NCIS has the potential to regain its signature tone by striking a better balance between crime scene investigations and lighthearted interactions among the team. It’s essential for the agents to engage in conversations beyond just their professional duties. However, they should be discerning about when to indulge in gossip or vent their frustrations.
For example, Ducky’s versatile room, introduced in Season 22 Episode 3, could serve as an ideal setting for these personal exchanges. If the current trend continues, it will be crucial for someone to maintain order among the agents. While Agent Parker’s laid-back approach offers a refreshing change from Gibbs, it’s important that someone steps in to ensure that the seriousness of the crime scenes is upheld.
Enhancing the intensity of NCIS in the future doesn’t necessarily require introducing more shocking or dramatic cases with dire consequences. Instead, the key to revitalizing NCIS lies in creating a tone that harmonizes the gravity of law enforcement with the essential aspects of television storytelling.
This balance was effectively achieved during Mark Harmon’ tenure as the leader of MCRT. When the show attempts to delve into more serious narratives without its characters maintaining the appropriate tone, it only deepens the existing challenges.
However, NCIS season 22 demonstrates the franchise’s recognition of its shortcomings in the episode For Better or Worse, showcasing a clever meta-commentary on its own narrative struggles.
The Cases In NCIS Have Noticeably Lost Their Intensity
The laid-back demeanor exhibited by the NCIS season 22 agents during crime scenes and investigations has drawn significant criticism. Frequently, their lighthearted exchanges about personal matters while delving into serious cases detract from the gravity of the situation, creating an impression that the crimes are not as serious as they truly are.
While it’s reasonable for agents to engage in casual conversation in more relaxed settings like labs or the bullpen, their behavior at crime scenes resembles a casual chat at a water cooler, which raises concerns.
The series NCIS has historically done a better job of balancing the personal and professional lives of its characters, despite the need for some light-hearted banter. Take Leroy Jethro Gibbs, for example, who commanded the Major Case Response Team with a firm hand.
Although agents, particularly Special Agent Tony DiNozzo (Michael Weatherly), often engaged in playful antics in the bullpen, Gibbs’ no-nonsense attitude and strict guidelines ensured that his team remained focused. This approach was crucial in preserving the serious tone essential for a police procedural.
NCIS finally confronts its most notable criticism in Season 22 Episode 11, titled For Better or Worse, with a clever nod to its own history. The plot thickens when the Major Case Response Team (MCRT) discovers Nick Torres’ (Wilmer Valderrama) undercover assignment, leading them to join the fray.
Nick has been embedded within a Baltimore gang, and the team springs into action after receiving a tip about an associate linked to Torres’ alias, “Donny Rico.” While the case itself may not break new ground—especially considering NCIS has been captivating audiences for over 20 years—this episode marks a crucial turning point.
Alden Parker’s team, led by Gary Cole, brings a surge of tension to the mission, prompting NCIS to reflect on the role its agents play in high-stakes situations. Throughout Season 22, personal conflicts have been simmering alongside the weekly case narratives.
In Episode 9, titled Humbug, viewers discover that Nick Torres has been keeping a secret girlfriend. This revelation leads to the unexpected twist that he is in a relationship with Robin Knight, the sister of Jessica Knight, portrayed by Katrina Law. This development creates palpable tension that resonates within the agency’s office.
In NCIS Season 22, Episode 11, titled For Better or Worse, agents like Jimmy (Brian Dietzen) are supportive of Nick’s new relationship with Robin Knight. However, Agent Knight expresses her concerns about this pairing, prompting a discussion.
Meanwhile, NCIS confronts Jess for her comments on the matter. During an undercover operation at a bar, Nick meets with Roman (Steven Flynn) and his crew from the Baltimore gang. He takes the opportunity to update his teammate, revealing that Roman’s gang remains unaware of the details surrounding Vincent Kelso’s murder.
Agents Knight and Torres are scheduled to discuss the case, but Jess takes the opportunity to confront Nick regarding his decision to give Robin a drawer in his apartment. Jimmy had already tipped her off about this situation.
This leads Jess, the older Knight sister, to caution her colleague about Robin’s intense fixation on love. As Jess challenges Nick, he responds in kind, expressing his disapproval of her choice to bring up a personal matter during such a delicate investigation, and his concerns are indeed justified.