Introduction
Ever watch a show build up something so good, so compelling, that you’re already imagining how it’s going to shake things up… and then it just fizzles out? Welcome to ‘NCIS’ Season 22 — where one of the most thrilling storylines in recent memory was not just underused, it was outright wasted. In this article, we’re diving deep into how that happened and why it matters for the future of the franchise.
The Legacy of ‘NCIS’
‘NCIS’ isn’t just another procedural drama. It’s one of the longest-running, most-loved crime shows on television. With 21 seasons of twisty cases, heart-tugging team dynamics, and a knack for reinvention, the series has kept millions coming back year after year.
But in Season 22, something felt different.
Not in the good way.
What Made Season 22 So Anticipated?
Season 22 arrived with serious hype. Coming off the emotional tribute to Ducky (David McCallum), the series had a perfect launchpad to explore deeper character arcs, unresolved secrets, and powerful team dynamics. But more than anything, fans were buzzing about a storyline that had the potential to shake up the entire team.
The Most Exciting Storyline: A Setup with Massive Potential
The one storyline that should have carried the season?
Torres’ dark undercover mission and emotional trauma.
Midway through Season 21, Torres (Wilmer Valderrama) hinted at a shadowy past and an unresolved vendetta. It was a gritty, high-stakes narrative with personal consequences and moral ambiguity — the kind of juicy drama the show rarely leans into. Season 22 was supposed to be the payoff.
Spoiler alert: It wasn’t.
The Tease: What the Writers Promised Fans
Let’s rewind to the promos and early buzz. Interviews with producers teased a season that would explore Torres’ psyche, his anger, his trauma, and his mission for justice — possibly revenge. It was framed as a story that would challenge his loyalty to the team and force him to reckon with his identity as both agent and man.
The fans? Hooked. The expectations? Sky-high.
How the Storyline Started Strong
The season premiere hinted at a thriller-in-the-making. Torres was brooding. His actions felt unhinged. His interactions with Parker and Knight were tense. It had that edge — the feeling that this was going to be more than your average NCIS case.
We even got glimpses of his past. His relationship with his sister. Flashbacks. Guilt. Secrets.
So far, so good, right?
Why Fans Were Hooked
This wasn’t just another “case of the week.” It was personal. Real. Raw. Fans had followed Torres since his debut, and this storyline felt like his character finally getting the spotlight he deserved. It was emotionally rich. It promised growth.
And best of all? It teased consequences.
Would he betray his team?
Would he go too far?
Would he even stay at NCIS?
Where It All Went Wrong
Here’s where it falls apart.
After a few episodes of buildup, the storyline… vanished. One week, Torres was on the brink of moral collapse. The next? He’s cracking jokes and acting like it never happened.
No resolution.
No fallout.
No emotional reckoning.
It was like the writers dropped the plot mid-season and decided to pivot back to generic filler cases and cookie-cutter crime scenes.
The Wasted Opportunity
This had all the ingredients of a legacy-defining arc:
-
A beloved character at a crossroads
-
Emotional depth
-
A confrontation with the past
-
A dark moral dilemma
-
Potential team conflict
Instead, what we got was a narrative detour that ended in a cul-de-sac.
It didn’t elevate the character. It didn’t change team dynamics. It didn’t even get a proper sendoff.
The Fallout: Fans Speak Out
On Reddit threads and Twitter (now X), fans didn’t hold back.
“Why hype up Torres’ storyline just to ghost it halfway through the season?”
“We were promised intensity and got… nothing.”
“NCIS needs to stop teasing arcs they don’t commit to.”
The disappointment is real. And it’s not just nitpicking — it’s a genuine frustration with how the show treats long-form storytelling.
Comparing to Previous Seasons
Let’s be honest — ‘NCIS’ used to stick the landing. Remember Ziva’s fake death and return? Or Gibbs’ revenge arc? Those stories mattered. They shaped entire seasons.
Now, Season 22’s big arc feels like a placeholder. A half-baked idea that got shoved aside to play it safe.
How Other Shows Get It Right
Look at ‘Chicago P.D.’ or ‘The Blacklist’ — they go all in on serialized storytelling. When a character gets a major arc, the writers commit. They evolve. They face consequences.
‘NCIS’ needs to take notes. You can’t build suspense, emotional investment, and personal stakes, then just hit the reset button.
What ‘NCIS’ Could’ve Done Differently
Here’s what should’ve happened:
-
Torres’ arc should’ve spanned at least half the season.
-
His actions should’ve led to conflict with Parker or Director Vance.
-
Maybe a suspension. Maybe a mission gone wrong.
-
The team should’ve felt the impact of his descent.
-
And most importantly: There needed to be closure.
Even if he returned to normal, we needed to see that journey.
The Problem with Playing It Safe
It’s no secret: Network shows fear rocking the boat. But ‘NCIS’ is at a point where coasting won’t cut it. Playing it safe is what kills good TV. Audiences today expect more. They’re savvy. They’ve got streaming shows throwing curveballs every episode.
You can’t keep offering predictability and expect viewers to stay loyal.
Does NCIS Still Have Its Spark?
It’s still got great characters. Solid performances. A loyal fanbase. But it’s losing its edge. The comfort-food vibe can only carry it so far if the writers keep dodging risks and resetting meaningful arcs.
The Bigger Picture: Decline or Plateau?
Season 22’s wasted storyline isn’t just a one-off mistake — it’s a symptom. A symptom of a show afraid to evolve. Afraid to truly shake up its core.
If this trend continues, we’re not looking at a creative decline — we’re staring at stagnation.
Will Season 23 Fix the Mess?
There’s still time to redeem Torres’ arc. Season 23 could revisit the emotional fallout. Dive deeper. Offer closure.
But they need to commit.
They need to take the gloves off and give characters stories that stick.
Conclusion
‘NCIS’ Season 22 had one job: follow through. The Torres storyline had all the makings of a game-changer. Instead, it fizzled into forgotten potential. If the writers want to keep this franchise alive and fresh, they need to stop teasing drama and start delivering it.
The fans are watching. And they won’t keep waiting.
FAQs
1. What was the most exciting storyline in ‘NCIS’ Season 22?
Torres’ undercover mission and his unresolved trauma promised a gripping, character-driven arc — but it was ultimately sidelined and unresolved.
2. Why are fans disappointed with Season 22 of ‘NCIS’?
Many viewers feel let down because the season teased a powerful narrative and then failed to follow through, making the storyline feel wasted.
3. Will ‘NCIS’ address Torres’ arc in Season 23?
There’s potential for the writers to revisit it, but nothing has been officially confirmed. Fans hope Season 23 offers redemption.
4. Has ‘NCIS’ used this kind of bait-and-switch before?
Not to this degree. While the show has abandoned side plots before, this particular storyline had a heavy emotional setup and promotional focus.
5. Can ‘NCIS’ bounce back after this misstep?
Absolutely. With strong characters and a committed fanbase, the show can still evolve — but only if it embraces bold storytelling and stops playing it safe.
