The explosive finale of NCIS Season 22 aired as part of the 2025 TV schedule, and for longtime fans of the series, it delivered one of the most emotionally charged endings in recent memory. The final moments left viewers reeling, as Special Agent Alden Parker, portrayed by veteran actor Gary Cole, returned home only to find that his father had been murdered. The perpetrator? None other than Carla Marino—the cold and calculated head of the Kansas City mob.
For those who have followed the procedural drama faithfully for more than a decade, this twist was particularly devastating. After watching the characters evolve and endure loss, betrayal, and moments of redemption, this personal attack on Parker struck a deeply emotional chord. The weight of this tragedy not only changes the tone of the story moving forward, but it could also signal a profound transformation in Parker’s character as NCIS heads into its highly anticipated 23rd season this fall.
The big question now is: What’s next for Alden Parker? Will this loss push him to the edge? Could fans see a darker, more vengeful side of the usually composed and by-the-book federal agent?
In a recent conversation I had with Gary Cole, who stepped into a leading role on the show following Mark Harmon’s departure early in Season 19, the actor offered some thought-provoking comments about where Parker’s journey might be headed. Without giving away specific plot points, Cole hinted at a possible shift in Parker’s moral compass—one that may blur the lines between justice and personal vengeance.
I asked him directly whether Parker would consider going rogue in order to take down Carla Marino, or if he’d try to process his grief within the structured and lawful approach he’s been known for. Cole didn’t give a definitive answer, but his response suggested that Parker might not remain the man we’ve come to know.
“He’s lost something irreplaceable,” Cole said thoughtfully. “And while Parker believes in the law, he also believes in loyalty and family. There’s a line he may be willing to cross if it means stopping someone like Carla.”
His words hint at a possible internal conflict brewing in Season 23—one that could set the stage for a compelling narrative arc. Parker’s pain, anger, and sense of duty are now tangled together, creating a recipe for a season filled with tension, unexpected choices, and character evolution.
As NCIS fans eagerly await CBS’s 2025–2026 fall lineup, all eyes will be on Alden Parker. Will he uphold the values that define the NCIS team, or will he allow personal grief to cloud his judgment and lead him down a darker path?
One thing’s for certain: NCIS Season 23 promises to be a game-changer, and Gary Cole’s portrayal of a grieving yet resolute agent could deliver some of the most compelling television the series has seen in years.
