NCIS: Nick Torres’ Changes Set Up Perfect Storyline for Season 22!

NCIS is known for its long character arcs, and the show seems to have carefully set Nick Torres up for his greatest character arc yet. Having been on the air for over two decades, NCIS has intricately explored the personal and professional development of its main characters. Nick, played by Wilmer Valderrama, has been a Special Agent on the show since season 14, stepping in to replace Special Agent Tony DiNozzo, played by Michael Weatherly. As such, he has not escaped similar scrutiny.

After so many seasons, and with NCIS season 22 on the way, Nick’s character has grown significantly. NCIS season 21 especially revealed substantial parts of Nick’s background, helping to explain aspects of his character and personality. The NCIS season 21 finale opened up the possibility of several exciting storylines for its main characters. The latest season also set up the perfect storyline for Nick’s character, especially with the confirmation of NCIS season 22.

How Nick’s Family History Has Changed His Character In NCIS

When Nick first joined NCIS in season 14, not much was known about him. Over several seasons, he became a well-liked and well-rounded character, but it took time to get there. In season 19, the show reveals that Torres has been attending therapy sessions with Dr. Grace Confalone. Through his therapy sessions in seasons 19 and 20, Nick learns that his issues with sobriety stem from the trauma of his childhood and his poor relationship with his father. These therapy sessions allowed Nick to grow as a character and as a teammate.

The NCIS season 20 finale and the season 21 premiere emphasized Nick’s struggles with his childhood and his loyalty when he wrongly confessed to murder to save his sister. The problems Nick has faced throughout his life left him emotionally unavailable to form deep relationships with his colleagues. However, over the course of several seasons, Nick’s character has opened up, learning to trust his team and form valuable emotional bonds with them. These past seasons have showcased his vulnerability and his potential to develop deeper storylines.

Nick’s Development Opens Him Up To Two Stronger Relationships In NCIS Season 22

Nick’s changes in the past few seasons have set him up to form deeper emotional connections with his colleagues in season 22. One relationship to look forward to is a deeper exploration of Nick’s friendship with his boss Alden Parker, played by Gary Cole. Season 21 shows the two of them becoming temporary roommates while Nick’s apartment is treated for mold. While no character is safe in NCIS, there is a lot of potential for season 22 to expand on the friendship between the two characters and show more scenes of them together.

Nick’s character development also makes him emotionally available for potential romantic relationships in season 22. While Nick has had a previous romantic relationship with his colleague Ellie Bishop, it didn’t work out due to Nick’s past and Ellie’s secrecy. However, his recent development opens him up to reconnect with a past fling: Jane Tennant from NCIS: Hawaii. Their relationship was established in season 19 of NCIS, and with the cancellation of NCIS: Hawaii, Jane’s return in NCIS season 22 is all the more likely.