NCIS Season 22 Update: Jessica Knight’s Journey Promises a Mix of Emotions

NCIS Boss Teases Jessica Knights Season 22 Story May Be Bittersweet But Fans Will Be Satisfied

Katrina Law Olivia Wong/Getty Images

Fans were surprised during the season 21 NCIS finale when Jessica Knight announced a major career change by saying "hell, yeah." But what impact will this decision have on the future of the show?

Warning: Spoilers for NCIS season 21, episode 10 below.

In the season 21 finale, Special Agent Knight (Katrina Law) made a big decision. She accepted the job as Chief React Training Officer at Camp Pendleton, choosing her career over her NCIS team and boyfriend Dr. Jimmy Palmer (Brian Dietzen).

During an interview with TVLine on June 1, co-showrunner Steve D. Binder hinted at what's to come, saying, "Well, you know, we’ve set something up there. You never know."

Binder did not give away any hints about Knight's future on the show, citing past character exits as potential scenarios. He mentioned instances where characters seemed to be leaving but ended up staying, as well as characters who simply disappeared like Gibbs.

He further clarified that the writers are attempting to follow the same format used for Tony DiNozzo's departure with Law's character.

Binder pointed out that DiNozzo (Michael Weatherly) exited the show after considering what it would take to remove a particular character - the answer being to have his child.

As for Knight's decision to depart, it is not as straightforward. According to Binder, it is a mix of her pursuing something she had wanted to do, discussing plans with her father, and her evolving relationship with Jimmy, which made it easier for her to bid farewell.

Binder hinted at the upcoming season 22, stating that the creative team's goal is to satisfy the audience with their stories. He mentioned that viewers can expect a mix of bittersweet and joyful moments in Knight's journey, leaving them curious about what's to come.

NCIS Katrina Law Hints at More Hurdles for Jessica Knight and Jimmy Palmer But Are They Endgame

Brian Dietzen as Jimmy Palmer and Katrina Law as NCIS Special Agent Jessica Knight. CBS

Throughout season 21, Knight and Palmer had disagreements about their relationship. Knight's father reminded her about her career goals, which made Palmer wonder about his place in her life.

The tension between them reached a breaking point during the season finale when Palmer lost his temper with Knight. He later apologized when Knight was in a dangerous situation on a naval ship. Despite this, Knight chose to pursue career opportunities in a different part of the country.

Law, 38, shared exclusively with We in April that there may be some challenges ahead for them this season. He hinted at the drama that is expected to unfold, mentioning, "It's interesting because as much as Jess is still processing the loss of her React team... it continues to affect her."

Gary Cole Is Constantly Lost Still After Joining NCIS 4 Seasons Ago

Katrina Law plays Jessica Knight in 'NCIS,' alongside Wilmer Valderrama, Sean Murray, Gary Cole, and Brian Dietzen.

Law mentioned that Knight is still struggling to recover from the trauma she faced in season 18, where her colleagues lost their lives in an explosion. Returning to work with the React team could potentially put a strain on her relationship with Palmer, but Law remains optimistic about their future together.

Law shared that working with Brian Dietzen is a joy and they have a lot of fun together. She admitted that the idea of having fewer scenes with him is sad. The actress revealed that she and Dietzen, who is 46 years old, are always working on their on-screen relationship in different ways.

Law mentioned that her main goal is to ensure the best outcomes for each character in the long term, even though the ultimate direction is still uncertain. She hinted at the excitement of discovering this journey in the upcoming thousand episodes of NCIS.

In contrast, Dietzen expressed his admiration for the writers for crafting a love story centered around open communication between two individuals, rather than relying on silent glances and delayed confessions for years before a dramatic climax.

Season 22 of NCIS is set to premiere on CBS in the fall of 2024. He expressed his excitement about working with Law, sharing, “It has been a great experience to explore the dynamics of this mature relationship as we interact with each other. And there is no one I would rather do it with than Katrina.”

Editor's P/S:

The NCIS Season 21 finale left fans with a bittersweet farewell as Jessica Knight embarked on a new chapter in her career. While her departure marks a significant shift in the show's dynamics, it also opens up intriguing possibilities for the future. Co-showrunner Steve D. Binder's hints suggest that Knight's exit may not be as permanent as it seems, leaving room for potential returns or guest appearances.

The evolving relationship between Knight and Jimmy Palmer adds further complexity to the narrative. Their ongoing discussions about their future and Knight's pursuit of her career goals have created tension, highlighting the challenges of balancing personal and professional lives. Law and Dietzen's chemistry and commitment to their characters promise to deliver both heartache and heartwarming moments as they navigate the aftermath of Knight's decision. As NCIS enters its 22nd season, viewers can anticipate a compelling exploration of Knight's journey, the impact on her relationships, and the show's continued ability to captivate audiences with its blend of action, drama, and character-driven storylines.