NCIS stands out as one of the most enduring television series still captivating audiences today. It enthralls viewers with its unique focus on military-related crimes, setting it apart from traditional police dramas. This show masterfully blends elements of a spy thriller with the intensity of a cop drama, creating a compelling viewing experience that keeps fans coming back for more. Today we will reveal you the 9 most astonishing twist in NCIS.
NCIS consistently delivers some of the most gripping dramatic narratives on television, each one more surprising than the previous. The series has explored a wide array of intense themes, ranging from staged fatalities to the chilling implications of biological warfare involving plague strains. The creativity of NCIS knows no bounds, leaving fans eagerly anticipating what jaw-dropping twist will come next.
9 Most Astonishing Twist In NCIS
1. Gibbs’ Retirement Felt Utterly Unbelievable
Season 19 Episode 4 (Great Wide Open) – For countless fans, Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs (Mark Harmon) embodies the essence of NCIS. He served as the gateway for many viewers, first appearing in a backdoor pilot on JAG and then leading the team for an impressive 19 seasons.
Yet, as with all remarkable journeys, there comes a time to say goodbye. After nearly two decades, Gibbs has officially retired, trading in his badge.
Gibbs has endured more pain than any person should ever have to bear. While serving overseas in the Marines, he tragically lost his wife and daughter to a brutal murder, a loss that has haunted him ever since. In his final arc, Gibbs takes matters into his own hands, going rogue to confront a ruthless killer and a corrupt organization that has been causing chaos.
After delivering justice, he shares a poignant farewell with his longest-serving agent, Tim McGee. In that moment, Gibbs reveals that he finally feels a sense of peace after years of turmoil and sorrow. While his departure was executed beautifully, it still comes as a shock that he chose to leave, considering how integral he was to the series’ success.
2. The NCIS Navy Yard Bombing Evoked Deep Emotions
Season 9 Episode 24 (Till Death Do Us Part) & Season 10 Episode 1 (Extreme Prejudice) – Throughout the entire run of NCIS, the headquarters has remained a prominent symbol, located in the D.C. Navy Yard and serving as the series’ most recognizable backdrop. No matter the turmoil that unfolded inside, the building and its significance persevered.
However, everything changed when domestic terrorist Harper Dearing executed a devastating attack. The team was in pursuit of Dearing when he placed a bomb beneath Vance’s car, triggering the explosion as he parked outside the NCIS office.
This horrific act resulted in the deaths of several NCIS agents and personnel, with many more suffering injuries. The main characters of NCIS were left reeling from the tragedy, fueled by a relentless determination to apprehend Dearing and ensure he faces justice for his acts of domestic terrorism.
3. Death of Special Agent Caitlin Todd Had A Profound Impact On NCIS
Season 2 Episode 23 (Twilight) & Season 3 Episodes 1 & 2 (Kill Ari Part 1 & 2) – Special Agent Caitlin Todd made her mark at NCIS after serving as a Secret Service agent. In the pilot episode, her career took a new direction when she encountered Gibbs and DiNozzo during a joint investigation between NCIS and the Secret Service.
Kate infused the initial seasons of NCIS with vibrant energy, and her playful exchanges with Tony played a crucial role in shaping the show’s comedic atmosphere. The turning point in Kate Todd’s journey on NCIS was marked by the chilling arrival of Mossad double agent Ari Haswari.
In a tense standoff, Ari held Kate, Ducky, and Gerald hostage in the autopsy room, intent on retrieving crucial evidence from a deceased terrorist. Despite the chaos, he managed to evade capture, only to resurface in the Season 2 finale, where he coldly used a sniper rifle to take down Special Agent Todd as part of his vendetta against Special Agent Gibbs.
Kate’s unexpected demise sent shockwaves through the NCIS fanbase, as it represented the first significant character loss in the series. Following her death, the tone of NCIS shifted dramatically; the characters became more unrestrained and willing to push boundaries, particularly when it came to safeguarding their own.
4. Tony And Ziva’s Concealed Daughter Turned Out To Be A Stunning Revelation
Season 13 Episode 24 (Family First) – Special Agents Tony DiNozzo and Ziva David have captured the hearts of NCIS fans since Ziva’s introduction in Season 3. Their undeniable chemistry revitalized the show during a tumultuous time following the shocking murder of Kate Todd at the hands of Ziva’s half-brother.
Ziva’s vibrant personality and lethal skills from her Mossad background kept everyone on their toes, making her a beloved character among both the cast and the audience. Fans eagerly anticipated the moment when Ziva and Tony would finally become a couple, but the outcome was not quite what they had envisioned.
Ziva and Tony shared a deep connection, but any hopes for their relationship to evolve into something lasting were abruptly dashed by the tragic death of Ziva’s father. She returned to Israel to manage his affairs, stepping away from NCIS.
In a twist, Ziva had secretly given birth to Tali, a fact that only came to light after an attack on Eli David’s former residence, which was believed to have claimed Ziva’s life. The shocking news of his fatherhood hit Tony hard, yet he quickly embraced the responsibility.
He decided to leave NCIS as well, dedicating himself to raising Tali with support from his father, who was in Paris at the time. The revelation of their secret love child was a delightful surprise for fans, providing a glimmer of hope amidst the sorrow of Ziva’s offscreen departure.
5. Vance’s Abduction Highlighted The Unsettling Reality That No One Is Truly Secure Within NCIS
Season 15 Episode 24 (Date With Destiny) & Season 16 Episode 1 (Destiny’s Child) – Historically, the Directors of NCIS have faced significant challenges regarding their survival. Leon Vance stands out as a notable exception, holding the record for the longest-serving director in the agency’s history.
Nevertheless, this longevity does not shield him from threats and violence. Vance has encountered perilous situations in the past, but his abduction in the Season 15 finale marks one of the most critical threats to his safety yet.
Vance finds himself in the clutches of the notorious terrorist Mashaun, a figure who had previously abducted Special Agent Sloane during her overseas mission. Mashaun managed to evade capture by Sloane and her team, leading to the Director’s abduction for over a month, which compelled Gibbs to take on his responsibilities.
The terrorists, under Mashaun’s command, try to coerce Vance into supporting their agenda and disclosing classified information. Fortunately, Vance remains resilient until his agents mount a daring rescue, ultimately bringing Mashaun to justice. The abduction of Director Leon Vance (Rocky Carroll) sent shockwaves through NCIS, amplifying the tension and drama of the unfolding narrative.
6. Ziva’s Staged Death Forever Altered The Course of NCIS
Season 17 Episode 1 (Out of the Darkness) & Season 17 Episode 2 (Into the Show) – Ziva David stands out as one of the most memorable characters in NCIS. Introduced in the Season 3 premiere, this Mossad agent entered the NCIS world on a mission to find her half-brother, quickly capturing the audience’s attention.
Within just a few episodes, she transformed into a beloved figure, thanks to her charmingly cunning personality and striking appearance. Ziva’s journey throughout her time on NCIS kept viewers engaged and eager to see what she would do next.
The moment Ziva’s move back to Israel culminated in her offscreen death during the Season 13 finale, fans were left in shock. True to Ziva David’s enigmatic nature, things were not as they appeared. Several seasons later, she made a stunning return in Season 17, revealing that she had faked her death to pursue those truly responsible for the attack.
With the support of her former team, Ziva successfully confronts her past and joyfully reunites in Paris with Tony and their daughter, who will also be featured in the upcoming spinoff, NCIS : Tony and Ziva.
7. Biological Attack of Pneumonic Plague On Tony Di Nozzo
Season 2 Episode 22 (SWAK) – An ordinary day at the NCIS office quickly spiraled into chaos for Gibbs’ team when Tony unwittingly opened an envelope that unleashed a cloud of suspicious white powder in the bullpen. Initially, they clung to the hope that it was merely a prank, but their worst fears were confirmed: it was a biological attack.
This insidious act left Tony infected with a lethal strain of plague, a disease that once ravaged medieval Europe and claimed countless lives. Tony contracting a strain of the pneumonic plague stands out as one of the most daring plotlines in NCIS history.
The pneumonic plague is not only highly lethal but also boasts a remarkably low survival rate. With Tony facing such overwhelming odds, viewers were captivated, unable to look away for the entire episode. This gripping installment of NCIS maintains a relentless pace, keeping the tension high from start to finish.
8. The Tragic Deaths of Eli David And Jackie Vance Were Truly Devastating
Season 10 Episode 11 (Shabbat Shalom) – The Vance and David families stood as significant figures during the middle NCIS era. While Director Leon Vance maintained a stern and serious demeanor in his NCIS office, he showcased a softer side at home, surrounded by his loving wife Jackie and their two children.
Meanwhile, in Israel, the David family was deeply entrenched in the upper echelons of Mossad, with Eli David serving as the Director and Ziva having once been a skilled operative.
Eli and Leon have a history of working together on secret missions, forming a strong bond over their shared experiences. With Ziva now serving as an NCIS agent under Leon Vance, the two families united for a dinner in Season 10.
Tragically, this gathering was interrupted by assassins, resulting in the murder of Eli David and putting Jackie Vance in grave danger. The devastating loss left both Leon and Ziva heartbroken, altering their lives forever in the wake of this shocking and tragic event.
9. The Murder of Director Jenny Shepard Hit Hard And Left A Lasting Impact
Season 5 Episode 18 (Judgement Day Part 1) & Season 5 Episode 19 (Judgement Day Part 2) – Director Jenny Shepard (Lauren Holly) reemerged in the life of Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs, bringing with her a whirlwind of memories and emotions. Once Gibbs’ probationary agent and a former romantic partner, her return as his superior adds layers of complexity to their already intricate history.
This unexpected twist not only reignites old feelings but also challenges Gibbs to navigate the delicate balance between professional duty and personal connection.
Director Jenny Shepard’s past would prove to be a relentless source of turmoil. An old case involving her and Gibbs, alongside another agent, would trigger European operatives to cross the ocean seeking vengeance against the NCIS team.
In a dramatic final confrontation, Jenny would find herself in an abandoned diner in the desert, bravely taking down her assailants before ultimately succumbing to her injuries. Her tragic death sent shockwaves through NCIS, leaving the agency and its fans reeling.
The classified and undercover aspects of the case would lead to a fabricated narrative to obscure the true circumstances of Director Shepard’s demise, amplifying the shock of her loss.