Summary
WhileNCISis not a romantic show per se, it has been known to feature dramatic romantic relationships – with one between Jessica Knight and Jimmy Palmer breaking over a decade of series tradition. As with any police show, the interpersonal relationships between the characters are what make the show so likable, andNCISis no different. The characters each have significant moments throughout the season, andJessica Knight herself has many great moments in season 21.NCISis known for being intense and captivating, but a key aspect of this is the romantic relationships laced throughout the show.
NCIShas featured a handful of romantic relationships throughout its long run, but the most memorable relationships have been the ones between the main characters on theNCISteam.The show has been on the air for over 20 years, which has given it plenty of time and opportunities to delve deeper into the personal lives of its main characters. A popular relationship in season 21 has been the one between Dr. Jimmy Palmer andJessica Knight, who sadly might exit next season. However, despite their popularity, the pair also broke the mold forNCIScharacters.
NCIS: Palmer & Knight’s Relationship Breaks A Huge Gibbs Rule
NCIS season 19 ended with Palmer and Knight entering a relationship. However, this breaks one of Gibbs’ most important rules: never date a coworker.
Knight & Palmer Don’t Follow NCIS' Typical Approach To Relationships
They Have A Sweet Relationship That Differs From The Rest
Palmer and Knight first met inNCISseason 18 when Knight joined the team as a special agent. The relationship between the pair starts off as friends, but after developing feelings for one another, the two of them start dating at the end of season 19. While relationships between colleagues are nothing new forNCIS,Knight and Palmer are the only majorNCISrelationship that isn’t a slow burn.
The pair officially started dating only about a year after meeting for the first time, which does not seem like a long time but is unusual forNCISrelationships.
The start of the couple’s relationship coincides with Gibbs' departure from the series. This may be a coincidence or it may be out of respect for Gibbs' rule to never date a coworker, at least in front of him.The relationship reached its romantic climaxin the season 20 episode “Kompromat” when the two are publicly affectionate in front of their colleagues for the first time. The pair officially started dating only about a year after meeting for the first time, which does not seem like a long time but is unusual forNCISrelationships.
NCIS' Major Relationships Over The Past 16 Years Have All Been Slow Burns
Other Relationships Have Lasted Years Before Becoming Official
The first majorNCISrelationship started in season 3 between Ziva David and Tony DiNozzo. Their slow-burn romance set the precedent for futureNCIScouples and was upheld for 16 years until season 18 introduced the beginning of Knight and Palmer’s relationship. Ziva and Tony’s relationship in particular isan example of a tormenting, slow-burn romanceas their union remained a mystery for 15 years as a result of uncertainty and secrecy. This story is set to continue in the upcomingTony & Zivaspinoff.
Another major relationship was between Nick Torres and Ellie Bishop. The couple met in season 14, andthey shared multiple flirtatious glances and conversationsuntil Ellie eventually left in season 18. They are another example of a slow-burn relationship within the series, the next one among main characters after Ziva and Tony. While they never officially got together, they remain a slow-burn couple because of the precedent set by Ziva and Tony. The only hope for an official coupling is for Ellie to return to theNCISteam,but for now, the relationship remains unresolved.
Knight’s Exit Starts NCIS' Unavoidable Gibbs Erasure (3 Years After Mark Harmon Left)
Jessica Knight’s impending exit from MCRT will kick off the inevitable erasure of Mark Harmon’s Leroy Jethro Gibbs erasure from CBS' NCIS.
Why NCIS Season 22 Needs To Keep Palmer And Knight Together
There’s No Justified Reason To Break Up Palmer And Knight
At the end ofNCISseason 21, Knight decided to take her dream job even though it would mean leaving Alden Parker’s Major Case Response Team (MCRT). Granted that the show didn’t fully confirm her leaving, but assuming that the police procedural goes through with this, then she and Palmer’s days of being in a relationship may really be over, especially after he initially freaked out about the news. That being said, regardless of what lies ahead for Knight,NCISis better off keeping them together, even if that means that they have to carry out a long-distance relationship.
As previously mentioned,NCISisn’t exactly a romantic show, but as with many procedurals — particularly long-running ones,the personal lives of its MCRT ensemble have become integral to its storytelling. Arguably, it’s the viewers' investment in their arcs outside of work that keeps them invested for an extended period. Palmer has gone through so many losses in the last several years, it would be a shame to see him lose another shot at love just because Knight is moving across the country. They clearly love each other, and there’s no reason why they can’t make a long-distance set-up work.
Considering how quickly the pair’s relationship progressed, particularly byNCISstandards, it suggests that there’s a strong connection between Knight and Palmer. As seen in the show’s history, this is very difficult to come by. Even with Tony and Ziva, who are arguably star-crossed lovers,NCIScouldn’t just bring them together, leaving fans to wait untilNCIS: Tony & Zivafor the couple’s full-blown romance. The CBS franchise shouldn’t waste the good thing between Knight and Palmer for the sake of drama because the show has had lots of it for so many years.
Will Jessica Knight Really Leave In NCIS Season 22
Katrina Law Remains Mum About Her Potential Exit
NCIShas seen its fair share of character departures. Despite being its main female character, Kate Todd was brutally murdered in the season 2 finale by Ari Haswari.NCISseason 21 didn’t have any original characters left, and yet, the show will move forward. This indicates that even if Knight ends up leaving, work at MCRT will continue. Somehow, this makes the police procedural exciting because it keeps the stakes high for all members of the ensemble. Despite Knight’s decision in theNCISseason 21 finale, it’s difficult to say that she will really be permanently gone.
Katrina Law hasn’t expressed any kind of intention to leave the show. Knight’s story has barely been explored inNCIS, and writing her out means that the project will lose a wealth of storytelling opportunities. So, instead of a full exit, Knight may spend some time in her new job and ultimately decide to come back to MCRT after realizing that it may no longer be what she’s looking for. For what it’s worth,NCIShas done so many of these types of storylines in the pastthat it shouldn’t really be that big of a deal now.
NCIS
Cast
NCIS is a television series that follows a team of special agents from the Naval Criminal Investigative Service. Premiering in 2003, the show explores various cases involving Navy and Marine Corps personnel, ranging from murder and espionage to terrorism and stolen submarines.
