James “Jimmy” Palmer played by Brian Dietzen now holds the position of Chief Medical Examiner for the NCIS Major Case Response Team following the exit of Donald Mallard. Before this role, Palmer worked as the Medical Examiner Assistant to Dr. Donald Mallard. He initially joined NCIS on a temporary basis in May 2004, as Ducky’s original assistant, Gerald Jackson, was on leave to recuperate from the NCIS Hostage Crisis. In the end we will reveal the estimated net worth of Brian Dietzen.
Brian Dietzen Reveals Season 23 of NCIS Leaves Palmer In A Blind Spot
The fall penultimate finale of NCIS Season 23 presents a groundbreaking moment that takes one of it’s key cast members by surprise. CBS’ 2025-2026 television schedule has been filled with successes, largely due to the revival of it’s flagship procedural. With more than 20 years on the air, NCIS has explored a diverse range of narratives, yet there remain aspects it has yet to address.
This encompasses the establishment of a distinct love triangle. NCIS has successfully captured several romantic tropes, including the classic will-they/won’t-they storyline featuring Tony DiNozzo and Ziva David, along with Ellie Bishop and Nick Torres, among others.
Yet, it is not until Season 23 that a love triangle involving three principal characters is fully developed. In the episode “Stolen Moments,” the intricate dynamics between Jimmy Palmer, Jessica Knight, and Torres are ultimately confirmed after hints have been dropped throughout NCIS Season 23.
In a recent interview with TV Insider, Brian Dietzen discusses the significant developments in Stolen Moments, a script he co-wrote alongside seasoned NCIS writer, Jesse Stern. The actor reveals that Palmer was initially unaware of any possible connection between Knight and Torres, but by the end of the episode, he comes to recognize their potential.
According to Brian Dietzen, “I believe he genuinely wanted to have a conversation. It wasn’t a scenario where they rushed into each other’s arms with music swelling in the background. For him, this entire journey has been about the significance of time, and more crucially, that the value of time is only realized when shared with someone. Simply saving time doesn’t enhance the quality of time spent together unless it is utilized again. Therefore, I think he’s coming to the realization that he would like to explore this opportunity. Regardless of where Knight and Torres stand in their relationship or friendship, or the direction they are heading, I feel that Jimmy has overlooked this aspect. He hasn’t acknowledged it at all. For him to finally see that there could be something there, I’m uncertain if it’s merely Jimmy’s perception or the early stages of a potential romance. He has been blinded by his intense focus on his daily routine, saving time in his basement filled with dead bodies, and I believe he comes to understand by the end that this isn’t a fulfilling way to live. Thus, I’m looking forward to witnessing some significant growth from him following this experience.”
To provide some context, the love story between Palmer and Knight came to an abrupt end in the Season 21 finale of NCIS when she received an offer for her dream job, which required her to move to Camp Pendleton. Despite their breakup, it was evident that they still had strong feelings for one another, indicating that their separation was not meant to last.
NCIS has explored this storyline on several occasions since then, yet the anticipated reunion between the two has been postponed. However, with Torres now entering the picture, the likelihood of their reunion seems more uncertain than ever.
As per Brian Dietzen, “I believe he has been oblivious to it. In this episode, he admits to Nick that he is unsure why things ended previously, and I feel he wouldn’t express himself that way to Nick if he were aware that something else was happening. So, yes, I don’t think Jimmy is being dense about it. I believe many viewers could watch this show and remain unaware that there’s something brewing beneath the surface. As an actor, Brian, I also have no idea what will unfold next.”
Hints have emerged suggesting that Knight may have feelings for Torres in NCIS Season 23, yet his true emotions remain ambiguous. This situation is further complicated by the fact that he recently dated her sister in Season 22. Given Robin’s character and her tumultuous relationship with Jess, pursuing a relationship with Torres could potentially lead to family tensions.
Additionally, MCRT will have to navigate the challenges posed by this scenario, especially since Palmer still harbors feelings for his former girlfriend. At this moment, the future of NCIS’s increasingly intricate romance remains uncertain.
It appears to be an evolution of the classic will-they/won’t-they scenario, which is encouraging. However, it is disheartening to witness a cherished character like Palmer face yet another heartbreak. We can only hope that CBS will discover a way to provide all characters with the fulfilling personal journeys they truly deserve.
Brian Dietzen Net Worth & Biography
Brian Dietzen is a talented American television actor, best known for his supporting role as Dr. Jimmy Palmer on NCIS, a position he has held since 2004. In 2012, he earned a promotion to series regular at the start of the show’s 10th season. Let’s check below the short biography and net worth of Brian Dietzen.
| Brian Dietzen | Biography |
| Date of Birth | 14 November 1977 |
| Age | 48 Years |
| Birthplace | Barrington, Illinois, United States |
| Brother | Aaron Dietzen |
| Nationality | American |
| Religion | Christian |
| Ethnicity | German/English/Irish/Danish Ancestry |
| Education | Bachelor of Fine Arts |
| College | University of Colorado |
| Movies/TV Shows | 20 |
| Awards | 0 |
| Net Worth | 2.50 Million US Dollars |
| Wife | Kelly Dietzen (2004) |
| Son | Satchel Dietzen |
| Daughter | Clover Dietzen |
| Height | 6 Feet 0 Inches (1.83 Metres) |
| Weight | 82 Kg (180 Pounds) |