BREAKING: Actress Lauren Holly (NCIS) has passed away, cause of death unknown md20

A factor in the success of the procedural in its golden years returns in NCIS season 23 to set up its most complicated personal story so far. The 2025-2026 TV cycle has been very busy for one of the longest-running shows on TV. Not even reaching the midpoint of the season, NCIS has managed to tackle the lingering stories from its past while also introducing new arcs for its future.

One of the longer-running plots in the show centers around Jimmy Palmer and Jessica Knight’s love story that was cut short in the NCIS season 21 finale. When they broke up, they clearly were still in love with each other, and the idea was for them to eventually get back together sometime in the near future. NCIS season 23 penultimate fall finale has thrown a curveball at the story, however, but incorporating Nick Torres into the mix, effectively starting a love triangle.

Veteran Writer Jesse Stern Co-Wrote NCIS Season 23, Episode 8 With Brian Dietzen

Knight and Torres’ possible romance has been floated in the show multiple times before. However, it isn’t until “Stolen Moments” that it’s formally established, as Palmer realizes the situation that he’s in himself. NCIS season 23, episode 8, at large, feels like a classic episode from the procedural, as it brilliantly blends a lighthearted overall tone, a creative weekly case, and a few earnest character-focused moments. Aside from Palmer, it also features a short but intriguing moment from Director Vance, as Brian Dietzen’s narration talks about timing.

In any case, “Stolen Moments” being reminiscent of an old-school NCIS episode likely has something to do with Dietzen’s writing partner for the episode — Jesse Stern. The producer and writer was part of the crew during the procedural’s golden years, establishing it to become the TV institution that it is now. Stern produced a total of 91 episodes between seasons 5 and 8, but more importantly, he wrote 33 episodes, including some of the classics, such as “Heartland,” “Truth or Consequences,” and “Swan Song,” among others.

What Palmer, Knight, & Torres’ Love Triangle Mean For NCIS

Throughout its run, the CBS procedural has had some romantic tropes nailed down, primarily the will-they/won’t-they arc, as the show has done that with Tony DiNozzo and Ziva David, as well as Ellie Bishop and Nick Torres. NCIS season 23 marks the first time that it fully establishes a love triangle involving three main characters in the show, with Palmer, Knight, and Torres, however. That said, even without that record, the situation poses arguably the most complicated personal plot in the series.

Regardless of whether there’s a romantic future for Knight and Torres, Palmer’s future actions will definitely be impacted by his latest realizations. Because he’s very transparent, it’s only a matter of time before other people in the MCRT realize what’s going on, creating a tense environment that will be very difficult to ignore. At the very least, NCIS is trying something different for its storytelling this year, but hopefully, no one gets undeservedly hurt in the process.