The Moment NCIS Fans Waited For
If you’ve been a loyal NCIS fan, you know the tension between Ellie Bishop (Emily Wickersham) and Nick Torres (Wilmer Valderrama) has been simmering for years. Their chemistry wasn’t just professional—it was electric, emotional, and filled with subtle glances that fans couldn’t ignore. Then came NCIS Season 18, Episode 16, where the long-awaited Ellick Kiss finally happened. And honestly? It was worth every second of anticipation.
Let’s dive deep into why this kiss was such a game-changer for NCIS, what it meant for Ellie and Nick’s relationship, and how it shook the fandom to its core.
Setting the Stage – Ellick’s Journey Before the Kiss
Before we talk about the kiss, we need to rewind and explore how Ellie and Nick’s relationship developed over the seasons.
From Colleagues to Close Friends
When Ellie joined NCIS after Ziva’s departure, she quickly built trust within the team. Nick, on the other hand, was the bold, passionate agent with a rough edge. At first, their bond seemed professional. But the longer they worked together, the more viewers noticed the subtle sparks.
The Tension That Fans Couldn’t Ignore
Every look, every witty comeback, every moment of protective instinct—Nick and Ellie weren’t just colleagues. They were soulmates in disguise. NCIS fans, known for their sharp eyes, coined the ship name Ellick, and social media exploded with theories about when the two would finally act on their feelings.
The Build-Up to Season 18, Episode 16
Episode 16 wasn’t just a random moment—it was the culmination of years of storytelling.
Emotional Turmoil in Season 18
Season 18 was heavy. Between Gibbs’ suspension, team shake-ups, and Ellie’s secretive behavior, the emotional stakes were higher than ever. Fans could sense something big was coming, and they weren’t wrong.
Ellie’s Secret and Nick’s Loyalty
One of the major arcs in this season was Ellie’s secret mission. Nick, despite his doubts, stood by her. His loyalty went beyond friendship—it hinted at something deeper, something more personal.
The Ellick Kiss – Breaking It Down
Now, let’s talk about that moment.
When It Happened
In Episode 16, Ellie revealed her plans to leave. The revelation shattered Nick, but before the heartbreak could sink in, they shared a passionate kiss that sealed years of unresolved tension.
Why It Hit Fans So Hard
This wasn’t just a kiss—it was a confession without words. It was Ellie and Nick admitting what we all knew: they loved each other.
Symbolism Behind the Kiss
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Closure: It gave fans the payoff they had been craving.
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Bittersweet: It was both a beginning and an ending, since Ellie’s departure meant Ellick’s love story was cut short.
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Legacy: It cemented Ellick as one of NCIS’s most unforgettable relationships.
Fan Reactions – Social Media Went Wild
If you were on Twitter, Reddit, or TikTok after this episode aired, you know the fandom lost its mind.
Hashtags That Trended
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#Ellick
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#NCISFinale
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#EllickKiss
Emotional Responses
Some fans celebrated the long-awaited kiss, while others expressed heartbreak over Ellie’s exit. The mix of joy and sadness made it one of the most talked-about NCIS episodes ever.
The Impact on NCIS Moving Forward
What did this kiss mean for the series?
Nick Torres’ Emotional Struggle
Post-kiss, Nick was visibly broken. This storyline gave his character more emotional depth, making fans root for him even more.
The Open Door for Ellie’s Return
Ellie’s departure didn’t feel like a permanent goodbye. The kiss left the door open for her to return, keeping fans hopeful for an Ellick reunion someday.
Why the Ellick Kiss Still Matters Today
Even years later, NCIS fans still rewatch this episode just to relive the kiss.
One of the Best TV Slow-Burn Romances
Not every show pulls off a romance that keeps fans hooked for years. But NCIS did it flawlessly.
The Emotional Connection With Viewers
The kiss wasn’t about ratings—it was about storytelling. Fans felt connected because it reflected real emotions: longing, timing, and the fear of losing someone you love.
Behind the Scenes of the Ellick Kiss
Emily Wickersham’s Exit
Emily’s decision to leave NCIS shocked fans. The kiss wasn’t just a scripted moment—it was a farewell gift to the fandom.
Wilmer Valderrama’s Perspective
Wilmer hinted in interviews that he always knew something romantic was brewing between Ellie and Nick. The kiss confirmed what the actors and fans had felt all along.
Comparing Ellick to Other NCIS Couples
Ziva and Tony (Tiva)
Before Ellick, there was Tiva. Tony and Ziva set the gold standard for NCIS romance. Ellick carried that same torch of longing and unspoken love.
Gibbs and Shannon
Even Gibbs had his love story. Ellick added a modern layer of romance that kept NCIS fresh and relatable.
Why Fans Still Want More Ellick
The kiss wasn’t the end—it was a teaser for what could have been.
Calls for a Spin-Off
Many fans want an Ellick spin-off, imagining Ellie and Nick working together on covert missions while navigating their relationship.
Fan Fiction and Fan Art Explosion
Since the kiss, fan fiction communities have been flooded with Ellick stories. That’s how much impact one moment had.
The Legacy of NCIS Season 18, Episode 16
When people talk about NCIS’s most emotional episodes, Season 18, Episode 16 always makes the list.
A Bittersweet Goodbye
Ellie’s departure hurt, but the kiss gave closure.
A Defining NCIS Moment
The Ellick Kiss sits proudly among NCIS’s most legendary scenes, right next to Tiva’s moments.
Conclusion: The Kiss That Changed NCIS Forever
The Ellick Kiss in NCIS Season 18, Episode 16 wasn’t just a romantic moment—it was storytelling magic. It gave fans closure, hope, and heartbreak all in one scene. Even today, it’s remembered as one of the most emotional, viral, and unforgettable moments in NCIS history.
