Jessica Knight’s departure in NCIS Season 22 would ultimately be beneficial for Jimmy Palmer, considering everything he has endured. Despite the shorter season, NCIS Season 21 was packed with significant events. The team faced numerous challenges: Nick Torres almost went to prison for a murder he didn’t commit, Ducky Mallard passed away, and Director Leon Vance was shot in the 1000th episode, among other trials. The season concluded with a straightforward case.
In the NCIS Season 21 finale, “Reef Madness,” Parker’s team responded to the discovery of several bodies aboard a ship set to become an artificial reef. While the case itself wasn’t particularly compelling for a finale, the events outside the main plot were significant. The finale introduced a mystery involving Parker and the identity of Lily. Meanwhile, Knight faced a pivotal decision when she was offered her dream job, which would take her away from the Major Case Response Team (MCRT).
If Knight leaves MCRT for her dream job at Camp Pendleton, it would be a considerate gesture for Palmer, given his recent experiences with team departures. After years of marriage to Breena, he lost her during the peak of the coronavirus pandemic and wasn’t even able to say a proper goodbye due to the circumstances. This loss was followed by Ellie Bishop’s abrupt departure, without a final conversation with him.
Knight’s departure, with a proper farewell, would provide Palmer with a sense of closure that he hasn’t had with previous exits. When Leroy Jethro Gibbs retired to Alaska, Palmer didn’t get much time with his former boss. Similarly, Ducky’s death in Season 21 left him without a proper goodbye. Knight’s ability to formally say goodbye to Palmer would be a positive aspect in this difficult situation.
While it won’t be easy for Palmer, a clean break from this relationship, unlike previous exits, would offer some solace. Knight’s farewell would mark a change, allowing Palmer to move forward with the closure he needs.
