When it comes to long-running television franchises, few have captivated audiences quite like NCIS. But recently, the franchise has come under fire for doing something that writers—whether in novels, plays, or screenplays—have been taught never to do. That’s right: the NCIS universe has broken a 136-year-old storytelling principle that dates back to the 19th century. And fans are not exactly pleased.

In this article, we’ll unpack what this principle is, how the NCIS franchise shattered it, and why it has left fans frustrated. If you’re a lover of TV, storytelling, or just someone who hates sloppy endings, you’ll want to keep reading.

What Exactly Is the 136-Year-Old Writing Principle?

The principle in question is tied to Chekhov’s Gun, a storytelling rule introduced by Russian playwright Anton Chekhov in the late 1800s. The rule is simple: “If in the first act you hang a pistol on the wall, then in the following act it should be fired.”

In plain terms, this means that if a story introduces an important detail, it should eventually matter. Writers should avoid dangling details or setups that never pay off.

This principle is a cornerstone of good storytelling. It prevents wasted buildup, ensures tight plotting, and keeps the audience satisfied.

So how did NCIS go against this golden rule? Let’s dig in.

NCIS and the Broken Rule

The NCIS franchise—especially with its many spinoffs like NCIS: Los Angeles, NCIS: New Orleans, and NCIS: Hawai’i—has long thrived on careful character arcs and clever storytelling. But in recent seasons, fans have noticed a frustrating trend: the setup without the payoff.

Writers have been dropping plot threads, teasing mysteries, or hinting at character developments—only to abandon them without resolution.

Imagine spending weeks watching a mystery build around a character’s backstory, only for it to be tossed aside or forgotten in the next episode. That’s exactly what happened, and fans quickly caught on.

Examples of NCIS Breaking the Rule

1. Characters Introduced Without Purpose

New characters are sometimes hyped up as “game changers,” but many never play a meaningful role. Viewers invest time learning about them, only for these characters to vanish without explanation.

2. Unfinished Storylines

From personal struggles to ongoing investigations, several story arcs have ended abruptly. Fans expected resolutions—after all, that’s what good storytelling promises—but instead, many threads were left hanging.

3. Foreshadowing Gone Wrong

Subtle hints often signal big reveals in shows like NCIS. But in recent seasons, foreshadowing has been misused, leading to teases that never actually deliver. That’s the ultimate Chekhov’s Gun violation.

Why Fans Are So Frustrated

When audiences watch procedural dramas like NCIS, they expect mysteries to be solved and character arcs to feel complete. Breaking Chekhov’s principle disrupts that trust.

It’s like being promised fireworks at the end of a long summer day… only for the show to end with silence. You’ve invested, waited, and expected payoff—but it never comes.

The Long-Term Risks for the Franchise

The NCIS brand has survived for decades because of consistency and payoff. Fans trust that watching an episode (or an entire season) will feel rewarding. But violating this principle risks alienating the loyal audience.

Without that trust, viewers may start asking: “Why bother watching if the storylines never go anywhere?”

Breaking the Principle: Intentional or Mistake?

Some argue the writers may have deliberately broken this rule to surprise viewers or keep things “unpredictable.” Others think it’s simply the result of rushed writing, canceled shows, or poor planning.

But here’s the problem: while unpredictability can be exciting, sloppy storytelling never is. Writers must balance surprise with satisfaction, and NCIS hasn’t been striking that balance lately.

Comparing NCIS to Other Shows

Plenty of modern series break rules to great effect. For example, Game of Thrones shocked viewers with character deaths that defied traditional arcs. But even there, the principle was usually respected—every foreshadowed detail mattered.

In contrast, NCIS seems to introduce elements that simply fade away. And that’s why the criticism is so sharp.

The Chekhov’s Gun Lesson NCIS Forgot

At its heart, Chekhov’s Gun is about respecting the audience’s investment. If you set something up, you must deliver.

Breaking this rule once or twice might be forgivable. But doing it repeatedly? That risks the entire franchise’s reputation.

What NCIS Could Do to Fix This

• Resolve Loose Threads: Bring back unresolved arcs and finish them, even briefly.

• Stop Red Herrings Overload: A few misleads are fine, but endless teases without payoff wear fans down.

• Plan Character Arcs Better: Give every new character purpose and closure.

• Respect Audience Trust: Deliver what’s been promised instead of ignoring it.

A Warning for Other Franchises

What happened with NCIS should serve as a cautionary tale for other long-running shows. Breaking foundational storytelling rules might seem like a bold choice, but it often backfires.

The longer a franchise runs, the more important consistency becomes. Fans stick around for continuity and payoff—not random abandoned plots.

Will NCIS Recover From This Mistake?

The NCIS franchise still holds incredible cultural weight. With the right adjustments, it can regain audience trust. But it will require the writers to return to storytelling basics—respecting Chekhov’s Gun and delivering payoffs fans deserve.

If they don’t? The legacy of NCIS could slowly fade, remembered not for its clever cases, but for frustrating storytelling missteps.

Conclusion

The NCIS franchise’s choice to break a 136-year-old writing principle isn’t just a quirky mistake—it’s a fundamental storytelling failure. By ignoring Chekhov’s Gun, the show undermines its own audience’s trust.

Fans don’t just want fast-paced cases and witty banter; they want stories that respect their time and investment. And until NCIS learns that lesson, frustration will continue to grow louder than applause.

FAQs

1. What is Chekhov’s Gun in writing?
It’s the principle that every detail introduced in a story must serve a purpose later, avoiding wasted or meaningless setups.

2. How did NCIS break this rule?
By introducing storylines, characters, and hints that never paid off, frustrating fans who expected closure.

3. Why does breaking this principle upset fans?
Because it makes viewers feel like their time and attention were wasted. Payoff is essential in storytelling.

4. Can NCIS fix its storytelling mistakes?
Yes—by tying up loose ends, respecting foreshadowing, and giving character arcs satisfying resolutions.

5. What lesson should other shows learn from NCIS?
Never underestimate the audience’s memory. Respect the setups you create, and always deliver on promises.