Let’s be honest — NCIS is known for drama, emotional twists, and gripping investigations. But every now and then, it leans into its quirky side, giving us characters who are more ridiculous than ruthless.
One such character? The incredibly eccentric, hilariously over-the-top villain: Kai Chen, also known as the cyber trickster from Season 10’s “Canary” episode.
But here’s the thing — **if NCIS brings him back in Season 23 (and they should), it only works if he’s paired with Special Agent Nick Torres. Why? Because that chemistry is comedic gold.
Let’s break down why Kai deserves a comeback — and why Torres is the perfect foil.
Who Is Kai Chen, and Why Do We Still Remember Him?
1. The Cyber Terrorist You Can’t Help But Laugh At
In the Season 10 episode “Canary,” the NCIS team captured Kai Chen, a high-level hacker with serious global implications. But what really made him stand out?
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His overconfidence
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His smart-mouth attitude
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And his constant attempts to outwit everyone in the room
Instead of a dark, brooding villain, Kai was more Loki than Hannibal Lecter — annoying, clever, and utterly entertaining.
2. A Villain Built for Long-Term Fun
Kai’s character wasn’t just one-dimensional. He had layers — a genius with a superiority complex, but also a coward when cornered. He cracked jokes in the face of danger and pushed Gibbs’ buttons like few could.
He’s one of the few NCIS antagonists who could sustain multiple appearances — and fans would welcome him back just to see what chaos he’d unleash next.
Why Torres Is the Only Character Who Can Match Him
3. Torres Doesn’t Do Patience — And That’s the Point
Special Agent Nick Torres (played by Wilmer Valderrama) has no tolerance for nonsense. He’s fiery, unpredictable, and quick with a sarcastic comeback. Pairing him with someone like Kai, who thrives on pushing buttons, would be a masterclass in controlled chaos.
4. Their Personalities Clash in All the Right Ways
Imagine this:
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Kai’s smug grin: “You sure you’re an agent? You look more like a backup dancer.”
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Torres’ eye roll and deadpan delivery: “You look like a walking Wi-Fi signal, but here we are.”
That’s the energy we need in Season 23 — buddy-cop movie meets cyber-criminal cat-and-mouse.
NCIS Season 23 Needs a Fresh Dose of Humor
5. The Show Has Been Getting Way Too Serious
With recent seasons focusing heavily on grief, high-stakes international cases, and darker themes, NCIS could really use an injection of light-hearted tension. Kai and Torres provide that naturally.
They’re not just funny — their dynamic helps relieve the tension between major plotlines.
6. It’s Time for a Villain We Love to Hate
Most NCIS villains are either forgettable or terrifying. Kai? He’s memorable, punchable, and kind of adorable in a twisted way. His return would break the mold and shake up the typical villain formula.
How to Bring Kai Chen Back (Without It Feeling Forced)
7. A Government Deal Gone Wrong
Maybe Kai was given a deal after “helping” the NSA or another agency with cybercrimes. But now he’s gone rogue again — and the NCIS team is called to track him down with his help.
8. A Cyber Threat Only He Understands
A new virus is threatening military databases — and the only person who understands the code is its original creator: Kai. He claims he didn’t launch it, but can they trust him?
9. Torres Is Assigned to “Babysit” Him
That’s where the fun begins. Gibbs might’ve tolerated Kai’s antics, but Torres won’t. Watching him try (and fail) to keep his cool would create hilarious friction.
Fans Would Absolutely Love It
10. Reddit and Fan Forums Still Mention Kai
Despite only appearing in one episode, Kai Chen made a lasting impact. Fans frequently bring him up in Reddit threads like:
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“Most underrated guest characters?”
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“Who should come back in Season 23?”
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“Villains that made you laugh out loud?”
He’s the kind of character who sparks discussion years after a single appearance — and that’s rare.
Conclusion: Season 23 Needs Some Mischief
NCIS has a solid formula — action, drama, and character depth. But part of what made it so beloved in earlier seasons was its ability to weave humor into high-stakes situations.
Bringing back Kai Chen, the series’ funniest villain, gives fans a fresh plotline and a blast of nostalgia. But to make it really work? You’ve got to pair him with Torres.
It’s the perfect combination of brains, brawn, and bickering.
CBS, if you’re reading this — we need this duo on-screen. Yesterday.
5 Unique FAQs
Q1: Who played Kai Chen on NCIS?
A1: Actor Rick Peters portrayed the smug hacker Kai Chen in Season 10, Episode 14, titled “Canary.”
Q2: Why is Kai considered a funny villain?
A2: His quick wit, sarcastic remarks, and smug attitude made him more of a comedic antagonist than a terrifying one — a rare trait for an NCIS villain.
Q3: Has Kai Chen appeared in more than one episode?
A3: No — so far, Kai only appeared in “Canary,” but fans have long called for his return due to his unique personality and dynamic with the team.
Q4: Why is Torres the best match for Kai in a comeback?
A4: Torres’ short temper and sarcasm would perfectly contrast Kai’s smug arrogance, creating a hilarious and tense dynamic.
Q5: Will NCIS Season 23 feature more returning characters?
A5: It’s rumored that several fan-favorite characters could return in some capacity — making this the perfect time to revive someone like Kai for a fresh twist.
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Love a villain you can laugh at? So do we. Share this with your fellow NCIS fans and let CBS know — we want Kai Chen back, and we want him annoying the life out of Torres.
