NCIS showrunner Steven D. Binder recently discussed the status of Jessica Knight and whether the character will return. Although NCIS’ landmark season 21 consisted of only 10 episodes, impacted by the writers’ and actors’ strikes, the procedural drama ended on a surprising note with the potential departure of Katrina Law’s Special Agent Jessica Knight.
In an interview with TVLine previewing the future of the CBS franchise, Binder addressed Law’s possible return as Knight for NCIS season 22. While he did not confirm Knight’s future, he referenced characters “who just disappear like Gibbs.” Binder promised that audiences will be satisfied with the story’s outcome. Here’s his full quote:
“We’ve set something up there, and I will point you toward our track record where ‘You never know.’ We’ve had people look like they were going away and then it’s found out they weren’t going away, and then people who just disappear like Gibbs.
We’re really trying to follow what I call ‘the Tony DiNozzo departure,’ where, in his case, he actually did leave the show, but you ask yourself, ‘What would it take to get a certain character away?’ In the case of Tony DiNozzo, we thought he wouldn’t be going anywhere — except for a child, and suddenly that’s the motive that would make him leave. To get [Knight] to leave this team, it’s a combination of a thing she had applied for and wanted to do — she’s talked about the plan with her father — and then having this relationship with Jimmy where suddenly things are in flux in a way that makes it easier for her to say goodbye.
So, I will say this: We do aim to please, and we think the audience will be satisfied with where they see this go. Sometimes that satisfaction is bittersweet, and sometimes it’s just pure joy. You’ll have to wait to find out which one it’s going to be.”
### What’s Going On With Jessica Knight & NCIS?
Jessica Knight’s future on NCIS remains uncertain, but Binder’s comments suggest that the show’s track record of unexpected returns and disappearances will keep fans guessing. Whether Knight stays or leaves, the resolution promises to be satisfying, albeit possibly bittersweet.