For over two decades, NCIS has kept millions of viewers on the edge of their seats with its gripping cases, thrilling action, and compelling character dynamics. While the show’s core has always been its crime-solving, its heart lies in the relationships between the agents. Fans have been captivated by legendary romances like that of Ziva David and Tony DiNozzo, and the show’s writers are masters at crafting long-term character arcs that lead to unexpected emotional payoffs. As the show prepares for what will inevitably be its next season, the groundwork for a new, never-before-seen romance is already being laid. The groundwork is being set in a character arc that could lead to the show’s next great love story.
While official details on NCIS Season 23 are not yet available, a careful look at the current season’s character dynamics suggests that a major romantic development is on the horizon. This potential romance is unique because it would unite two characters in a way that the show has never truly explored before, promising a fresh dynamic and an exciting new chapter for the team.
The Character Arc in Question: Torres’s New Beginning
The character arc that is most ripe for a major romantic shift is that of Nick Torres (Wilmer Valderrama). Since the departure of his former partner and love interest, Ellie Bishop, Torres has been on a journey of self-discovery. He’s a man who has always been defined by his past, whether it was his undercover work or his strained family relationships. His recent personal development has seen him start to confront his emotional baggage, and with it, his openness to a new, healthy relationship.
Torres’s character has always been a paradox: a charming and charismatic agent who struggles with vulnerability and long-term commitment. His storylines have often been about him pushing people away, a defensive mechanism that kept him safe but also emotionally isolated. His arc has been about chipping away at that armor. This journey has laid the perfect foundation for a new romance. It would not be a fling or a temporary distraction, but a deep, meaningful connection that is only possible now that he has done the hard work of confronting his past.
The Never-Before-Seen Romance: A Partnership of Equals
The most compelling candidate for a never-before-seen romance is a partnership of equals, a deep connection between two characters who respect each other’s professional skills and personal strength. The most compelling and unexpected pairing is with Dr. Grace Confalone (Laura San Giacomo). The show has explored relationships between agents and a character from outside the law enforcement world, but a romantic arc between a main character and a recurring, professional ally like a psychiatrist would be a first for NCIS.
The reason this pairing would be so unique is that it wouldn’t be built on the high-stakes, life-or-death situations that often define romantic tension on the show. Instead, it would be a relationship built on trust, emotional honesty, and a profound intellectual connection. Dr. Grace has consistently been the one person to whom Torres can be completely vulnerable. She has seen the real man behind the bravado, and she has helped him navigate his most difficult personal struggles. A romance between them would be a slow-burn, based on years of a therapeutic relationship evolving into a deep and intimate partnership. It would be a mature romance that is about mutual healing and support, a refreshing change of pace from the more action-oriented romantic subplots the show has explored.
The Impact on the Team
A romance between Torres and Dr. Grace would have a significant impact on the dynamics of the NCIS team. On the one hand, it could be a source of humor and light-hearted teasing. McGee and Parker would undoubtedly have a field day with the idea of their colleague dating his therapist. On the other hand, it would also be a powerful emotional development for the team as a whole. Torres has always been seen as the “lone wolf” of the group, and a stable, healthy relationship would signify his full integration into the team as a family unit.
It would also give Dr. Grace a more central role in the show. Her character has always been a fan favorite, and her presence in the office has often felt like a moment of calm in a chaotic world. Her relationship with Torres would bring her into the inner circle, allowing for more scenes with the rest of the team and providing a much-needed sense of emotional grounding for the series.
The Legacy of NCIS Romances
If this potential romance comes to fruition, it will be a major part of the show’s legacy, standing alongside some of its most iconic relationships. The romance between Tony and Ziva was a decade-long arc that was built on “will-they-won’t-they” tension, high-octane drama, and a sense of forbidden love. The relationship between Gibbs and Jack Sloane was a more mature, subtle, and platonic bond that fans adored.
A romance between Torres and Dr. Grace would be a different kind of love story. It would be a quiet, mature, and deeply emotional journey that is about two people who have found a safe space in each other. It would be less about the thrill of the chase and more about the power of healing and a mutual emotional connection. It would be a testament to the show’s ability to evolve and tell different kinds of stories.
While we can only speculate on what NCIS Season 23 holds, the groundwork has been laid for a new and compelling romance. The show’s writers have given Nick Torres a character arc that has prepared him for a deep, meaningful relationship. Whether that relationship is with Dr. Grace or someone else, one thing is for sure: the next great love story on NCIS will be a never-before-seen one, and fans will be here for every minute of it.
