### Jessica Knight’s Career Move Shocks NCIS Fans: What It Means for the Show’s Future
In the Season 21 finale of NCIS, Jessica Knight surprised fans with her enthusiastic “hell, yeah” to a career change, leaving many wondering about the show’s future. During the finale, which aired in May, Special Agent Knight, played by Katrina Law, accepted the position of Chief React Training Officer at Camp Pendleton. After much contemplation, she chose this new path over her NCIS team and her boyfriend, Dr. Jimmy Palmer (Brian Dietzen).
Co-showrunner Steve D. Binder hinted at future possibilities in a June 1 interview with TVLine. “We’ve set something up there,” Binder teased. Referring to past character exits, he added, “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 [Mark Harmon].”
Binder explained that the writers are aiming to follow a structure similar to Tony DiNozzo’s (Michael Weatherly) departure. DiNozzo left the show to care for his child, a clear motivation. Knight’s reasons are more complex. It’s a mix of her career aspirations and her evolving relationship with Jimmy. “It’s a combination of a thing that she had applied for and wanted to do… and then having this relationship with Jimmy where suddenly things are in flux,” Binder said.
Despite the ambiguity about Season 22, Binder assured that the creative team aims “to please” the audience. “We think the audience will be satisfied with where they see this go,” Binder added. “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.”
Throughout Season 21, Knight and Palmer faced relationship challenges. Knight’s father reminded her of her career goals, leading Palmer to question his place in her life. Their tension peaked when Palmer exploded at Knight, only to apologize after she nearly died on a naval ship. Nonetheless, Knight decided to take the job across the country.
In an April interview with Us Weekly, Law hinted at upcoming hurdles for Knight and Palmer. She reflected on Knight’s trauma from losing her React team in Season 18, noting that returning to a React position could jeopardize her relationship with Palmer. However, Law remains hopeful for their future. “Brian Dietzen is a wonderful acting partner, and we have so much fun working together,” she said. “So the thought of not being able to have as many scenes with him is heartbreaking.”
Law and Dietzen are dedicated to exploring their characters’ relationship. Law expressed her desire for what’s best for both characters in the long run, while Dietzen praised the writers for creating a mature love story. “It’s been wonderful to discover what this very adult relationship means as we communicate with each other,” Dietzen said. “And there is no one better to do it with than Katrina.”
As Knight embarks on her new career, fans eagerly await how her decision will impact the dynamic of NCIS in Season 22.