NCIS is a show built on intrigue, relationships, and long-running story arcs that pay off in satisfying ways—or at least, that’s how it used to be. Season 22 had everything lined up to deliver a compelling and emotionally charged narrative. The groundwork was there. The setup? Pitch perfect. But somewhere between the writers’ room and the screen, the most exciting storyline of the season was left to fizzle out into forgettable filler.
Let’s unpack how NCIS Season 22 dropped the ball, and why fans are still scratching their heads.
The Set-Up Had All the Right Pieces
A Mystery Rooted in Legacy
Season 22 hinted at a storyline tied to Gibbs’ past—a potential secret mission or buried truth that could shake the very foundations of the agency. It was teased with cryptic files, whispered conversations, and callbacks to earlier seasons.
High Stakes and Emotional Hooks
Longtime fans perked up. Was Gibbs returning? Would we learn something new about his past team? The buzz was real, and expectations were sky-high.
then… Nothing Happened
A Build-Up With No Payoff
After multiple episodes laid the groundwork, the arc just… disappeared. No twist, no climax, not even a solid explanation. What felt like it could’ve been a multi-episode thriller arc became background noise.
Why It Stings
Fans weren’t just disappointed—they were invested. Teasing a major storyline and then ignoring it is more than bad writing; it’s breaking a contract with the audience.
What The Storyline Could Have Been
A Deep Dive Into Gibbs’ Shadowy Past
There was a real opportunity to explore unanswered questions about Gibbs’ past cases, his time in Mexico, or even connections to other characters like Ziva, Fornell, or Mike Franks.
Emotional Tie-Ins Were Possible
Imagine if the arc led to Ziva’s reappearance, or revealed that an old enemy had resurfaced. The emotional and narrative stakes would’ve soared.
The Writers’ Missed Opportunity
Playing It Safe
Rather than chase the bold story they teased, the writers chose comfort—episodic cases, safe resolutions, and no major cast or lore shakeups.
Playing With Fan Loyalty
Season 22 assumed fans would stick around no matter what, even without delivering on its biggest promise. That’s a risky bet.
What NCIS Did Instead
Filler Over Fire
Instead of running with the compelling narrative thread, we got procedural filler—cases-of-the-week with little connectivity or emotional weight.
Recycling Old Tropes
Some episodes felt like reboots of older stories. The freshness Season 22 teased at the start was never realized.
Fan Reactions Say It All
Disappointment Across Social Media
Reddit threads, Twitter/X posts, and fan forums all echoed one sentiment: “Why build up a story just to ignore it?”
Trust Erosion
Fans aren’t just annoyed—they’re feeling let down. Once you tease something big, you have to deliver. NCIS didn’t.
What This Means for the Show’s Future
A Turning Point or a Downward Spiral?
With newer spin-offs (NCIS: Sydney, NCIS: Hawai’i) rising and the original cast mostly gone, the core NCIS series is at a crossroads.
Can It Rebuild That Trust?
Yes—but it’ll take risks, stronger serialized storytelling, and fewer empty promises.
Other Abandoned Plotlines From Season 22
Knight and Torres’ Will-They-Won’t-They?
A slow-burn romance teased over multiple episodes fizzled with no emotional payoff.
Alden Parker’s Backstory
Hints about his mysterious past went nowhere—again. Why keep teasing if you’re not going to commit?
Where’s Vance’s Arc?
After so many seasons, Director Vance deserves more than a few background scenes. He’s a fan favorite with untapped potential.
How NCIS Can Bounce Back in Season 23
Commit to Serialized Storytelling
We get it—procedural roots run deep. But serialized arcs give weight to episodes. Think Ziva’s return, Tony’s exit, or Gibbs’ vendettas.
Listen to Fan Feedback
The NCIS fanbase is vocal and passionate. Give them payoff for their investment.
Bring Back the Emotional Core
NCIS was never just about crime-solving. It was about relationships, growth, and loyalty. Rebuild that heart.
Will We Ever See That Storyline Revisited?
It’s Possible—but Unlikely
Unless it was intentionally shelved for Season 23, it’s rare for NCIS to circle back to dropped arcs unless fan pressure demands it.
The Writers Owe the Audience
If nothing else, we deserve a resolution—even if it’s a single episode that wraps up what they started.
Conclusion: Season 22’s Big Letdown Was Avoidable
The most frustrating part of NCIS Season 22’s wasted storyline isn’t that it failed—it’s that it had everything it needed to succeed. A rich premise. Fan investment. Emotional stakes. But instead of delivering, the season tiptoed back to safety and left viewers hanging.
If NCIS wants to thrive moving forward, it needs to take bolder steps. No more teasing without payoff. No more empty build-up. Fans are loyal—but they’re not blind.
❓ 5 Unique FAQs About NCIS Season 22
1. What was the storyline NCIS Season 22 teased but didn’t follow through on?
A major arc related to Gibbs’ past and an internal NCIS conspiracy was introduced early, then seemingly dropped without resolution.
2. Did Gibbs return in Season 22?
No, although his name and past actions were referenced, there was no on-screen return by Mark Harmon.
3. Why didn’t NCIS pursue the storyline they set up?
There’s no official explanation, but it’s likely the writers shifted focus or ran out of time before resolving the arc.
4. Is Season 23 confirmed, and will it address these dropped plots?
Season 23 is confirmed. Whether it picks up the abandoned plot threads remains to be seen.
5. How are fans reacting to Season 22 overall?
While some appreciated the procedural familiarity, many longtime viewers criticized the lack of character development and unresolved arcs.
✨ Custom Message:
This article was written by a fan who’s been riding with NCIS since the Kate days. If you felt cheated by Season 22, you’re not alone. Share this with someone still waiting for the story we were promised.
