NCISseason 22 featured a silly plot that somehow makes Leroy Jethro Gibbs' final Major Case Response Team (MCRT) crime almost unforgivable. It has been the years sinceMark Harmon leftNCISafter spearheading the show for almost two decades. The actor’s decision to exit the project was known beforehand, allowing the writers to craft a proper send-off to Gibbs. So, instead of an abrupt resignation like what happened to Ellie Bishop or a shocking death like Jenny Shephard’s fate,NCISseason 19 was able to tackle an extensive swan song for its former leader.
Ultimately, Gibbs' ultimate departure from the agency he served for decades came down to wanting a life different from the one he had led since the death of his first wife and daughter, Shannon and Kelly. After his final case, he decided to retire in Naktok Bay, Alaska, where he supposedly still is, at least according toNCIS: Origins' story. Back in Navy Yard, Washington DC,MCRT’s work continues under Alden Parker, who took over the leadership spot from his predecessor. Occasionally, however, Gibbs is still referenced in NCIS, which has repercussions for his overall story in the procedural.
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InNCISseason 22, episode 7, “Hardboiled,” MCRT found themselves investigating a twisty case that involved suspected treason, as well as a personal affair, with both plots connected and tied to Nick Torres. The mystery in itself was quite complicated and was a reminder of the show’s knack for making the most out of its procedural format. That said, NBC balanced it out with a B-plot that centered onTim McGee and Jimmy Palmer serving as referees at the local kids' soccer league. Despite being long-time co-workers and friends, the pair found themselves arguing about a ruling.
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During their final conversation about the matter, however, Palmer revealed that he was resigning. In his explanation, he shared that he started the gig on the heels of Breena’s death from COVID-19 as a way to regain some control because the rules made it easy for him to follow. InNCIS, rules are synonymous with Harmon’s character.Gibbs lived by a set of rules— something that his first wife taught him. As seen in NCIS: Origins, they also kept him in check as they navigated that massive loss. Somehow, Palmer also clung to rules to manage his grief.
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Palmer relying on rules to re-organize his life after losing Breena is one of the many indirect impacts that Gibbs has had on him. Like the rest of the ensemble, MCRT’s current medical examiner has gone through so much in his life. Unfortunately, they tend to be overshadowed by other characters' arcs. Aside from being a reminder of Gibbs' legacy, it also brought back the fact that Harmon’s character never said goodbye to Palmer.NCISseason 19 gaveGibbs a final farewell scene with every member of his long-time team, but he didn’t have one with Palmer.
Arguably, Gibbs should have known that not having a final conversation with Palmer would exacerbate his trauma because of what happened with Breena.
The worst part of this is, that Gibbs was aware that Palmer’s biggest regret was never being able to say goodbye to Breena. Gibbs comforted his subordinate in the laboratory as Palmer’s whole happy facade collapsed while recalling how he was forbidden to see her. Arguably, Gibbs should have known that not having a final conversation with Palmer would exacerbate his trauma because of what happened with Breena. Granted that they didn’t work as much together as McGee, but Palmer has been withNCISsince season 1. He totally deserved his own time with Gibbs before he left.
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While there areno longer any original characters inNCIS, Palmer joins McGee as the longest active cast member in the show. Both were introduced during the show’s first year and gradually increased their presence and importance throughout the year. That said,McGee has a more prominent story because he is a field agent, which means that his work alongside the rest of his team members dominated NCIS' weekly episodes. Palmer’s work is equally important, but because he is usually confined in a lab, his interactions with Gibbs were limited.
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Instead, Palmer spent most of his time with his mentor, Ducky Mallard, examining bodies. This was also the reason why he was chosen to deliver the eulogy when the MCRT’s ME-turned-NCIS historian died in season 21. Still, Palmer deserved his one-on-one time with Gibbs before Harmon left. Now, it’s difficult to say when the pair will reunite inNCIS,or if they ever will.
NCIS
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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.
