast departures, or the handling of long-term character arcs. Season 22, Episode 11, however, does something unexpected: it acknowledges these criticisms head-on through a clever and self-aware meta-commentary woven into its narrative.
Addressing the Elephant in the Room
One of the biggest critiques NCIS has received in recent years is its reliance on a predictable structure. Each episode often follows a pattern: an unusual murder, a misleading trail of clues, a dramatic revelation, and a neatly wrapped conclusion. In Episode 11, the writers decide to play with this expectation, offering a case that seems to follow the same formula—until it doesn’t.
Rather than adhering to the usual procedural template, the episode subverts expectations by having the characters themselves question their repetitive routines. A humorous yet sharp exchange between Torres and Knight highlights their awareness of how cases tend to unfold the same way. “Doesn’t it always happen like this?” Torres quips, only for Parker to give him a knowing smirk. It’s a small moment, but one that directly addresses a long-standing audience critique in a playful manner.
Longtime Character Arcs in the Spotlight
Another common criticism of NCIS is how it sometimes underdevelops its long-running characters in favor of case-of-the-week storytelling. However, Episode 11 challenges this notion by diving deep into one of its most established team members. McGee, often the steady hand of the team, is given a subplot that explores his past decisions and how they’ve shaped his present role within NCIS.
Through a cleverly inserted conversation, McGee acknowledges how difficult it is to remain part of the agency for so long while seeing colleagues come and go. It’s a rare introspective moment that gives weight to the years of character development that have sometimes taken a backseat.
Acknowledging Change While Moving Forward
Perhaps the most impressive aspect of NCIS Season 22, Episode 11 is how it engages with its criticisms without undermining what has made the show successful. The balance between self-awareness and delivering a compelling mystery is executed with finesse. It’s a subtle nod to the longtime audience—an acknowledgment that yes, they hear the feedback, but they also know why people keep coming back.
By incorporating these meta-commentaries, NCIS proves that after 22 seasons, it still has the ability to evolve while staying true to its roots. Whether this signals a deeper shift in storytelling moving forward remains to be seen, but for now, it’s a clever and refreshing moment that long-time fans can appreciate.
