For more than two decades, NCIS has thrived by keeping romance on the sidelines. Aside from iconic slow-burns like Tony and Ziva, the flagship series has largely favored professional dynamics over messy love stories. That’s why Season 23’s sudden hint of a Torres–Knight–Jimmy love triangle feels so out of place.
The moment that sparked it — Torres guiding Knight into an elevator as Jimmy watches — plays more like a soap opera beat than a classic NCIS turn. The show has never relied on love triangles for tension, instead letting cases and character growth do the heavy lifting. Introducing romantic rivalry now risks diluting long-standing friendships, particularly between Torres and Jimmy, whose bond has been one of the series’ quieter strengths.
While romance-driven drama works well in other procedurals, NCIS doesn’t need it. With 23 seasons behind it, the franchise’s greatest asset is its grounded tone — and that’s something love triangles could easily undermine if the show isn’t careful.
