NCIS fans have been watching SSA Leroy Jethro Gibbs’ (Mark Harmon) replacement for the past several seasons, and though Harmon was the face of NCIS for decades, Gibbs’ leadership style wasn’t as good a fit for this team member than his replacement’s. As NCIS season 23 draws closer, viewers have been considering what’s best for the MCRT as the series moves ahead.
While NCIS has been vocal when it comes to the series not feeling the same affection for SSA Alden Parker (Gary Cole), his ability to lead the MCRT hasn’t been called into question, either. Gibbs and Parker are incredibly different as leaders, and while some of Gibbs’ tactics worked for the team, some fell flat. The same can be said for Parker.
As NCIS moves forward, the show has teased a storyline that will see Parker pulling in the rest of the MCRT for a more personal case, as he finally goes after the mob boss responsible for his father’s murder, Carla Marino (Rebecca De Mornay). This shift proves Parker’s strengths are different than Gibbs’, and could be a better leader for this team member.
NCIS’ Nick Torres Took Too Long To Grow Under Gibbs
Their Styles Were Far Too Similar
Although Nick Torres (Wilmer Valderrama) has been a part of the MCRT since NCIS season 14, his role on the team has shifted considerably over the last few seasons. Torres was introduced as a hot-headed, impulsive agent who preferred to work on his own. While Gibbs’ lone-wolf style of leadership felt similar to Torres’ natural instincts, he didn’t offer much guidance for growth.
Gibbs’ style was far too similar to Torres’ in some ways for either to work together in a way that promoted growth or change. While Gibbs could relate to Torres, he didn’t push the young agent to work with the team as much as he could’ve. With both men keeping their guard up, Torres seemed stuck under Gibbs’ leadership, which pushed audiences away.
While other agents like Ellie Bishop (Emily Wickersham) and Tim McGee (Sean Murray) were able to take Gibbs’ advice in a nuanced way and had space to grow, Torres and Gibbs created friction when they butted heads. Rather than Gibbs providing the guidance Torres needed, there was frustration beneath their relationship which ultimately left audiences struggling to embrace Torres as a team member.
Parker Has Brought Out The Best In Torres In Past NCIS Seasons
Their Differences Help Torres To Grow
As things have moved forward and NCIS fans have accepted the new lead of the MCRT, it’s been clear that Torres has also been able to find his footing under Parker’s leadership. The transition from Gibbs to Parker has allowed Torres to change his trajectory, especially with the differences in their styles. Torres has a leader who values mutual trust, allowing him to feel supported.
As Torres has been able to relax into the MCRT more over the past few seasons, he’s been able to open up more. Less on edge, Torres has been able to lean on his teammates, which has allowed him to show more maturity in his work. Creating a better environment for Torres has proven that Parker’s a better fit for NCIS moving forward.
