If you’ve been a long-time NCIS fan, you know this show isn’t exactly Grey’s Anatomy when it comes to romance. But when Season 22 dropped hints at a unique romantic subplot that could’ve been a game-changer, fans perked up. And then… poof—it vanished. What happened? Why did NCIS pull the plug on a storyline that could’ve given the series its first truly progressive, emotionally rich romantic arc?
Let’s break it all down—spoilers, speculation, and all.
🧭 A Look Back: NCIS and Its Romantic Track Record
🔍 Romance Has Never Been NCIS’s Strong Suit
Since 2003, NCIS has leaned more toward solving crimes than stirring hearts. Sure, we’ve had our share of flirtations (Tony and Ziva, anyone?), but most of those plots ended in tragedy, mystery, or being swept under the rug.
💏 Fan Favorites That Never Fully Bloomed
-
Tony & Ziva – The slowest of burns.
-
Gibbs & Shannon – A love story built on tragedy.
-
Bishop & Torres – Teased forever, delivered… nothing.
So when Season 22 hinted at something new, fans paid attention.
🔥 The Potential Romance That Had Everyone Talking
🌈 A Bold Move: Queer Representation in NCIS?
This season hinted at a budding relationship between two characters that would’ve marked the first same-sex romance in NCIS history. We’re talking about Special Agent Dale Sawyer and newcomer Agent Grace Sullivan—both strong, emotionally layered, and more than capable of anchoring a romance subplot.
⚡ The Chemistry Was Unmistakable
They weren’t just partners on the field—they had shared looks, deeper conversations, and genuine emotional vulnerability. The kind of stuff that makes you shout, “JUST KISS ALREADY!” at the screen.
👀 Subtle but Strong Clues
-
Emotional backstory reveals
-
Soft music cues during scenes
-
Intimate camera work
-
Characters defending each other in conflict
It wasn’t just in the fans’ heads. The writers were definitely leaning in—until they weren’t.
🧨 How NCIS Season 22 Dropped the Ball
🛑 Abrupt Plot Shift
By mid-season, the romantic buildup completely disappeared. No explanation. No closure. It’s like the writers hit the brakes and swerved into a totally different lane.
🎭 New Characters Took Over
Instead of deepening Sawyer and Sullivan’s dynamic, the writers shoved in new plotlines and sidelined both characters. Fans were left wondering: what was the point?
🕳️ Zero Payoff for Loyal Viewers
After teasing a bold, inclusive storyline, NCIS backtracked hard. And that feels like a betrayal—not just to the fans, but to the characters themselves.
🎬 Why This Could’ve Been a Series-Defining Moment
📺 A First in NCIS History
Let’s be clear: NCIS has never truly featured a queer romance at the center of its story. That’s a huge missed opportunity in 2025, when most major shows are embracing representation.
🌍 Reflecting Real Life
Law enforcement agencies are filled with real people from all walks of life. Having a same-sex romance would’ve made NCIS feel more authentic, more grounded.
🧠 Depth & Dimension
Romance adds emotional weight. For once, the show had a chance to explore grief, loyalty, and love through a fresh, meaningful lens.
😡 Fan Reactions: Disappointment Across the Board
📢 Social Media Backlash
Twitter, Reddit, and fan forums lit up after the mid-season arc fizzled. Here’s a taste of what fans said:
“Why would they build this up and drop it like nothing happened?”
“We don’t want drama for drama’s sake. We want real, human stories.”
“So close to doing something meaningful—and they chickened out.”
📉 Ratings Slump? Coincidence?
Some speculate the ratings dip after Episode 10 might be connected. Viewers wanted payoff. What they got was silence.
🎥 Behind the Scenes: What Went Wrong?
🤐 Creative Conflicts
Rumors suggest there were disagreements in the writers’ room. Some pushed for more representation; others feared backlash.
📋 Studio Pressure
It’s no secret that network TV is cautious. They may have feared alienating a portion of their base audience—though that fear feels outdated in today’s media climate.
📊 What Fans Wanted vs. What They Got
| Fan Expectations | Reality in Season 22 |
|---|---|
| Meaningful LGBTQ+ story | Dropped without resolution |
| Emotional depth | Surface-level procedural episodes |
| Character development | Flat arcs, forgotten backstories |
🛠️ How NCIS Can Fix This
🔄 Bring Back the Arc
It’s not too late. Sawyer and Sullivan can return next season with a proper storyline.
✍️ Hire More Diverse Writers
Representation starts in the writers’ room. Real experiences make real stories.
📣 Listen to Your Audience
Fans are begging for meaningful relationships. Why not give them what they want?
🔮 What This Means for the Future of NCIS
Season 22 could’ve been a turning point. Instead, it became a missed opportunity. But with NCIS being renewed for Season 23, there’s still time to do better.
Will they take the leap? Or will the next great romance get lost in procedural limbo?
✅ Conclusion
NCIS Season 22 dangled a romance that felt new, necessary, and incredibly human—only to drop it with no explanation. And that stings. Not because we expect NCIS to turn into a love story, but because when it finally had a chance to evolve, it flinched.
We don’t want melodrama. We want real connection. And this season could’ve delivered just that—a unique, groundbreaking romance that made NCIS feel fresh again.
🙋 5 Unique FAQs About the Missed NCIS Romance
Q1: Who were the characters involved in the hinted romance?
A: Agent Dale Sawyer and newcomer Grace Sullivan. The chemistry was subtle but undeniable.
Q2: Did the show confirm it was meant to be a romantic arc?
A: No official confirmation, but scene framing and dialogue strongly suggested a romantic buildup.
Q3: Is there any chance the romance will return in Season 23?
A: Possibly. Fans are vocal, and pressure may influence the writers to revisit the storyline.
Q4: Has NCIS ever had LGBTQ+ main characters before?
A: No major LGBTQ+ romances have ever been central to the show. That’s why this missed opportunity stands out.
Q5: What can fans do to push for better representation?
A: Engage on social media, write to CBS, and continue supporting shows that do representation right.
