Leroy Jethro Gibbs isn’t just the face of NCIS—he’s the emotional backbone of the franchise. But his journey was anything but smooth. Marked by tragedy, guilt, and a personal code forged through loss, Gibbs lived a life shaped by pain.
Now, fans are noticing a troubling pattern emerging in another character—one that mirrors Gibbs’ darkest days. Could NCIS be preparing us for a new tragic arc?
Let’s unpack the clues.
The Character in Question – Nick Torres
Of all the agents currently on the team, Special Agent Nick Torres (played by Wilmer Valderrama) has the most potential for a Gibbs-like descent.
The Similarities Are Hard to Miss
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Haunted by trauma
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Closed off emotionally
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Burdened by a troubled past
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Struggles to build deep, lasting connections
If this sounds familiar, that’s because Gibbs was built from the same mold.
The Signs of a Dark Path Are Already There
1. Torres’ Lone Wolf Behavior
Torres has always operated with a lone wolf mentality, even after years on the team. Much like Gibbs, he pushes people away when things get too real—especially in matters of the heart.
He’s also known for going rogue during investigations, which echoes Gibbs’ old-school “my way or the highway” style.
2. His Turbulent Family History
Torres’ backstory is riddled with abandonment and betrayal. From being left by his father to growing up in the system, he’s built emotional armor that’s now starting to crack.
It’s eerily reminiscent of Gibbs’ own emotional wall, built after the death of his wife and daughter.
The Episode That Changed Everything
In NCIS Season 21, Torres’ darker instincts came to the surface when he confronted a man from his past—a predator who ruined lives, including his own family’s.
Almost Crossing the Line
That moment pushed Torres to the brink. He nearly killed in cold blood, stopped only by the last-minute voice of reason from his team.
Sound familiar? Fans immediately recalled Gibbs’ vigilante-style justice when he took out the man responsible for killing his family.
Emotional Suppression = Emotional Explosion
Like Gibbs, Torres bottles everything up—until it explodes. And we’re starting to see cracks in his emotional foundation.
He masks pain with sarcasm. He avoids therapy. And when he’s vulnerable, he hides behind violence or isolation.
Gibbs’ Warning Echoes Loudly
Before Gibbs left the team, he shared some wisdom with Torres—almost like passing the torch:
“You’ve got what it takes. Just don’t lose yourself in the job.”
Those words feel more ominous in hindsight. Because NCIS might be setting Torres up to face the same inner demons Gibbs could never conquer.
The Exit Setup? Or a Deeper Arc?
There’s a growing theory among fans that this character shift could be leading to:
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A major turning point for Torres
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A temporary (or permanent) exit
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A transformation into a new kind of leader
Whether that means a departure or deeper evolution remains to be seen, but the emotional groundwork is clearly being laid.
What Makes Torres Different from Gibbs?
Not everything is the same. Torres still:
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Shows flashes of hope
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Has stronger team bonds (especially with McGee and Knight)
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Talks more openly—on rare occasions
This gives fans hope that Torres may break the cycle, evolving in a way Gibbs never could.
What Fans Are Saying
Social media’s been buzzing:
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“Torres is becoming the new Gibbs, and it’s terrifying.”
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“If he snaps, it’ll be heartbreaking. He’s been through so much.”
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“Please don’t give him the same fate. Let someone finally heal.”
Clearly, fans are invested, and that emotional pull is exactly what makes this potential arc so powerful.
Why Writers Might Be Doing This
Let’s be honest: Gibbs left some huge shoes to fill. And Torres is one of the few characters with the emotional complexity to carry that weight.
By showing his descent—or near descent—into Gibbs-like darkness, the writers are:
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Honoring the show’s legacy
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Giving Torres a high-stakes emotional arc
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Exploring whether pain always shapes purpose
What Could Happen Next
1. Torres Could Spiral and Leave
A downward spiral leading to burnout, breakdown, or betrayal could see Torres walking away from NCIS.
2. He Could Step Up and Lead
Alternatively, his struggles could forge a stronger leader—a wiser, emotionally evolved version of Gibbs.
3. Or… Something Tragic Could Happen
Fans dread this, but it’s possible the writers may give Torres a heartbreaking end, continuing NCIS’s tradition of painful goodbyes.
Conclusion – Is NCIS Repeating History or Rewriting It?
Nick Torres has walked through fire—and he’s still standing. But NCIS is playing a dangerous emotional game, drawing clear parallels between his pain and Gibbs’ past.
The question now is: Will Torres follow Gibbs’ path into isolation and quiet suffering? Or will he finally break the cycle, and show that healing is possible—even in a world full of shadows?
One thing is certain: This story is far from over.
FAQs
1. Is Torres becoming the new Gibbs on NCIS?
He’s certainly showing signs of a similar emotional arc, but it’s unclear whether he’ll take on the same leadership role—or fall into the same darkness.
2. Why did Gibbs leave NCIS?
Mark Harmon stepped back from the series in Season 19, with Gibbs choosing to stay in Alaska to find peace after decades of trauma.
3. Will Torres leave NCIS soon?
There are no official announcements, but the current storyline could be setting up a major shift or emotional climax for his character.
4. How are Torres and Gibbs similar?
Both are emotionally guarded, trauma-driven, and prone to using their own sense of justice—sometimes outside the rules.
5. What does this mean for NCIS’s future?
It suggests deeper, more character-driven stories ahead—and possibly a passing of the emotional torch from Gibbs to Torres.
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