10 NCIS Episodes I Always Skip On A Rewatch

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đŸ’„ Introduction: When Even NCIS Drops the Ball

Let’s be real—NCIS has delivered some of the most gripping, character-driven crime procedurals on TV for over 20 seasons. We’ve followed Gibbs’ stoic stares, Abby’s gothic charm, and DiNozzo’s wisecracks for years. But not every episode hits the mark. In fact, some are so off-key, slow, or downright frustrating that I always skip them on my rewatch sessions.

Whether it’s because of cringe-worthy writing, wasted potential, or just a weird detour from what makes NCIS great, these are the 10 NCIS episodes I never bother rewatching—and you probably shouldn’t either.

Let’s dig in.

#1: “Canary” (Season 10, Episode 14)

🧹 Why It Fails: Overhyped Tension With No Payoff

This episode tries to build suspense around a cyber terrorist, but it ends up feeling like a glorified filler. They throw the team into a high-stakes “black site” mission that ends with a disappointing interrogation scene and a villain you won’t remember five minutes later.

Why skip it? You could literally blink and miss the entire point.

#2: “Alibi” (Season 11, Episode 8)

🎭 A Legal Twist Gone Wrong

The episode wants to blend NCIS with a courtroom drama vibe—but it feels like it watched too much Law & Order and forgot its roots. The plot revolves around a defense attorney’s bizarre strategy, which ends up stretching plausibility to the breaking point.

Verdict? It’s clunky, forgettable, and far from rewatchable.

#3: “Thirst” (Season 9, Episode 6)

đŸš« Creepy for No Good Reason

The show occasionally dips into unsettling territory, but “Thirst” leans way too hard into the grotesque. The killer’s obsession with blood feels out of place in a procedural like NCIS, and the whole thing plays like a B-level horror flick.

Feel like watching NCIS, not Dexter? Then skip this one.

#4: “BĂȘte Noire” (Season 1, Episode 16)

🛑 Too Early, Too Complicated

While it introduces the infamous Ari Haswari, this episode is way too intense for a relatively early point in the show. The hostage situation drags on, and it lacks the polish and chemistry the series later develops.

Truth bomb: You won’t miss much if you fast-forward past this.

#5: “Left for Dead” (Season 1, Episode 10)

🧠 Plot Holes You Could Drive a Truck Through

Amnesia tropes are always a gamble. This one loses big. A woman crawling out of a grave with no memory sounds intriguing—until it unravels into a meandering, unsatisfying plot with more questions than answers.

Pro tip? Leave this one buried.

#6: “Anonymous Was a Woman” (Season 11, Episode 4)

đŸš· Political Message Overload

There’s nothing wrong with storytelling that tackles real-world issues, but this episode goes overboard. The show gets too preachy and sacrifices storytelling for a clumsy message about immigration. Important topic, sure—but heavy-handed delivery makes it a chore.

End result? You’ll tune out before the closing credits.

#7: “Prime Suspect” (Season 10, Episode 17)

🔍 Nothing Happens—At All

This one should be retitled “Prime Snoozefest.” It follows Gibbs helping an old friend whose son is accused of murder. But it’s slow, predictable, and adds nothing to the characters or series arc.

The worst crime here? Wasting 43 minutes of your life.

#8: “The Namesake” (Season 10, Episode 5)

👮 A Backstory That Goes Nowhere

We get a glimpse into Gibbs’ connection with his late father, which sounds emotional
 until it becomes awkwardly written and poorly executed. The pacing is glacial, and the attempt at deep emotional storytelling doesn’t land.

If you’re not emotionally invested in Gibbs’ dad, skip.

#9: “Once a Crook” (Season 11, Episode 5)

🧳 DiNozzo Deserves Better

This episode tries to delve into Tony’s past as a beat cop in Baltimore—but the flashbacks are shallow, and the current case is forgettable. It feels like a missed opportunity to truly explore Tony’s backstory.

Bottom line: Rewatch-worthy Tony episodes exist—this ain’t one.

#10: “The Admiral’s Daughter” (Season 11, Episode 24)

🌍 Weird Location, Weird Plot

Set in France (sort of), this one throws Tony into what feels like a bad spy movie. The dialogue is weird, the pacing is all over the place, and it ends Season 11 on a weak note.

It’s not Bond. It’s not NCIS. It’s just bad.

💡 Why These Episodes Don’t Work on Rewatch

🧠 Shallow Character Arcs

Some episodes focus too much on the case and neglect the characters we care about. Rewatching NCIS is all about reconnecting with Gibbs, Abby, DiNozzo, and the rest—not watching another bland interrogation scene.

📉 Poor Pacing and Filler Content

When the energy drags or the plot gets too tangled, it makes for a painful rewatch. These episodes are mostly filler dressed up to look important.

đŸ“ș No Real Payoff

Let’s face it—if an episode doesn’t push the story or deliver emotional weight, it has no place in your rewatch rotation.

🔁 What Makes a Great Rewatch Episode?

  • Emotional stakes that still hit years later

  • Iconic team chemistry

  • A case that keeps you guessing

  • Memorable guest stars or villains

  • A sense of fun, danger, or payoff

🧠 Honorable Mentions (Episodes Some Love, I Just Can’t)

“Devil’s Trifecta” (Season 10)

All-star cast, but chaotic energy. Doesn’t click for me.

“Requiem” (Season 5)

It’s intense and emotional—some love it, but I find it too dark for casual rewatching.

🎯 How To Build The Perfect NCIS Rewatch Playlist

If you’re planning your next NCIS binge, ditch the episodes above and load up on fan-favorites like:

  • “SWAK” (DiNozzo drama done right)

  • “Truth or Consequences” (season openers rarely hit this hard)

  • “Call of Silence” (heart-wrenching, beautifully told)

  • “Hiatus” Parts 1 & 2 (Gibbs origin story gold)

🙌 Conclusion: Skip Smart, Rewatch Right

NCIS has over 450 episodes. You’re not obligated to love them all. Some were necessary to advance the plot at the time, but they just don’t hold up. By skipping the ten we just broke down, you’ll keep your rewatch fun, focused, and full of everything that makes NCIS great.

Don’t let one bad episode ruin your nostalgia trip. Skip smart, and you’ll enjoy NCIS like it’s brand new again.

❓FAQs: Your NCIS Rewatch Questions Answered

1. Are there any NCIS episodes you should never skip?

Yes! “Truth or Consequences,” “Call of Silence,” and “Hiatus” are essential. These define the series’ emotional and narrative strength.

2. Why do so many Season 10–11 episodes end up on skip lists?

That era often focused more on plot over character. The balance was off, and it led to uneven storytelling.

3. What’s the best season of NCIS for binge-watching?

Most fans agree that Seasons 2 through 5 are the golden years. Great team dynamic and strong cases.

4. Should I watch the NCIS spin-offs instead of these skipped episodes?

Sure! NCIS: LA and NCIS: New Orleans have standout episodes. It’s a great way to mix things up.

5. Are any of the skipped episodes still important for the overall plot?

Only a couple (like “BĂȘte Noire”) tie into larger arcs. If you’re already familiar with the storyline, you won’t miss much by skipping.

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