Introduction: When a Great Episode Goes Sideways
You know that feeling when a show nails the pacing, character arcs, suspense—and then completely drops the ball with one glaring mistake? That’s exactly what happened in NCIS Season 22. The episode had all the makings of a fan favorite: tension, emotion, throwbacks, and layered character work. But then, like a scratched vinyl record in the middle of your favorite song—it stuttered. Hard.
Let’s break down how this seemingly brilliant episode stumbled into a completely avoidable plot hole and why it left so many NCIS fans frustrated and confused.
🧠 What Made This NCIS Episode So Good—At First
The Return to Classic NCIS Vibes
Fans have been yearning for the golden age of NCIS—the ones with tight plots, emotional stakes, and believable tech. This episode delivered all that upfront. The team dynamic felt fresh but familiar. Characters were sharp. The stakes were real.
A Case That Actually Mattered
It wasn’t just another military base murder. This one had twists, motives that made sense, and enough moral ambiguity to keep fans guessing. It felt like something out of Season 7 or 8—a callback to when the show truly hit its stride.
Emotional Payoffs and Character Growth
McGee stepped up, Knight had a surprising arc, and even Jimmy Palmer got a moment to shine. The writers seemed to finally balance action and personal stories without derailing the main plot.
🚨 But Then—The Plot Hole Happened
The Plot Hole That Broke the Internet
All that goodwill went out the window the moment viewers realized: the big reveal didn’t make sense. At all. The timeline was off. The forensic evidence contradicted earlier facts. And worst of all—it could’ve easily been fixed.
A Contradiction That Undermines the Story
At the center of the plot was a flashback that placed a key suspect in two places at once. Earlier surveillance footage showed them across town, while a later scene had them tampering with evidence at NCIS headquarters. Viewers with even casual attention noticed immediately.
Did the Writers Forget Their Own Script?
This wasn’t a “blink and you’ll miss it” moment. It was a fundamental story contradiction. The worst part? It didn’t need to exist. A minor tweak to the suspect’s whereabouts or timing could’ve made everything fit.
💥 Why This Mistake Hit So Hard
NCIS Fans Are Detail-Oriented
Let’s face it—NCIS fans aren’t casual. They notice everything. From badge numbers to backstory inconsistencies, the fanbase is sharp. So when something feels off, the backlash is immediate.
It Broke Suspension of Disbelief
Great storytelling builds trust. Once that trust is broken—especially in procedural dramas—it’s hard to rebuild. The moment that plot hole emerged, it shattered the immersion. Viewers stopped following the characters and started fact-checking the show.
It Undid the Episode’s Emotional Weight
There were powerful moments: grief, justice, closure. But when the central plot twist makes no sense, all those feelings get invalidated. It’s like crying during a movie, then realizing the scene you just watched was based on a lie.
🧩 How the Plot Hole Could’ve Been Fixed
A Simple Timeline Adjustment
One of the easiest fixes? Just adjust the suspect’s timeline. Push back their arrival time or switch out the surveillance footage’s timestamp. Boom—plot saved.
Offload the Action to a Secondary Character
The writers could’ve placed blame on a side character, creating a red herring that still aligned with earlier clues. This could’ve preserved the twist without the inconsistency.
More Time in the Editing Room
Sometimes, the answer isn’t in the writing but in post-production. A single scene re-edit, a line of ADR dialogue—these small changes could’ve solved a major issue.
🔥 Fan Reactions Were Brutal
Reddit and Twitter Lit Up
Within minutes of the episode airing, NCIS forums exploded. Fans pointed out the contradiction, some creating full timelines and charts to prove it.
“How Did This Get Past CBS?”
That was the question on everyone’s mind. How did such a high-profile show, with a team of editors, script supervisors, and showrunners, miss something this big?
Memes and Mockery Ensued
Of course, it didn’t take long for memes to flood the internet. Side-by-side screenshots, sarcastic GIFs, and snarky episode “fixes” trended the next day.
🎯 The Problem with Long-Running Series
Too Many Writers, Not Enough Continuity
When a show’s been on for over two decades, it’s bound to cycle through writers. That means continuity suffers. Unless there’s a strict show bible (which, clearly, wasn’t consulted here), things will slip.
Burnout from Churning Out Content
Network TV shows like NCIS often push out 20+ episodes a season. That’s a brutal pace. Mistakes happen. But fans still expect—and deserve—consistency.
Legacy Can Be a Double-Edged Sword
Being part of an iconic franchise gives weight to each episode. But it also raises expectations. When NCIS gets it wrong, it doesn’t just feel like a mistake—it feels like a betrayal.
🔍 What This Says About Modern TV Writing
Audiences Are Smarter Than Ever
Viewers aren’t just watching—they’re analyzing. Thanks to streaming, rewinding, and social media, a single flaw can be magnified to millions in minutes.
The Rise of the “Plot Hole Police”
Entire YouTube channels, TikTok accounts, and blogs are dedicated to catching plot inconsistencies. In today’s media landscape, getting away with sloppy writing just isn’t possible.
Procedural Shows Must Evolve
It’s no longer enough to follow a formula. Even tried-and-true formats like NCIS must adapt, tighten scripts, and respect the intelligence of their audience.
🔧 What NCIS Needs To Do Next
Address the Plot Hole in a Future Episode
Will they own up to the mistake? A sly reference or fix in a follow-up could go a long way in mending fan trust.
Bring in a Continuity Consultant
It might sound silly, but shows like the Marvel Cinematic Universe thrive because they obsess over consistency. NCIS could benefit from the same approach.
Let Fewer Writers Handle Key Episodes
Sometimes, less is more. Letting one or two strong voices guide major episodes might help avoid future blunders.
🚪Closing Thoughts: A Missed Opportunity
The saddest part? This episode was so close to greatness. It had everything working in its favor, and it still fumbled at the goal line. All it took was one oversight—one unnecessary plot hole—to turn applause into eye-rolls.
NCIS has weathered bigger storms than this, and it will recover. But hopefully, this serves as a reminder that even the longest-running shows need to sweat the small stuff. Because in the world of primetime drama, one mistake is all it takes to turn loyal fans into critics.
❓FAQs
1. What was the plot hole in NCIS Season 22’s latest episode?
A key suspect appeared in two places at once due to a timeline inconsistency. Surveillance footage contradicted their actions, breaking the episode’s logic.
2. Have NCIS episodes had plot holes before?
Yes, but few have been this noticeable or disruptive. Most inconsistencies are minor. This one was central to the entire episode’s plot.
3. Could the writers fix this in a later episode?
Possibly. They could retroactively explain the error with a twist or clarification. Whether they will remains to be seen.
4. Why do long-running shows struggle with continuity?
Over time, staff changes, deadlines tighten, and old plot points get forgotten. Without strong continuity management, errors naturally increase.
5. Is NCIS still worth watching after Season 22?
Despite the occasional stumble, NCIS remains a compelling procedural with loyal fan support. Just go in with realistic expectations—and a sharp eye.
