NCIS Season 22 brings plenty of action, intrigue, and drama, but does it carry on its legacy?
From nuclear crises to personal revelations, the first half of the season gave fans a lot to think about and left many lingering questions.
Whether it’s a highlight-reel moment from a team MVP or an unexpected twist that makes us think, NCIS Season 22 is shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable chapters in NCIS history.
But it’s not without its flaws.
Let’s break it down with the mid-season results to see who performed well and who needs to step up their game.
Team MVP: Parker and McGee saved the world
Instead of highlighting the best and worst episodes of the season so far, let’s talk about the real star of the show: the team MVP.
That honor belongs to Alden Parker and Tim McGee, who starred in NCIS Season 22 Episode 4, “Sticks and Stones.”
In this high-stakes incident, the team faces potential disaster—an imminent nuclear war—and manages to save the day in the nick of time.
Conveniently (or inconveniently?), this episode airs the day before one of the most contentious elections in American history. coincide? perhaps. However, while the entire team works together to prevent disaster, Parker and McGee are thrust into the spotlight.
Here’s the plot: Air Force One disappears, the chain of command is in shambles (Mr. Vice President, who schedules a 3 a.m. colonoscopy?!), and the military and Senate majority leader are one step away from launching a nuclear weapon.
All this confusion stems from an NCIS transmission in Naples that has yet to be fully decoded—critical intelligence that could stop the madness.
Then, a voice of reason emerged from the chaos—Alden Parker.
Parker didn’t hesitate to challenge authority, even as military brass and Senate bosses were frothing at the mouth and pressing the big red button.
When he told them to cool down, what was their solution? McGee was ordered to arrest Parker. Classic.
But McGee knew nothing of it. A longtime Gibbs loyalist, Mai was mostly able to take the safe route and follow orders.
Instead, he sides with Parker, refuses to arrest his boss, and bets everything on his gut and belief.
With Torres’ help, they resort to some unorthodox measures – such as using hard rock music to cover Parker and Torres’ break into the communications center – to buy time and solve the case.
Guess what? Parker is right. Thanks to McGee’s straightforward instincts and willingness to risk it all, they uncover the truth in time to prevent a global catastrophe.
Even Sweeney, the overzealous rival who comes to arrest them, has to admit that the world would be nothing without Parker.
The episode showcased Parker’s courageous leadership and McGee’s evolution from a rule follower to trusting his instincts and his team.
Together, they prove that sometimes, saving the world requires a little rebellion and a lot of teamwork.
best twists
One of the most surprising moments of the season wasn’t so much a twist as it was a heart-wrenching one: McGee didn’t get an assistant directing role on NCIS Season 22 Episode 1 “Empty Nest” Position.
After 22 seasons of dedication, McGee has earned the promotion, so watching him be overlooked is a bitter pill to swallow.
The real kicker? The job was given to Gabriel LaRoche, a character whom McGee suspected was a mole, and not just any mole, as LaRoche himself claimed to be lurking within NCIS .
Talk about layers of intrigue. This is an episode that feels like it’s just getting started.
Next, we saw a surprising moment of Parker’s mysterious “Lily” in NCIS Season 22 Episode 8, “Out of Control.”
If you’re paying attention, you’ll remember that Dr. Grace advised Parker to keep track of when Lily showed up and asked him to note down any triggers.
Guess what? Lily would show up whenever Jesse was around. coincide? I think not.
Is this some subconscious manifestation of his feelings for Jesse? The possibilities are endless—and very confusing.
Finally, NCIS Season 22 Episode 9’s midseason finale, “The Deception,” dropped a bombshell.
At the end of the episode, Torres gets a text from someone asking if he’s coming over for Christmas. His answer? Mysteriously: “Yeah, I’m on my way, baby.”
Here’s what happened: He told Jimmy he would spend Christmas with McGee, and McGee thought he would be with Jimmy.
So, who is this mysterious “baby”? Is there a connection between Torres’ “Baby” and Parker’s “Lily”? Or are we faced with two completely separate but equally interesting reveals? Regardless, NCIS knows how to keep us guessing.
underutilized role
Tim McGee gets the title of “most underutilized character,” and honestly, it’s baffling.
After 22 seasons on NCIS, McGee deserves more than just the crumbs he received this season.
Rather than being central to the action, he was often sidelined, leaving fans wondering why such a complete character was treated to a minor role.
Yes, it’s fun to watch him channel his inner disco detective and interrogate a suspect in a ’70s-chic look on NCIS Season 22 Episode 5, “In From the Cold.”
Yes, he deserves credit for his role in the aforementioned nuclear meltdown with Parker.
But outside of those moments, McGee was largely underwhelming and underserved. Connecting with Jimmy about the rules of football? 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 now it’s time for the writers to give him storylines that reflect his importance to the team.
Fans don’t want fragments – they want substance. Let’s hope the second half of the season gives McGee the depth and attention he truly deserves.
The supporting role no one asked for
Two characters are in dire need of a course correction: Jimmy and Casey. Jimmy, once a lovable weirdo, has veered into obnoxious rather than lovable territory this season.
From his embarrassing “is this a deal” moment in NCIS Season 22 Episode 2 “Foreign Object” when the team tried to hide the body lying in Vance’s office, to his endearing Antics and ill-timed quips, it’s been a rough ride.
His awkward stalking moment with Jess in “Sticks and Stones” didn’t help matters, nor did his selfie with Kasie next to a dead body in “NCIS” Season 22 Episode 6, “Knight and Day.”
Let’s put aside the over-the-top football drama “Rough and Cold” in NCIS Season 22 Episode 7.
Jimmy once brought inspiration to the team; now, it’s hard to pinpoint his purpose.
And then there’s Cassie, who still feels like a background character in her own storyline.
While Abby’s role on “NCIS” is crucial, Casey’s contribution is minimal beyond a few enhancement videos, the odd selfie, or the occasional tech support.
This is frustrating because she has the potential to be a valuable asset to the team. Instead, she’s relegated to a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it moment.
Cassie doesn’t need to be Abby, but she should have a more defined role – maybe it’s time to re-evaluate whether she belongs there.
Shining Knight: Jesse deserves her moment
Jessica Knight has been absolutely fantastic this season, and it’s time for her to get the recognition she deserves.
Whether she’s dealing with the chaos that comes with a wild card witness like April Day, or bringing fresh energy and charisma to the team, Jess has proven she’s more than capable of handling any problem thrown her way.
Her calm demeanor under pressure and unyielding determination made her indispensable. She even brings a Kate Todd style to the team—fun, bold, and always ready for any occasion.
Jess has been great this season and honestly, I can’t wait to see what she does next.
The most anticipated storyline of the second half
The first half of NCIS Season 22 has been filled with drama and surprises, and there’s a lot to look forward to when NCIS returns on January 27, 2025.
One of the most intriguing mysteries revolves around Parker’s “Lily,” the mysterious being who is linked to Jesse. Is Lily a figment of Parker’s past, or does she symbolize a deeper connection between Parker and Jesse?
It’s a topic that fans are buzzing about, and we can’t wait to see how it unravels.
Speaking of intrigue, Torres’ “baby” is another storyline we’re eager to explore.
After receiving a mysterious Christmas text, we’re left wondering who has captured Torres’ heart and why he’s keeping it a secret from his closest friends. Is this related to his past, or is it completely unexpected?
Let’s not forget McGee’s growing distrust of new deputy director Gabriel Laroche. If McGee’s hunch is correct and LaRoche is indeed the mole, this could set up one of the most explosive conflicts NCIS has seen in years.
The stakes couldn’t be higher, and we’ll embrace every twist and turn.
With all of these storylines bubbling beneath the surface, the second half of NCIS Season 22 promises to be a wild ride.
The second half promises fireworks – are you ready?
The first half of NCIS Season 22 has set the stage for some explosive reveals, and we can’t wait to see how it all unfolds.
Will Parker’s “Lily” lead to a shocking confession? Who is Torres’ mysterious “baby”? Will McGee finally get the storyline he deserves?
With so much anticipation, it’s clear that NCIS isn’t slowing down any time soon.
Let us know your favorite moments so far and what you hope to see in the second half of the season! Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Watch NCIS Season 22 Online
