“Breaking All the Rules: The Explosive NCIS Relationship Between Palmer & Knight That Defies a Gibbs Rule – You Won’t Believe What’s Happening!”
NCIS season 19 witnessed the development of a romantic relationship between medical examiner Dr. Jimmy Palmer and Special Agent Jessica Knight, a relationship that seemingly defies one of former team leader Leroy Jethro Gibbs’ steadfast rules. Gibbs, a former Marine gunnery sergeant turned federal agent, was renowned for his extensive list of rules that served as a foundational structure for the team until his departure from the agency in NCIS season 19, episode 4, “Great Wide Open.”
Following Gibbs’ exit, NCIS season 19 centered on the adjustments made by Special Agents Tim McGee, Nick Torres, and Jessica Knight to a change in leadership, with former FBI Agent Alden Parker stepping in as their new boss. The season concluded with a surprising twist as Parker goes on the run with his ex-wife, unaware of her secret alliance with the villain known as the Raven, fueling speculations regarding the potential return of Gibbs. Additionally, season 19 featured a special crossover event with NCIS: Hawai’i, the franchise’s newest spinoff.
Palmer and Knight’s budding romance was initially hinted at in NCIS season 19, episode 15, “Thick As Thieves,” when Knight invited Palmer to be her plus-one at a wedding. Their romantic tension grew throughout the season, with the culmination of their feelings being revealed in episode 20, “All or Nothing.” Finally, in the season finale, they shared a kiss and officially became a couple. Their relationship is poised to remain an essential subplot in NCIS season 20, although it raises the question of whether their relationship breaches Gibbs’ rule number 12: never date coworkers, especially given Gibbs’ departure from the show.
Apart from Gibbs’ retirement to Alaska, other factors may suggest that Knight and Palmer’s relationship could be viewed as an exception to the rule, particularly considering that NCIS has portrayed relationships and romantic tensions between agents in the past. Special Agent Tony DiNozzo’s involvement with Special Agent EJ Barrett led to a tense discussion between Tony and Gibbs in NCIS season 8, episode 21, “Dead Reflection.” While Tony contended that he and EJ were not on the same team, Gibbs responded by emphasizing that relationships between his agents and any NCIS employee would adversely affect their ability to work. Therefore, even if they don’t technically work side by side, Gibbs would likely still consider Knight and Palmer’s relationship in violation of rule 12.
In stark contrast to Gibbs’ stoicism and rigid structure, Agent Parker introduced a more relaxed perspective in NCIS season 19, characterized by his tendency to bring pastries for the team and communicate via an app, a marked departure from Gibbs’ aversion to technology. Consequently, Parker might not exhibit the same level of opposition, or any opposition at all, to Knight and Palmer dating. Similarly, McGee and Torres were supportive of their relationship, despite being aware of Gibbs’ rule. The team’s approval may set Knight and Palmer’s relationship apart from previous workplace romances that fell afoul of rule 12. While Gibbs’ return in season 20 remains uncertain, observing how Palmer and Knight’s relationship unfolds will test the enduring significance of Gibbs’ rules even after his departure.
