There’s something fitting about NCIS revisiting the essence of Gibbs without ever showing him. Season 23, Episode 19 uses absence as a storytelling tool, crafting one of the most compelling hours of the series’ modern era.
At its core, the episode is about consequences — not just for criminals, but for those seeking justice. Parker’s journey is particularly fascinating. He begins the episode firmly rejecting “the Gibbs way,” only to find himself entangled in its moral complexity by the end.
The writing smartly avoids heavy exposition. Instead, it relies on implication and shared understanding. The team knows. The audience knows. And yet, no one says it outright. That restraint makes the payoff even more effective.
Gibbs’ presence is felt in every corner, from the whispered references to the unmistakable method of resolution. It’s a reminder that some legacies don’t fade — they evolve.
With strong performances across the board and a narrative that trusts its audience, “Deal With the Devil” proves that NCIS can honor its past while still moving forward.