Let’s be real—NCIS Season 23 didn’t exactly win fans over with its villain. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual viewer, chances are you rolled your eyes once or twice watching this season’s “big bad” try to be menacing. But here’s the twist: as disappointing as this villain was, they don’t even crack the top 10 worst in NCIS history.
Yep, you read that right.
Over two decades, NCIS has introduced some truly forgettable, cringe-worthy, and downright bizarre villains. And while Season 23’s attempt at a compelling antagonist failed, it still doesn’t reach the bottom of the barrel.
So, let’s break it all down.
Why NCIS Season 23’s Villain Disappointed Fans
Lack of Depth and Motivation
You can have all the screen time in the world, but if your villain doesn’t have a solid motive, they fall flat. Season 23’s villain felt more like a plot device than a person—no compelling backstory, no emotional pull, just generic chaos for chaos’ sake.
Recycled Tropes Galore
Remember watching and thinking, “Haven’t we seen this before?” Yeah, because we have. The villain’s arc was a rehash of better-executed storylines from earlier seasons. There was nothing fresh, surprising, or truly dangerous about them.
But… Are They Really One of the Worst?
Nope. Not even close. Let’s put things into perspective.
Top 10 WORST NCIS Villains – Ranked
1. Ari Haswari’s Sister – Sahar
Instead of being terrifying, Sahar’s story felt like a soap opera. Her motivations were convoluted and her character arc dragged on far too long.
2. Harper Dearing (Season 9)
A rich guy with a grudge? Boring. Even after blowing up the Navy Yard, he lacked emotional depth, and his revenge felt cold and empty.
3. The Phantom 8
This secretive group could’ve been amazing. Instead, it turned into a confusing mess, leaving fans more frustrated than intrigued.
4. Jonas Cobb – The Port-to-Port Killer
He was meant to be terrifying, but his portrayal fell flat. The buildup was intense, but the payoff? Underwhelming.
5. Paul Lemere (Season 19)
The show tried to add layers to Lemere, but his motivations were a mystery until it didn’t matter anymore.
6. Trent Kort
From CIA to chaos, Kort’s motivations flip-flopped so much, it was hard to care about him by the end.
7. Dr. Cyril Taft (kind of)
He wasn’t a classic villain, but his storyline blurred the lines enough to confuse viewers. Too morally ambiguous, not enough substance.
8. The Reynosa Cartel
Meant to be a big threat… but delivered almost nothing of substance. Paper-thin motives and predictable action.
9. The Le Grenouille Arc
What could’ve been a brilliant international espionage plot turned into an overcomplicated mess that dragged out over multiple seasons.
10. Ziva’s Fake Death Villain
This was just insulting. Fans were baited and switched, and the villain behind Ziva’s fake death was a complete letdown.
What Makes a Good NCIS Villain, Anyway?
Emotional Connection
We want to feel something—hatred, sympathy, fear. A great villain makes you question your own moral compass.
Realistic Motivations
Give us more than just “revenge.” Dig into deeper psychological territory, show us the why, not just the what.
An Element of Surprise
If we can guess the twist from the first 10 minutes? Not a great look.
The Problem With Season 23’s Antagonist
Poor Writing or Bad Acting?
Hard to say. The actor wasn’t the issue—it’s the bland script that gave them nothing to work with. Even the best actors can’t save a boring villain.
Timing and Pacing Issues
The villain appeared inconsistently, making it hard to build tension. You can’t fear someone you keep forgetting exists.
Could the Villain Have Been Saved?
Yes, With Better Storytelling
Give us flashbacks, emotional stakes, and a personal connection to the team. That’s all it would’ve taken to elevate this villain.
What Fans Are Saying Online
Fans took to Reddit and Twitter with frustration, memes, and disappointment. Some even said, “I miss Harper Dearing… and that says a lot.”
Ouch.
What’s Next for NCIS Villains?
New Writers, New Blood?
Season 24 is on the horizon. Will the show take a creative leap? Time will tell, but fans are hoping for a villain with actual menace.
Why We Still Watch (Even With Weak Villains)
Because it’s NCIS. The characters, the banter, the cases—it’s comfort TV. And even when the villains suck, the team keeps us coming back.
Conclusion: Season 23’s Villain Flopped – But We’ve Seen Worse
No doubt about it—Season 23’s villain was disappointing. But in the grand scheme of NCIS history? They’re far from the worst.
With 20+ years of storytelling, some villains will hit, and some will miss. This one missed. But it wasn’t the most offensive, confusing, or lazily written baddie we’ve seen. That honor goes to the likes of Sahar, Harper Dearing, and the Port-to-Port Killer.
Let’s just hope Season 24 gives us someone truly sinister.
❓ 5 Unique FAQs About NCIS Villains
Q1: Who was the most terrifying NCIS villain ever?
Answer: Many fans point to Ari Haswari for his emotional connection to the team and his unpredictable behavior.
Q2: Is Season 23’s villain based on a real person or event?
Answer: No, the character is fictional and not based on any real-life inspiration.
Q3: Why are some NCIS villains so underdeveloped?
Answer: Time constraints, plot focus on the main team, and episodic storytelling often limit character depth.
Q4: Will NCIS introduce recurring villains again?
Answer: Possibly. Fans have been asking for more long-term threats, so it’s likely future seasons may revisit that format.
Q5: Are NCIS spin-offs better at creating villains?
Answer: It depends. Some spin-offs, like NCIS: LA, have done well with compelling antagonists, while others suffer the same fate.
