Summary
The break-up of Jessica Knight and Jimmy Palmer seems inevitable now inNCISseason 22, and it will continue a horrible trend for the Major Case Response Team (MCRT) that has been going on for 17 years. While hardly a romantic show,NCISlikes incorporating love stories as part of its cast’s narratives, giving them relationships beyond the platonic ones in Navy Yard. It helps viewers get more invested inNCIS, as they can also root for continuing storylines beyond the show’s procedural format. Unfortunately,NCISseason 22isn’t looking to be a good year for the show’s main couple.
Just around the same time asMark Harmon’s departure fromNCISas Leroy Jethro Gibbs, Knight was introduced as the newest member of MCRT. Essentially a replacement for Ellie Bishop, she quickly settled in with the transitioning team, which was eventually taken over by new MCRT leader Alden Parker. Her arrival, however, also paved the way forNCIS' first proper romance, as Knight started a relationship with Palmer. Being in a relationship with a co-worker has its risks, but the pair proved that they can weather any storm — until theNCISseason 21 finale, which set up their split.
Katrina Law Detail Hints At Jessica Knight’s Real Future In NCIS Season 22
As production starts for NCIS season 22, a detail about Katrina Law likely reveals what Jessica Knight’s fate will be with the MCRT moving forward.
Knight & Palmer’s Break-Up Preserves NCIS' History Of Female Characters Leaving
Director Leon Vance offered Knight her dream job in theNCISseason 21 finale. The only caveat was that she would need to leave MCRT to take over her new role and move out of Washington DC. Despite how big of a decision she was facing, Knight didn’t have much time to contemplate her choice. She didn’t want to leave MCRT but was also motivated to climb the Navy ladder for her career.Knight’s relationship with Palmer also made things trickier, especially after he freaked out about the issue, effectively pushing her away.
Regardless, however, this sets up to continue a horrible trend that has been plaguing the show for 17 years — NCIS female characters leaving, spelling the end of romantic relationships.
At the end of theNCISseason 21 finale, Knight accepted the offer. It’s uncertain if the police procedural is really writing out Katrina Law. There hasn’t been any clear indication that the actor is departing the show, unlike previous cast members announcing their exits beforehand. Regardless, however, this sets up to continue a horrible trend that has been plaguing the show for 17 years —NCISfemale characters leaving, spelling the end of romantic relationships.
It started when Hollis Mann left Gibbs inNCISseason 5, followed by Ziva David choosing not to return and turning down a relationship with Tony DiNozzo in season 11. Years later, it once again happened to Gibbs, after Jack Sloane chose to stay in Afghanistan. Finally,Bishop leaving MCRT inNCISseason 18to become an undercover cut off her ties with Nick Torress, killing any chance of a proper tryst. Assuming that Knight leaves, then it will be the fifth time that this kind of break-up will happen inNCIS.
Why Knight & Palmer’s Break-Up Feels So Unnecessary
There’s No Way A Long-Distance Relationship Shouldn’t Work For Them
Break-ups are always hard, but it is especially difficult for Palmer and Knight, considering thatNCISfully played out their story. Unlike the majority of other romances in the police procedural, the pair’s narrative has actually played out. There’s no will-they/won’t-they dynamic for MCRT’s current couple that was prevalent in Gibbs and Jack, particularly Tony and Ziva. CBS developed Knight and Palmer’s arc on the screen, with their relationship timeline incorporated into its storytelling in the last couple of years.
I’m Officially Convinced That We Need Gibbs' Prequel Series After A New NCIS: Origins Story Reveal
1 particular storyline in NCIS: Origins has officially convinced me that the CBS TV franchise actually needs Leroy Jethro Gibbs' prequel show.
Beyond that, what makesKnight and Palmer’sNCISseason 22 break-upso much more painful is that it feels unnecessary. There’s no doubt that they love each other, which was one of the major reasons why Knight had a difficult time deciding about her future. However, a long-distance relationship isn’t the worst thing to happen to the couple, especially in this day and age of technology. As long as they remain faithful and committed, it shouldn’t be that difficult to maintain their relationship.
Will Knight & Palmer Really Split Up In NCIS Season 22?
Even If Knight Doesn’t Leave, A Split Seems Inevitable
Currently, Knight’s fate with MCRT is still in limbo despite her accepting her dream job. One too many times before, the team has seen characters supposedly departing only to return after several episodes. At one point,Gibbs' bestNCISteamwas even dissolved, only to be brought back the very next season.
So, even if she doesn’t move forward with the transfer, expect that Knight and Palmer’s relationship won’t be back to normal in NCIS season 22.
Regardless of what happens to her stint with the team, however, it seems like Knight and Palmer’s break-up is now inevitable. While his freakout stemmed from his own fear of abandonment, she took it as a sign for her that it was time for her to leave. So, even if she doesn’t move forward with the transfer, expect that Knight and Palmer’s relationship won’t be back to normal inNCISseason 22.
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.
