NCIS Character’s Exit Will Have a Huge Impact on Season 22

NCIS is facing major shakeups heading into Season 22, with members of the team pulled in new directions; some physically dangerous, some incredibly emotional. However, perhaps the largest source of turmoil stems from the departure of Jessica Knight (Katrina Law), who will no longer be a part of the DC-based team. After struggling both personally and professionally, Jessica accepted a position across the country, leaving her ex, Jimmy Palmer (Brian Dietzen), and the rest of the team scrambling to pick up the pieces.

Executive producer Steven D. Binder recently spoke to TV Insider about the upcoming season, shedding additional light on how Knight’s exit will impact the other characters, especially Palmer. Despite no longer being a part of the team, Knight’s presence will be felt in the new season, putting her in Palmer’s path for much-needed follow-ups to their finale conversation. Regarding what’s in store for the former lovers, Binder stated:

“Her and Jimmy are going to get a chance to have part two of the conversation that we didn’t see in the finale. There’s a Part 3 to that conversation that we’ll see in Episode 4 when World War III is. [NCIS is] in charge of a very little thing and that little thing has the potential to become a big thing and we are trying to keep it from becoming a big thing. They’ve got 42 minutes. It’s [an] almost real-time episode. Jimmy and Knight are going to get a chance to have Part 3 of who and what they are and what they’re going to be and what they’re not going to be. There’s huge stakes that can blow up and then very huge stakes for these two in a completely different way starting.”

Palmer Isn’t The Only Team Member Impacted

While Palmer has the most at stake personally, since he used to be romantically entangled with Knight, he isn’t the only team member reeling from her leaving. Timothy McGee is looking to bigger things in the new season, with his eyes focused on a deputy direction role. Binder also commented on McGee’s crossroads, noting answers would be provided rather quickly in the season.

Another NCIS team member struggling with the loss of Knight is Wilmer Valderrama’s Nick Torres. Notoriously unable to handle losing those closest to him, he is in for a rocky season, according to Binder. After diving back into his roots of undercover work, he will find himself in a precarious position with “bad people” that will cause him “a lot of trouble.” With Torres wrapped so deeply in his undercover work, he doesn’t have time to form meaningful relationships, which means there is no emotional fallout from losing someone.