As one of the longest-running procedurals on the air, NCIS has built its legacy on the leadership of one controversial figure, Leroy Jethro Gibbs (Mark Harmon), but after years of Alden Parker (Gary Cole) at the helm, the old guard doesn’t look as great. For seasons, it’s been clear that Gibbs and Parker are incredibly different in terms of their leadership style.
While Parker has been a part of the show since NCIS season 19 after Gibbs left early on, there’s been a lot more about him on the series than there was about Gibbs throughout his time on the series. With new storylines coming to NCIS season 23 that surround Parker’s past, the series will be taking a detailed look at the MCRT leader.
Although Gibbs spent years as one of the biggest parts of NCIS’ highly-skilled team, it was clear that the lone wolf style of his leadership didn’t lend to learning more about his character from a personal perspective. Now, seeing Parker opening up a bit more story-wise, it will be interesting to see one side of Parker that never came to fruition for Gibbs.
The long-running hit series NCIS has always been about team dynamics, loyalty, and leadership. For decades, fans followed the iconic Leroy Jethro Gibbs, played by Mark Harmon, as the backbone of the show. But now, with Season 23 approaching, the spotlight is shifting dramatically. Special Agent Alden Parker (Gary Cole) is finally stepping up—and it looks like this new storyline might make Parker shine brighter while leaving Gibbs’ legendary reputation in the shadows. But what does this really mean for the show, the fans, and the legacy of its most beloved character? Let’s break it all down.
Why Season 23 Feels Like a Turning Point
NCIS is entering rare television territory with 23 seasons under its belt. To keep things fresh, the writers need new angles and character developments. This season seems designed to elevate Parker’s leadership style, contrasting it directly with Gibbs’ old-school methods. The result? Fans are about to see Parker win big while Gibbs’ past decisions don’t look as heroic in hindsight.
The Parker vs. Gibbs Dynamic
Parker’s Modern Leadership Style
Parker isn’t Gibbs. He’s less rigid, more open-minded, and willing to collaborate in ways Gibbs never was. His approachable demeanor connects with younger agents, giving the team a fresh vibe that feels modern and relatable.
Gibbs’ Old-School Authority
Gibbs’ leadership worked in his era—strict rules, tough love, and unshakable authority. But in today’s workplace culture, his methods may come off as harsh or outdated. Season 23 looks ready to highlight that gap, painting Parker as the leader NCIS needs now.
How The Writers Are Shaping Parker’s Rise
The showrunners know that Parker isn’t Gibbs 2.0. Instead, they’re leaning into his unique strengths: empathy, humor, and adaptability. Expect to see Parker’s decisions framed as smarter, more ethical, and more effective than Gibbs’ black-and-white rulebook.
Does This Mean Gibbs’ Legacy Is At Risk?
Here’s the tricky part: Gibbs is the NCIS legend. Any attempt to make Parker look better could unintentionally tarnish Gibbs’ reputation. By revisiting old cases or contrasting past methods with new approaches, the writers risk rewriting history in a way that makes Gibbs appear flawed or outdated.
Fan Reaction: Excitement or Backlash?
Parker’s Supporters
Many fans welcome the change. They see Parker as a breath of fresh air, someone who can keep NCIS relevant in a modern TV landscape.
Gibbs Loyalists
Others, however, aren’t thrilled. To them, Gibbs is untouchable, and any suggestion that he wasn’t the perfect leader feels like betrayal. Social media is already buzzing with debates about whether the show is “disrespecting” Gibbs’ legacy.
The Bigger Question: Can Parker Ever Truly Replace Gibbs?
Let’s be real—no matter how strong Parker becomes, Gibbs will always cast a shadow. Season 23 might make Parker look like the better leader, but emotionally, many fans will still see Gibbs as the heart and soul of NCIS.
Why The Writers Might Be Doing This
Keeping The Series Fresh
After 20+ years, you can’t tell the same story forever. Shaking up the leadership dynamic is one way to keep fans engaged.
Shifting With The Times
TV audiences expect nuanced characters and modern leadership themes. Parker’s style fits today’s cultural expectations better than Gibbs’ military-like authority.
Building For The Future
If NCIS wants to survive another decade, it needs a leader who resonates with new viewers. Parker is being positioned as that future.
The Emotional Tug-of-War for Fans
Season 23 is setting up a classic TV dilemma: progress versus nostalgia. Parker represents progress—modern leadership, fresh energy, and adaptability. Gibbs represents nostalgia—the legendary figure whose shadow looms large. Fans will be torn between embracing the future and clinging to the past.
Comparing Key Leadership Moments
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Gibbs’ Way: Trust your gut, break rules when necessary, push people hard to get results.
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Parker’s Way: Listen first, build consensus, use strategy over instinct.
Which style works better? Season 23 seems determined to argue that Parker’s way wins in today’s world.
Will Season 23 Divide the Fanbase?
Almost certainly. While some viewers will appreciate the evolution, others will feel like Gibbs is being unfairly sidelined. The risk is that in trying to make Parker shine, the writers alienate the loyal fanbase that kept NCIS alive for so long.
The Possible Redemption Arc for Gibbs
Don’t count Gibbs out just yet. Even if Season 23 portrays him in a harsher light, the writers could still craft moments where his legacy is honored. A special appearance, flashback, or heartfelt tribute could balance the scales.
Parker’s Biggest Challenge Ahead
Parker’s rise looks promising, but he faces a unique challenge: winning over not just his team, but the fans. If audiences don’t fully buy into his leadership, NCIS risks losing its magic.
What This Means for NCIS’ Future
Season 23 isn’t just about Parker versus Gibbs—it’s about the show’s identity. Will NCIS evolve with Parker at the helm, or will the shadow of Gibbs always loom too large? The answer will shape not only this season but the series’ long-term future.
Conclusion
NCIS Season 23 is walking a fine line. By elevating Parker, the writers are pushing the show forward, but in doing so, they risk making Gibbs look weaker than fans remember. Whether you see this as growth or betrayal depends on your perspective. One thing’s clear: Season 23 is set to be one of the most talked-about seasons in NCIS history.
