Following the NCIS season 22 finale, NCIS season 23 is hinting at a major character change that could call back to the show’s earlier seasons. The NCIS season 22 ending featured several exciting events, with the darkest moment revealing that Parker’s father was killed by NCIS season 22’s villain, Carla Marino. NCIS season 23 could then build on this discovery by changing Parker in response to his father’s death.
The NCIS season 22 finale ended with many stories still unresolved, with Parker’s family mystery being the biggest one so far. However, his conflict with Marino adds more complexity to the already confusing history, as Parker’s father had many of the answers that Parker was searching for. As NCIS season 23 looks into Parker’s future, Parker’s character transformation will likely mirror one other iconic NCIS character.
Parker Could Become Vengeful Following His Father’s Murder
NCIS Season 22 Ended By Giving Parker A Dark Realization
Gary Cole’s Alden Parker is typically a very calm and collected character. He is also friendly and understanding. All of these aspects have made him a great leader over the past few seasons. His leadership style was even a refreshing change from Gibbs’ authority. However, the way that NCIS season 22 ended sets up a dark path for Parker moving forward.
When Parker discovered that his father had been killed, he saw that there were two wine glasses on his father’s table and one of them had a dark lipstick print on it. It was at that moment that Parker knew NCIS’ Carla Marino had killed him to avenge her son’s death. Marino’s anger towards Parker was personal and now so was his. Parker’s intense reaction to the death of his father is justified. But beyond that, it’s likely that he would stop at nothing to get revenge for the crime.
Parker Developing A Darker Personality Would Change The Atmosphere Of The MCRT
Parker Would Not Have A Relaxed Leadership Style Anymore
As the leader of the MCRT, Parker’s temperament sets the team’s overall mood. His leadership style is also highly influential and can directly affect the members’ relationships with each other and with himself. As a result, Parker developing a darker personality could completely change the atmosphere of NCIS’ MCRT. Parker has especially been known for his professional but relaxed leadership style. However, if NCIS season 23 is centered on catching Marino by any means necessary, then that will have to change.
Parker has especially been known for his professional but relaxed leadership style. However, if NCIS season 23 is centered on catching Marino by any means necessary, then that will have to change.
As a direct consequence of NCIS season 22’s ending and the result it had on Parker, NCIS season 23 could develop a darker tone than usual. This could be because Parker is grieving his father’s death. It could also be the result of his fueled desire to catch Marino when she previously kept evading arrest. Besides Parker’s involvement, NCIS season 23 could also have a darker tone because Parker’s new personality could bring more darkness to the team.
Parker’s New Personality Could Mirror Gibbs From The Early Days
Gibbs Could Also Be Vengeful
From the start of NCIS, Gibbs was known for being cold and emotionally reserved. At times, he could even be the complete opposite of Parker. As time went on and more information was revealed about him, NCIS also revealed that Gibbs could be vengeful. He killed Pedro Hernandez because he killed Gibbs’ wife and daughter. He also went on a path of revenge against Ari Haswari because he killed NCIS’ Kate. Now that Marino has killed Parker’s father, Parker could follow Gibbs’ path.
NCIS season 23 will air in the fall of 2025.
With the reintroduction of season villains and longer personal arcs, NCIS may start to look like its older seasons again. However, Parker’s transformation into a cold, ruthless leader could be the thing that makes NCIS season 23 most comparable to NCIS’ first seasons. A vengeful personal arc could also be what Parker’s character deserves. Gibbs went through a lot of dark moments before he became the more relaxed leader he is now known as. While Parker started off relaxed, a personality change in NCIS season 23 could give him a greater edge.
