Knight’s Heartbreaking NCIS Season 22 Exit: Why It’s the Best Thing for Palmer!
Jessica Knight leaving NCIS in Season 22 might be the best outcome for Jimmy Palmer, given everything he has been through. Despite a shorter season, NCIS Season 21 was packed with drama. In addition to weekly cases, Alden Parker’s team faced significant challenges. Nick Torres nearly went to prison for a murder he didn’t commit, Ducky Mallard passed away, and Director Leon Vance was shot in the 1000th episode. The season wrapped up with a straightforward case in the finale.
In the NCIS Season 21 finale, “Reef Madness,” Parker and his team investigated several bodies found on a ship destined to become an artificial reef. While the case itself wasn’t particularly compelling for a finale, the episode stood out due to its character-driven moments. Parker’s mysterious connection to a woman named Lily was introduced, and Jessica Knight faced a pivotal decision when offered her dream job at Camp Pendleton, which would mean leaving the Major Case Response Team (MCRT).
Palmer Gets a Proper Goodbye from Knight If She Leaves NCIS If Knight leaves MCRT to take up Vance’s offer for her dream job, it would be a considerate development for Palmer, given his recent experiences with departures on NCIS. After years of marriage to Breena, Palmer lost her during the height of the coronavirus pandemic and wasn’t able to properly say goodbye due to the circumstances. Following Breena’s death, Ellie Bishop left abruptly without a final conversation with him. Then, Leroy Jethro Gibbs retired to Alaska, and while he had a farewell moment with the team, Palmer missed a personal goodbye. The loss of Ducky in Season 21 added to his grief.
As Palmer faces another MCRT exit, having Knight formally say goodbye would be the best outcome in this difficult situation. This would allow Palmer to have a clean break from the relationship, unlike the abrupt departures he has previously endured.
Will Knight Really Leave NCIS in Season 22? Although Knight has accepted Vance’s job offer, it doesn’t necessarily mean she will leave. NCIS has a history of similar situations where characters were poised to leave but ultimately stayed. For instance, Vance once broke up Gibbs’ team only to reunite them a few episodes later. Katrina Law, who plays Knight, hasn’t indicated she’s leaving, and there are still many stories to explore with her character, including her growing romance with Palmer. Until NCIS Season 22 clarifies Knight’s status, her departure may not be certain.
