The NCIS Season 22 finale didn’t just close out the season—it blew it wide open. Instead of a tidy wrap-up, we got cliffhangers, cryptic conversations, and just enough mystery to drive the fandom absolutely wild. Whether you’re a longtime viewer or a casual fan, there’s no denying the shock factor was real.
So, let’s dig into the 9 biggest unanswered questions that Season 22 left behind. Grab your coffee, folks—this is going to be a ride.
1. Where Did Director Vance Go?
The Final Scene Was Too Quiet To Be Normal
Leon Vance slipped away with minimal fanfare—and that’s exactly what makes it suspicious. We last saw him taking a mysterious call, then leaving HQ. No explanation. No destination. Nothing.
Could This Be a Setup for a Spin-Off or a Major Plotline?
Is Vance secretly heading up a covert op? Is he missing? The man’s been in charge of NCIS for years—if he’s in trouble, the whole agency could be at risk. Don’t be surprised if his absence triggers a global manhunt.
2. Is Ziva David About to Return (Again)?
Her Name Wasn’t Just Dropped for Nostalgia
Ziva’s name came up in a strange moment—quiet, tense, and too random to be coincidental. That’s not how this show operates.
What Could Her Return Mean for the Team?
We’ve seen Ziva disappear and reappear like a ghost before. If she does return, it could shake up the team dynamics—especially for Torres and McGee, who still carry emotional scars from her previous exits.
3. Who Called Torres at the End?
That Final Phone Call Could Change Everything
Just when things seemed calm, Nick Torres got a phone call—and his face said it all. He looked stunned. No audio. No caller ID. Just a cliffhanger and a screen fade to black.
Theories Are Flying—and So Are Gibbs Rumors
Was it someone presumed dead? Was it a setup? Was it Gibbs? No one knows—but that’s exactly what has fans on edge. And let’s be real—if Gibbs is behind that call, Season 23 is going to be insane.
4. Is Gibbs Planning a Secret Return?
His Spirit Still Haunts the Show
Mark Harmon may have stepped away, but Leroy Jethro Gibbs never really left. His presence lingers in every major decision, every whisper of “old rules,” and every mention of Alaska.
Could He Be Behind the Scenes of a New Operation?
Gibbs stepping out of the spotlight only makes him more powerful. Fans suspect he’s operating off the grid—and if he is pulling strings from afar, NCIS could be on the verge of a massive shake-up.
5. What’s the Deal with Parker’s Past?
Flashbacks Are Rare—So Why Now?
We saw glimpses into Alden Parker’s past this season, and those weren’t just random cutscenes. They hinted at deeper wounds, hidden agendas, and someone from his old life still pulling at the threads.
Are We About to See Parker’s Life Implode?
NCIS doesn’t dive into a character’s history unless it’s about to collide with the present. Expect fireworks.
6. Will Palmer and Knight’s Relationship Survive?
Their Chemistry Was Off—What Happened?
Palmer and Knight have always been the emotional glue of the newer seasons. But lately? Something feels off. They’re distant. They’re dodging hard conversations. Something’s brewing.
Are We Looking at a Breakup—or Just Growing Pains?
If they split, it could divide fans—and possibly the team. Then again, NCIS doesn’t do romance without drama.
7. Is There a New Villain Hiding in Plain Sight?
That Shadowy Figure Wasn’t Just Background Filler
Rewatch the finale. Seriously. There’s a figure in the background during the last team scene—and they’re watching. Creepy? Yep. Intentional? 100%.
Could We Be Looking at the Next Big Antagonist?
The NCIS franchise loves slow-burning villains. We might’ve just seen the introduction without realizing it. A new “Palmer-like” villain could change the tone of the entire next season.
8. Are McGee’s Days at NCIS Numbered?
He’s Dropping Hints Left and Right
Tim McGee has been reflecting more than usual. Talking about family. Legacy. The good old days. That’s TV language for “I’m considering walking away.”
Would NCIS Survive Without Him?
Honestly, McGee is the glue holding the originals together now. If he goes? The team dynamic could fracture—and fans might not forgive the writers for it.
9. Is There a Major NCIS Crossover Coming?
That Mention of Hawai’i Felt Strategic
The team briefly mentioned Pearl Harbor and some activity in Hawai’i. Just casual conversation? Nah. Not on thisshow.
Could This Be Setting Up a Multi-Series Crossover?
Between NCIS: Hawai’i and rumors of LL Cool J’s return as Sam Hanna, fans are hoping for a crossover event that brings the entire NCIS universe together. It might just be what Season 23 needs to blow ratings through the roof.
Conclusion: Season 22 Raised the Stakes—And the Questions
One thing’s clear: NCIS Season 22 didn’t end—it paused. We’re staring down the barrel of multiple twists, secret phone calls, potential comebacks, and high-stakes emotional arcs. Whether it’s the return of fan-favorite characters or the introduction of a new threat, Season 23 is shaping up to be one for the books.
Until then? We’ll be rewatching that finale, overanalyzing every frame, and debating theories until we get answers.
FAQs
Q1: Is Mark Harmon officially returning as Gibbs in Season 23?
A: There’s no official confirmation yet, but clues in the finale suggest the door is wide open for his return.
Q2: Will there be a crossover between NCIS and NCIS: Hawai’i?
A: Strong hints suggest a crossover is being planned, especially with recent character references and storylines.
Q3: Are Jimmy Palmer and Jessica Knight breaking up?
A: Their recent behavior hints at tension, but nothing has been confirmed. It could go either way in Season 23.
Q4: Why did the finale end with a mystery phone call?
A: The writers clearly intended to leave fans guessing—expect this to be a key plot point early in Season 23.
Q5: Is NCIS setting up a new long-term villain?
A: Possibly. Subtle clues in the background suggest a new threat may be watching the team from the shadows.
