The break-up between Jessica Knight and Jimmy Palmer seems almost certain in *NCIS* Season 22, continuing a troubling trend for the Major Case Response Team (MCRT) that has persisted for 17 years. Although *NCIS* isn’t primarily a romantic show, it often weaves love stories into its characters’ lives, adding depth and keeping viewers invested in the ongoing narratives beyond the procedural plotlines. Unfortunately, Season 22 appears to be setting up a tough year for the show’s main couple.
Knight joined the MCRT just as Mark Harmon departed the series as Leroy Jethro Gibbs. Essentially filling the void left by Ellie Bishop, Knight quickly found her place within the evolving team, eventually led by Alden Parker. Her arrival also sparked *NCIS*’s first major romance in a while, as she began a relationship with Palmer. Despite the risks of dating a co-worker, the couple showed they could handle any challenges—until the Season 21 finale hinted at their potential split.
The finale saw Director Leon Vance offering Knight her dream job, with the catch that she would need to leave MCRT and relocate out of Washington, D.C. Although torn between her loyalty to MCRT and her ambition to advance her career, Knight ultimately accepted the offer. This decision put further strain on her relationship with Palmer, especially after his anxious reaction pushed her away.
Whether this marks the end of Katrina Law’s role on the show remains uncertain, as there has been no official announcement of her departure. However, if Knight does leave, it would continue a disappointing trend in *NCIS*—female characters exiting the series, often leading to the end of romantic storylines. This pattern began when Hollis Mann left Gibbs in Season 5, followed by Ziva David’s decision not to return and pursue a relationship with Tony DiNozzo in Season 11. Later, Gibbs faced another heartbreak when Jack Sloane chose to stay in Afghanistan, and Ellie Bishop’s departure in Season 18 ended her potential romance with Nick Torres. If Knight leaves, it will be the fifth time a female character’s exit has cut short a significant romantic subplot in *NCIS*.
