NCIS Season 22 has delivered plenty of action, intrigue, and drama, but has it lived up to its legacy?
From nuclear close calls to personal revelations, the first half of the season has given fans a lot to chew on — and left just as many lingering questions.
Whether it’s the standout moments from team MVPs or the unexpected twists that have us theorizing, NCIS Season 22 is shaping up to be one of the more unpredictable chapters in NCIS history.
But it hasn’t been without its flaws.
Let’s break it all down with our midseason report card and see who’s acing it — and who needs to step up their game.
Team MVPs: Parker and McGee Save the Day
Instead of highlighting the best and worst episodes so far this season, let’s talk about the real stars of the show: the team MVPs.
That honor belongs to Alden Parker and Tim McGee, who stood out on NCIS Season 22 Episode 4, “Sticks and Stones.”
In this high-stakes episode, the team faced a potential apocalypse — an imminent nuclear war — and managed to save the day just in the nick of time.
Conveniently (or not?), the episode aired the day before one of the most contentious elections in U.S. history. Coincidence? Maybe. But while the entire team rallied to prevent disaster, Parker and McGee earned the spotlight.
Here’s the setup: Air Force One has vanished, the chain of command is in shambles (who schedules a colonoscopy for 3 a.m., Mr. Vice President?!), and the military and Senate Majority Leader are one twitch away from launching nukes.
All of this chaos stems from a transmission out of NCIS Naples that hasn’t been fully decoded yet — a key piece of intel that could stop the madness.
Then, the voice of reason amidst the chaos appears — Alden Parker.
Parker doesn’t hesitate to challenge authority, even when the military brass and Senate bigwigs are frothing at the mouth to press the big red button.
When he tells them to cool it, their solution? Order McGee to arrest Parker. Classic.
But McGee wasn’t having any of it. A long-time Gibbs loyalist, McGee could’ve taken the safe route and followed orders.
Instead, he stood with Parker, refusing to arrest his boss and betting it all on gut instinct and faith.
Together, with Torres’s help, they took some unorthodox measures — like blasting hard rock music to cover Parker and Torres breaking into a communications center — to buy time and crack the case.
And guess what? Parker was right. Thanks to his straight-shooter instincts and McGee’s willingness to risk it all, they unraveled the truth in time to stop a global catastrophe.
Even Sweeny, the overzealous antagonist who came charging in to arrest them, had to admit that the world would’ve gone up in smoke without Parker.
This episode showcased Parker’s gutsy leadership and McGee’s evolution from rule-follower to someone who trusts his instincts — and his team.
Together, they proved that sometimes, saving the world requires a little rebellion and a lot of teamwork.
Best Twists and Turns
One of the most surprising moments this season wasn’t so much a twist but a gut-wrenching turn: McGee not getting the deputy director position in NCIS Season 22 Episode 1, “Empty Nest.”
After 22 seasons of dedication, McGee has more than earned the promotion, so watching him get passed over was a tough pill to swallow.
The real kicker? The job went to Gabriel LaRoche, a character McGee suspects is a mole — and not just any mole — the one LaRoche himself claims is lurking within NCIS.
Talk about layers of intrigue. It’s a plotline that feels like it’s only just getting started.
Next, we had an eyebrow-raising moment on NCIS Season 22 Episode 8, “Out of Control,” with Parker’s mysterious “Lily.”
If you were paying attention, you’d recall Dr. Grace suggesting Parker keep track of when Lily appears, asking him to note any triggers.
And guess what? Lily seems to show up whenever Jess is around. Coincidence? I think not.
Is this some kind of subconscious manifestation of his feelings for Jess? The possibilities are endless — and deliciously messy.
Finally, a bombshell dropped on the midseason finale with NCIS Season 22 Episode 9, “Humbug.”
At the end of the episode, Torres receives a text from someone asking if he’s coming over for Christmas. His reply? A cryptic, “Yes, I’m on my way, babe.”
Here’s the twist: he told Jimmy he’d be spending Christmas with McGee, and McGee thought he’d be with Jimmy.
So, who’s this mysterious “babe”? Between Torres’ “babe” and Parker’s “Lily,” could there be a connection? Or are we in for two completely separate — and equally juicy — reveals? Either way, NCIS knows how to keep us guessing.
Underused Characters
Tim McGee earns the title of Most Underused Character, and honestly, it’s baffling.
After 22 seasons with NCIS, McGee deserves so much more than the breadcrumbs he’s been given this season.
Instead of being at the heart of the action, he’s often relegated to the sidelines, leaving fans wondering why such an integral character is being treated like a bit player.
Yes, it was fun watching him channel his inner disco detective, donning a groovy ’70s look to interrogate a suspect in NCIS Season 22 Episode 5, “In From the Cold.”
And yes, his role in the aforementioned nuclear crisis with Parker was commendable.
But outside of those moments, McGee has been largely underwhelmed and underserved. Bonding with Jimmy over soccer rules? That’s not character development — that’s filler.
McGee is more than capable of handling high-stakes drama, complex cases, and personal growth arcs.
He’s earned the spotlight, and it’s time the writers give him the storylines that reflect his importance to the team.
Fans don’t want scraps — they want substance. Let’s hope the back half of the season gives McGee the depth and attention he truly deserves.
The Side Characters Nobody Asked For
Two characters desperately need a course correction: Jimmy and Kasie. Jimmy, once the lovable oddball, has veered into territory that’s more annoying than endearing this season.
From his cringeworthy “Is this protocol” moment on NCIS Season 22 Episode 2, “Foreign Bodies,” where the team attempts to hide the body lying in Vance’s office, to his people-pleasing antics and poorly timed quips, it’s been a rough ride.
The awkward stalking moment with Jess on “Sticks and Stones” didn’t help, nor did his selfie session with Kasie over a corpse in NCIS Season 22 Episode 6, “Knight and Day.”
And let’s not even get started on the over-the-top soccer drama from NCIS Season 22 Episode 7, ‘Hardboiled.”
Jimmy used to bring heart to the team; now, it’s hard to pinpoint his purpose.
Then there’s Kasie, who continues to feel like a background character in her own storyline.
While Abby’s role on NCIS was pivotal, Kasie’s contributions barely register beyond a few enhanced videos, quirky selfies, or the occasional tech support.
It’s frustrating because there is potential for her to be a valuable team asset. Instead, she’s relegated to blink-and-you’ll-miss-it moments.
Kasie doesn’t need to be Abby, but she deserves a more defined role — perhaps it’s time to reevaluate whether she even belongs.
Shining Knight: Jess Deserves Her Moment
Jessica Knight has been an absolute standout this season, and it’s time she gets the recognition she deserves.
Whether she’s managing the chaos of a wildcard witness like April Day or bringing fresh energy and charisma to the team, Jess has proven she’s more than capable of handling anything thrown her way.
Her cool demeanor under pressure and unflinching determination have made her indispensable. She even brings shades of Kate Todd to the team — fun, bold, and always ready to rise to the occasion.
Jess is kicking ass this season, and honestly, I can’t wait to see what she does next.
Most Anticipated Storylines for the Back Half
With the first half of NCIS Season 22 delivering its share of drama and surprises, there’s plenty to look forward to when NCIS returns on January 27, 2025.
One of the most intriguing mysteries revolves around Parker’s “Lily,” the enigmatic presence tied to Jess. Is Lily a figment of Parker’s past, or does she symbolize something deeper about his connection to Jess?
It’s a thread that has fans buzzing with theories, and we can’t wait to see how it unravels.
Speaking of intrigue, Torres’ “Babe” is another storyline we’re dying to explore.
After a cryptic Christmas text, we’re left wondering who has captured Torres’ heart — and why he kept it a secret from his closest friends. Is it tied to his past, or is it something entirely unexpected?
And let’s not forget McGee’s growing distrust of Gabriel LaRoche, the new deputy director. If McGee’s instincts are right and LaRoche truly is a mole, it could set up one of the most explosive conflicts NCIS has seen in years.
The stakes couldn’t be higher, and we’re here for every twist and turn.
With all these storylines bubbling under the surface, the back half of NCIS Season 22 promises to be a wild ride.
The Back Half Promises Fireworks — Are You Ready?
The first half of NCIS Season 22 has laid the groundwork for some explosive revelations, and we can’t wait to see how it all plays out.
Will Parker’s “Lily” lead to a shocking confession? Who is Torres’ mysterious “babe”? And will McGee finally get the storyline he deserves?
With so much to look forward to, it’s clear NCIS isn’t slowing down anytime soon.
Let us know your favorite moments so far and what you hope to see in the back half of the season! Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Watch NCIS Season 22 Online
