The NCIS team will have a different lineup when the long-running CBS drama returns for Season 22 this fall.
In the previous season finale, Director Vance offered Special Agent Knight a unique opportunity: the chance to become the REACT team’s chief training officer at Camp Pendleton in Southern California. While Jess initially told Vance she’d consider the offer, she hesitated to share the news with her colleague and partner, Dr. Jimmy Palmer. When Jimmy eventually learned about her potential new role from other team members, tensions flared. Although he regretted his outburst, Jimmy couldn’t apologize right away, as Jess and Parker became trapped aboard a decommissioned Navy ship destined to be sunk.
During the crisis, Parker—despite his usual reluctance to give relationship advice—encouraged Jess to embrace opportunities and not fear making mistakes. While he admitted he’d “fight like hell” to keep her on the team, he also recognized that “birds gotta fly.”
After a harrowing ordeal and some bold swimming by Jess, the situation was resolved. Vance then reminded her that she owed him an answer. Despite taking a moment to reflect on her NCIS “family”—including Torres, McGee, Kasie, and Jimmy—Jess ultimately decided to accept the new position across the country, responding enthusiastically, “Hell yeah, sir. Let’s do it.”
Were you surprised by Jessica’s decision? Read what actress Katrina Law and the show’s producers have to say about this twist. Plus, what’s your theory on Lily, the little girl Parker imagined? Could she be a childhood friend who tragically met her fate aboard that ship?
