Let’s be honest—NCIS Season 22 had plenty of strong episodes, from high-stakes missions to heartfelt character moments. But even long-running shows like this one hit a few bumps.
And in this case? One specific storyline stood out for all the wrong reasons—a subplot that had potential but ultimately felt undercooked, unresolved, and, well… disappointing.
Good news? It’s not too late. Season 23 has a golden opportunity to turn it around. In fact, it only needs to do one specific thing to fix it.
Let’s break it down.
The Storyline That Didn’t Land—What Went Wrong?
Knight and Jimmy’s Relationship Drama Felt Rushed and Shallow
Since Season 19, fans have rooted for Jessica Knight (Katrina Law) and Dr. Jimmy Palmer (Brian Dietzen) as one of the show’s more grounded and wholesome couples. Their chemistry was slow-building, authentic, and refreshingly different from past NCIS romances.
But in Season 22? Things got messy—and not in a good way.
Here’s what frustrated viewers:
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Sudden tension without clear buildup
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Emotional distance with little screen time to explain it
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A random “break” that didn’t align with previous episodes
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No clear resolution by the finale
It felt like the writers were checking a drama box rather than giving fans a meaningful arc. And considering how beloved both characters are, that didn’t sit well with longtime viewers.
Why This Plotline Matters More Than It Seems
Because Fans Are Invested in Real Relationships—Not Forced Drama
NCIS isn’t just about solving crimes. It’s about characters we care about, evolving over years, not episodes. And for once, we had a slow-burn romance that was realistic and emotionally satisfying.
Knight and Jimmy were:
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Supportive without being sappy
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Professional without being cold
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Playful but emotionally grounded
Season 22’s attempt at injecting tension felt like a cheap twist instead of a thoughtful development. It undermined both characters and left their arc in limbo.
The Simple Fix for Season 23
Give Them One Honest Conversation—That’s All
No grand gesture. No forced love triangle. No dramatic breakup or out-of-nowhere reunion.
Just one honest, emotionally raw conversation between Jimmy and Knight, where they actually talk about:
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Why things fell apart
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What they want moving forward
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Whether they’re still in this together
That’s it. One scene could redeem an entire season of frustrating missteps. Why? Because the foundation is still there. The chemistry still works. The fans are still rooting for them.
Why This Scene Could Be a Game-Changer
Fans Need Closure—Or Hope
Right now, the Knight-Palmer storyline is in narrative limbo. They’re not fully broken up. They’re not officially together. They’re just… stuck.
That’s not compelling storytelling—it’s just confusing.
Season 23 can either:
✅ Reignite their relationship with renewed emotional clarity
OR
✅ Offer a mature breakup that respects both characters and wraps their arc cleanly
Either way, a conversation is the key. Not more awkward tension or radio silence.
What the Writers Can Learn from Other NCIS Romances
Past Couples Got Real Moments—So Why Not These Two?
Let’s look back:
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Tony and Ziva had a years-long flirtation, but their payoff came through emotional realism and deep mutual respect.
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Gibbs and Sloane never officially dated, but their chemistry was explored with nuance and subtlety.
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McGee and Delilah are a grounded couple that survives the test of time with real-life struggles and victories.
What do these all have in common? Depth. Timing. Respect for the characters. Knight and Jimmy deserve the same.
What Fans Are Saying About the Storyline
The Disappointment Is Loud and Clear
Here’s what fans are posting on forums and social media:
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“I love Knight and Jimmy, but Season 22 didn’t do them justice.”
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“What happened between them? It felt like we skipped five chapters.”
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“Give me one real conversation between them. That’s all I ask.”
It’s not that fans hate the drama. They just hate lazy conflict. Viewers are smart—they want growth, not guesswork.
Season 23 Has a Chance to Redeem the Series’ Romantic Legacy
Because This Relationship Represents Modern NCIS
In a post-Gibbs era, NCIS is redefining its identity. Knight and Jimmy are the face of that evolution. A relationship built on emotional intelligence, vulnerability, and mutual support.
If the writers fix their storyline the right way, it signals something powerful:
“We still care about character-driven storytelling.”
And in Season 23, that might be the key to keeping longtime fans engaged.
What Else Could Season 23 Do with Knight & Jimmy?
Once They Talk, Here Are 3 Possible (Great) Directions
1. Recommit and Rebuild
Have them start fresh—acknowledge the mess, talk about their fears, and take it slow again. Fans would love to see them grow as a team.
2. Co-Parent a New Team Member (Figuratively)
Bring in a rookie agent and let Knight and Jimmy act as unofficial mentors—together. It’s subtle, emotional bonding without forced romance.
3. Break Up, but Stay Close
Let them split amicably, but still work and joke together like pros. Show adults handling things like adults. That’s rare—and powerful.
Other Plotlines Season 23 Needs to Revisit
While we’re here, Season 22 dropped the ball on more than just Jimmy and Knight. If the writers are revisiting unresolved threads, they should also look at:
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Parker’s past — Still too mysterious
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Kasie’s development — Needs more screen time and depth
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McGee’s leadership — He’s earned more authority but hasn’t been given it
Final Thoughts – It’s Not Too Late to Get It Right
Even the best shows misstep now and then. What matters is how they respond. NCIS has proven, time and again, that it can bounce back from rough patches.
Season 23 has a clear shot at redemption. It doesn’t need big twists or forced drama.
It just needs one honest moment between two characters we care about.
That’s how you turn a disappointing storyline into a fan-favorite arc.
FAQs
1. What storyline in NCIS Season 22 disappointed fans the most?
The unresolved and rushed tension between Jessica Knight and Jimmy Palmer left fans feeling confused and emotionally disconnected.
2. Are Jimmy and Knight still together in NCIS?
As of Season 22’s finale, their relationship is unclear. They are not officially broken up, but there’s no resolution either.
3. Will Season 23 explore their relationship again?
Most likely, yes. Showrunners have hinted that key unresolved arcs will carry over into the next season.
4. How can the writers fix their storyline?
One heartfelt conversation between the two characters—explaining their issues and deciding where to go next—could redeem the arc entirely.
5. When does NCIS Season 23 premiere?
While CBS has not confirmed an exact date, NCIS Season 23 is expected to premiere in Fall 2025.
Sometimes, all it takes is one conversation to save a relationship—and a storyline. Here’s hoping NCIS remembers that in Season 23.
