Introduction: Is Gibbs Still the Real Leader of NCIS?
Let’s be honest—NCIS fans are loyal. Fiercely loyal. Especially when it comes to Leroy Jethro Gibbs, the no-nonsense team leader who ran the Major Case Response Team (MCRT) for nearly two decades. So, when Alden Parker, played by Gary Cole, stepped in, the comparisons were inevitable.
But here’s the problem: Season 22 keeps bringing up Gibbs, and it’s making it nearly impossible for Parker to truly take the reins. Every time his name pops up, it’s like the ghost of Gibbs is still running the show. So the question becomes: Can Parker ever be seen as the rightful leader, or will Gibbs always haunt the squad room?
Let’s dive deep into how NCIS is handling this leadership transition—and maybe mishandling it—and why these constant references to Gibbs could be the very thing holding Parker back.
The Legacy of Gibbs: A Hard Act to Follow
Gibbs Wasn’t Just a Character—He Was the Core of the Show
When Gibbs left, he didn’t just leave a desk empty. He left behind years of legacy, a unique leadership style, and deep emotional connections with his team. His presence is etched into the very walls of NCIS headquarters.
Fans Still Feel Like He’s Just “On Leave”
Part of the problem is that Gibbs didn’t die or disappear dramatically. He’s just… out there, fishing in Alaska. That kind of open-ended exit makes it easy for writers to drop in references—and they do, a lot.
Parker’s Struggle: The Man in the Long Shadow
He’s Not Trying to Be Gibbs—and That’s the Point
Parker’s leadership style is more collaborative. He’s quirky. He jokes. He even shares his thought process with the team. It’s refreshing—but that difference keeps rubbing against the nostalgia fans have for Gibbs’ stoic silence and head slaps.
Too Many Gibbs Comparisons Stall Parker’s Growth
Every time the team compares Parker to Gibbs—even in passing—it stops Parker from being his own man. It’s like every episode hands him a suit that doesn’t quite fit.
Season 22’s Script: Loaded With Gibbs Callbacks
Subtle References That Speak Volumes
It’s not just name-dropping. Sometimes it’s a case tactic Gibbs used. Or a boat metaphor. Or a deadpan stare from McGee that screams, “Gibbs would’ve handled that differently.”
Episode 3 Is the Perfect Example
In Season 22, Episode 3, there’s a moment where McGee mentions something “Gibbs would’ve done,” and you can see Parker shrink a little. It’s not overt. But it’s there. And it’s telling.
Team Dynamics: Who Are They Really Loyal To?
McGee, Torres, and Knight: Torn Between Past and Present
McGee worked with Gibbs the longest. He practically grew up under him. Torres had his own complicated connection. And Knight? She’s newer, but even she knows the legend.
The Loyalty Dilemma
The team may respect Parker, but their loyalty is still deeply tied to Gibbs. It’s hard to move forward when your heart is stuck in the past.
Audience Attachment: The Show Trains Fans to Cling to Gibbs
The Writers Keep Reopening the Wound
NCIS isn’t letting fans heal from Gibbs’ exit. And that’s partly why they still haven’t embraced Parker fully. Every callback pulls us right back.
Gibbs’ Mystery Adds to the Allure
He’s not gone-gone. He could come back at any moment. That sense of unfinished business keeps the door wide open—for him, but closed for Parker.
Why NCIS Needs to Let Parker Lead
It’s Time for a Clean Slate
If Parker is really the new boss, he deserves to lead without being haunted. That means less Gibbs nostalgia and more focus on what makes Parker unique.
Gary Cole Has the Talent—Let Him Use It
Cole is a seasoned actor with range. He brings a different energy, and that’s OK. The show needs to embrace that, not undercut it with constant nods to the past.
How NCIS Could Fix This Going Forward
Stop Name-Dropping Gibbs So Often
Let the audience and the team emotionally move on. It doesn’t mean forgetting him—it means evolving beyond him.
Give Parker a Defining Moment
Parker needs an unforgettable, high-stakes case where he leads like no one else could. A “this is MY team now” moment that solidifies his place.
Develop Deeper Relationships Within the Team
Let’s see Parker bond with McGee on a personal level. Or go toe-to-toe with Torres. These kinds of moments build legacy.
The Real Issue: Fear of Letting Go
Is NCIS Scared to Close the Gibbs Chapter?
Maybe the writers are nervous that letting go of Gibbs means losing fans. But the truth is—fans stick around for good stories and strong characters. Letting Parker shine could be the next big chapter.
A Show in Transition: Balancing Legacy and Future
NCIS Is at a Crossroads
The show has always reinvented itself over time. But now, it’s at a major turning point. Season 22 needs to decide: Are we moving forward, or stuck in the past?
Conclusion: Parker Deserves More Than Just Gibbs’ Hand-Me-Downs
NCIS Season 22 has shown us one thing clearly—Alden Parker is not the problem. The writing is. The continued references to Gibbs are like an anchor tied around Parker’s ankles. Until the show fully commits to its new leader, we’ll always feel like we’re watching someone trying to fill shoes that were never meant to be filled.
Let Parker wear his own shoes. Let him leave his own footprints. And let NCIS evolve—not just survive—in a post-Gibbs era.
FAQs
1. Why do fans compare Parker to Gibbs so much?
Because Gibbs was the face of NCIS for almost 20 years. Fans formed emotional attachments, so any new character—especially a leader—will naturally face comparisons.
2. Has Gibbs completely left NCIS for good?
As of Season 22, Gibbs is “retired” and living in Alaska, but the door has been left open for potential guest appearances or a return.
3. Is Parker trying to be like Gibbs?
Not at all. Parker has his own leadership style—more collaborative and open. That’s actually what sets him apart, and it’s a refreshing change.
4. How can NCIS make Parker a stronger leader?
By letting go of constant references to Gibbs, giving Parker standout cases, and deepening his relationships with the rest of the team.
5. Will fans ever accept Parker as the true MCRT leader?
It’s possible—but only if the writers allow Parker to lead without the constant shadow of Gibbs hanging over him. Trust in character development goes a long way.
Would you like a follow-up article comparing Parker’s leadership style to Gibbs’ in-depth?
