NCIS Season 22: How Alden Parker Has Changed the Game for the Team
As NCIS Season 22 unfolds, it’s clear that Alden Parker (Gary Cole) has made a significant impact on the team, stepping into the massive shoes left by Leroy Jethro Gibbs (Mark Harmon). Despite being with the Major Case Response Team (MCRT) for only three years, Parker has effectively led McGee (Sean Murray), Nick Torres (Wilmer Valderrama), and the rest of the squad through complex investigations. One standout scene in the season premiere highlights Parker’s transformation of the team’s dynamics, solidifying him as the new leader of MCRT.
Replacing Gibbs, who was the face of NCIS for 19 years, was no small feat. When Gibbs exited the series at the end of Season 19, it ushered in a new era for the team. Rather than trying to replicate Gibbs, the writers introduced Parker as a different kind of leader, one who brings a more caring and laid-back approach to management. After being fired from the FBI for aiding Gibbs, Parker embraced his role by fostering a friendly atmosphere within the NCIS bullpen.
One of Parker’s signature leadership traits is his thoughtful gesture of bringing pastries for the team in the morning—a stark contrast to Gibbs’ no-nonsense style. In Season 19, Episode 6, titled “False Start,” Parker left a box of Polish kolaczki cookies with a cheerful note reading, “Help Yourselves!” Initially, this surprised the team, especially Agent Torres, who was suspicious of the treats, suspecting it might be a psychological game from their former leader.
The ripple effect of Parker’s influence is evident in Jessica Knight (Katrina Law), who has taken on the role of Chief Training Officer at Camp Pendleton. In the Season 22 premiere, she brings her trainees a box of protein pastries, mirroring Parker’s thoughtful approach. This move showcases how deeply Parker’s leadership style has resonated with Knight, demonstrating his positive impact even on newer team members.
The contrast between Parker’s and Gibbs’ leadership styles highlights how far the team has come. Initially resistant to the change, the team now eagerly anticipates Parker’s pastries, adapting to his more relaxed management approach. Even during Parker’s health kick in Season 21, when he swapped pastries for wheatgrass shots, the team found themselves missing the sweet treats.
Years have passed since Gibbs retired to Alaska, where he remains a legendary figure within the agency. Knight’s embrace of Parker’s leadership quirks and the team’s growing comfort with his style signal a significant shift in dynamics. While Gibbs’ commitment to justice and responsibility remains, it’s evident that Parker has successfully made the MCRT his own, ushering in a new chapter for the team that honors their past while embracing a more approachable future.
