Tish and Franks' relationship inNCIS: Originsstill has not received an update following their breakup in episode 13, and frankly, I am disappointed. TheirNCIS: Originslove story has proven to be the most compelling subplot of theNCISspinoff, with episode 13, “Monsoon,” highlighting the backstory behind their relationship. Given that Tish and Franks are the only confirmedNCIS: Originscouple so far, it was surprising the show did not give an update on them in episode 14.

EachNCIS: Originscharacter has a unique and compelling backstoryfilled with personal struggles. However, Franks has remained one of the bestNCIS: Originscharacterseven with the addition of everyone else’s story. His story with Tish only adds to his appeal. The impact that Franks and Tish have had on the show only adds to the confusion as to whyNCIS: Originsepisode 14 did not address their fallout in episode 13.

Kyle Schmid as Mike Franks looks upset in NCIS Origins

NCIS: Origins Episode 14 Totally Skipped Tackling Tish & Franks' Break-Up

NCIS: Origins Never Directly Addresses Tish & Franks' Breakup

InNCIS: Originsepisode 14, “To Have And To Hold,“Tish and Franks' relationship fallout is hinted at but never fully addressed. The first moment that hints at Franks' awkward status with Tish is when Tish is brought up in a conversation between Franks and Wheeler and Franks' response to Wheeler asking him to ask Tish something is suspicious at best. However, the major moment occurs later in the episode when Franks tells Mary Jo that he is staying in a motel. Franks' temporary address all but confirms that his relationship with Tish is on unstable ground.

Franks' temporary address all but confirms that his relationship with Tish is on unstable ground.

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While “To Have And To Hold” definitely hinted at Tish and Franks' separation,the actual status of their relationship has not been revealed. Instead, episode 14 danced around the subject rather than give a direct answer. Franks moving out signifies that the couple has separated, but it could also reference a breakup. All that is clear right now is that Tish needs time to think about the future of their relationship. Whether she will be able to forgive Franks is unclear, but I hope that their time apart might bring them together again.

Why NCIS: Origins Still Needs To Revisit Tish & Franks' Separation

Tish & Franks' Story Isn’t Finished

NCIS: Origins' “Monsoon” was so heartfelt and compelling thatit would be a misfortune ifNCIS: Originsdid not build on the story in a future episode. Tish and Franks clearly love each other. Franks looking into Tish’s attack after she asked him not to was also a decision made out of love. Neither side is right, but neither side is wrong either. That is part of what makes their separation so heartbreaking. Both characters had their reasons. Franks wanted to look into the attack to protect Tish, and Tish wanted Franks to honor his words.

Franks And Tish Reuniting In NCIS: Origins Could Continue A 2-Decade Painful NCIS Trend

NCIS: Origins has revealed that Franks and Tish have broken up but their impending reunion might mean something worse is in store for the couple.

Tish and Franks are alsoNCIS: Origins' best couple. They have the depth and understanding of a couple that has been together for a long time. In comparison,NCIS: Origins' other leading couple, Lala and Gibbs, lack the same dynamic that comes so easily to Tish and Franks. Their story can not be over yet simply becausetheir relationship is so goodand has brought so much light toNCIS: Originsso far. If the couple were to break up, they should at least break up on-screen, andNCIS: Originsshould fully flesh out the story before moving on.

Tish & Franks Have A Grim Future, But NCIS: Origins Can Still Tell Their Love Story

It Is Too Early To End Tish & Franks' Relationship

According toNCIScanon,Tish and Franks must break up by the time the flagship seriesstarts in the early 2000s. However, there are still at least 10 years before the setting ofNCIS: Originsand the premiere ofNCIS. As a result, the couple does not have to break up now inNCIS: Originsseason 1. Given how much love and respect they have for one another, they could still give themselves a chance and continue their relationship even though they are destined for a break-up.

NCIS: Originsairs Mondays at 10 p.m. ET on CBS.

Tish and Franks' relationship inNCIS: Originsmay end in tragedy, but that does not mean the characters do not deserve to receive a wonderful love story. Their origin story in “Monsoon” was practically an act of fate after Franks ended up meeting Tish entirely by chance.NCIS: Originscould continue this trend of showing more of the couple’s sweet stories. There is still so much time betweenNCIS: OriginsandNCISthat it would be cruel to end their story while it is still so good.