NCIS Season 22 has delivered loads of motion, intrigue, and drama, however has it lived as much as its legacy?
From nuclear shut calls to non-public revelations, the primary half of the season has given followers so much to chew on — and left simply as many lingering questions.
Whether or not it’s the standout moments from group MVPs or the surprising twists which have us theorizing, NCIS Season 22 is shaping as much as be one of many extra unpredictable chapters in NCIS historical past.
But it surely hasn’t been with out its flaws.
Let’s break all of it down with our midseason report card and see who’s acing it — and who must step up their recreation.
Crew MVPs: Parker and McGee Save the Day
As a substitute of highlighting one of the best and worst episodes to this point this season, let’s speak about the actual stars of the present: the group MVPs.
That honor belongs to Alden Parker and Tim McGee, who stood out on NCIS Season 22 Episode 4, “Sticks and Stones.”
On this high-stakes episode, the group confronted a possible apocalypse — an imminent nuclear struggle — and managed to save lots of the day simply within the nick of time.
Conveniently (or not?), the episode aired the day earlier than one of the contentious elections in U.S. historical past. Coincidence? Possibly. However whereas your entire group rallied to forestall catastrophe, Parker and McGee earned the highlight.
Right here’s the setup: Air Drive One has vanished, the chain of command is in shambles (who schedules a colonoscopy for 3 a.m., Mr. Vice President?!), and the army and Senate Majority Chief are one twitch away from launching nukes.
All of this chaos stems from a transmission out of NCIS Naples that hasn’t been totally decoded but — a key piece of intel that would cease the insanity.
Then, the voice of purpose amidst the chaos seems — Alden Parker.
Parker doesn’t hesitate to problem authority, even when the army brass and Senate bigwigs are frothing on the mouth to press the massive crimson button.
When he tells them to chill it, their resolution? Order McGee to arrest Parker. Traditional.
However McGee wasn’t having any of it. An extended-time Gibbs loyalist, McGee may’ve taken the secure route and adopted orders.
As a substitute, he stood with Parker, refusing to arrest his boss and betting all of it on intestine intuition and religion.
Collectively, with Torres’s assist, they took some unorthodox measures — like blasting arduous rock music to cowl Parker and Torres breaking right into a communications heart — to purchase time and crack the case.
And guess what? Parker was proper. Due to his straight-shooter instincts and McGee’s willingness to danger all of it, they unraveled the reality in time to cease a worldwide disaster.
Even Sweeny, the overzealous antagonist who got here charging in to arrest them, needed to admit that the world would’ve gone up in smoke with out Parker.
This episode showcased Parker’s gutsy management and McGee’s evolution from rule-follower to somebody who trusts his instincts — and his group.
Collectively, they proved that generally, saving the world requires somewhat rise up and numerous teamwork.
Greatest Twists and Turns
One of the vital stunning moments this season wasn’t a lot a twist however a gut-wrenching flip: McGee not getting the deputy director place in NCIS Season 22 Episode 1, “Empty Nest.”
After 22 seasons of dedication, McGee has greater than earned the promotion, so watching him get handed over was a tricky tablet to swallow.
The true kicker? The job went to Gabriel LaRoche, a personality McGee suspects is a mole — and never simply any mole — the one LaRoche himself claims is lurking inside NCIS.
Speak about layers of intrigue. It’s a plotline that feels prefer it’s solely simply getting began.
Subsequent, we had an eyebrow-raising second on NCIS Season 22 Episode 8, “Out of Management,” with Parker’s mysterious “Lily.”
In case you have been paying consideration, you’d recall Dr. Grace suggesting Parker maintain observe of when Lily seems, asking him to notice any triggers.
And guess what? Lily appears to point out up each time Jess is round. Coincidence? I believe not.
Is that this some type of unconscious manifestation of his emotions for Jess? The chances are infinite — and deliciously messy.
Lastly, a bombshell dropped on the midseason finale with NCIS Season 22 Episode 9, “Humbug.”
On the finish of the episode, Torres receives a textual content from somebody asking if he’s coming over for Christmas. His reply? A cryptic, “Sure, I’m on my means, babe.”
Right here’s the twist: he advised Jimmy he’d be spending Christmas with McGee, and McGee thought he’d be with Jimmy.
So, who’s this mysterious “babe”? Between Torres’ “babe” and Parker’s “Lily,” may there be a connection? Or are we in for 2 utterly separate — and equally juicy — reveals? Both means, NCIS is aware of the best way to maintain us guessing.
Underused Characters
Tim McGee earns the title of Most Underused Character, and truthfully, it’s baffling.
After 22 seasons with NCIS, McGee deserves a lot greater than the breadcrumbs he’s been given this season.
As a substitute of being on the coronary heart of the motion, he’s usually relegated to the sidelines, leaving followers questioning why such an integral character is being handled like a bit participant.
Sure, it was enjoyable watching him channel his interior disco detective, donning a fab ’70s look to interrogate a suspect in NCIS Season 22 Episode 5, “In From the Chilly.”
And sure, his position within the aforementioned nuclear disaster with Parker was commendable.
However exterior of these moments, McGee has been largely underwhelmed and underserved. Bonding with Jimmy over soccer guidelines? That’s not character growth — that’s filler.
McGee is greater than able to dealing with high-stakes drama, complicated instances, and private progress arcs.
He’s earned the highlight, and it’s time the writers give him the storylines that replicate his significance to the group.
Followers don’t need scraps — they need substance. Let’s hope the again half of the season offers McGee the depth and a spotlight he really deserves.
The Aspect Characters No person Requested For
Two characters desperately want a course correction: Jimmy and Kasie. Jimmy, as soon as the lovable oddball, has veered into territory that’s extra annoying than endearing this season.
From his cringeworthy “Is that this protocol” second on NCIS Season 22 Episode 2, “International Our bodies,” the place the group makes an attempt to cover the physique mendacity in Vance’s workplace, to his people-pleasing antics and poorly timed quips, it’s been a tough trip.
The awkward stalking second with Jess on “Sticks and Stones” didn’t assist, nor did his selfie session with Kasie over a corpse in NCIS Season 22 Episode 6, “Knight and Day.”
And let’s not even get began on the over-the-top soccer drama from NCIS Season 22 Episode 7, ‘Hardboiled.”
Jimmy used to convey coronary heart to the group; now, it’s arduous to pinpoint his function.
Then there’s Kasie, who continues to really feel like a background character in her personal storyline.
Whereas Abby’s position on NCIS was pivotal, Kasie’s contributions barely register past just a few enhanced movies, quirky selfies, or the occasional tech assist.
It’s irritating as a result of there may be potential for her to be a invaluable group asset. As a substitute, she’s relegated to blink-and-you’ll-miss-it moments.
Kasie doesn’t should be Abby, however she deserves a extra outlined position — maybe it’s time to reevaluate whether or not she even belongs.
Shining Knight: Jess Deserves Her Second
Jessica Knight has been an absolute standout this season, and it’s time she will get the popularity she deserves.
Whether or not she’s managing the chaos of a wildcard witness like April Day or bringing contemporary vitality and charisma to the group, Jess has confirmed she’s greater than able to dealing with something thrown her means.
Her cool demeanor underneath stress and unflinching dedication have made her indispensable. She even brings shades of Kate Todd to the group — enjoyable, daring, and at all times able to rise to the event.
Jess is kicking ass this season, and truthfully, I can’t wait to see what she does subsequent.
Most Anticipated Storylines for the Again Half
With the primary half of NCIS Season 22 delivering its share of drama and surprises, there’s a lot to look ahead to when NCIS returns on January 27, 2025.
One of the vital intriguing mysteries revolves round Parker’s “Lily,” the enigmatic presence tied to Jess. Is Lily a figment of Parker’s previous, or does she symbolize one thing deeper about his connection to Jess?
It’s a thread that has followers buzzing with theories, and we are able to’t wait to see the way it unravels.
Talking of intrigue, Torres’ “Babe” is one other storyline we’re dying to discover.
After a cryptic Christmas textual content, we’re left questioning who has captured Torres’ coronary heart — and why he saved it a secret from his closest buddies. Is it tied to his previous, or is it one thing fully surprising?
And let’s not overlook McGee’s rising mistrust of Gabriel LaRoche, the brand new deputy director. If McGee’s instincts are proper and LaRoche really is a mole, it may arrange one of the explosive conflicts NCIS has seen in years.
The stakes couldn’t be greater, and we’re right here for each twist and switch.
With all these storylines effervescent underneath the floor, the again half of NCIS Season 22 guarantees to be a wild trip.
The Again Half Guarantees Fireworks — Are You Prepared?
The primary half of NCIS Season 22 has laid the groundwork for some explosive revelations, and we are able to’t wait to see the way it all performs out.
Will Parker’s “Lily” result in a surprising confession? Who’s Torres’ mysterious “babe”? And can McGee lastly get the storyline he deserves?
With a lot to look ahead to, it’s clear NCIS isn’t slowing down anytime quickly.
Tell us your favourite moments to this point and what you hope to see within the again half of the season! Share your ideas within the feedback under.
Watch NCIS Season 22 On-line
