NCIS Season 22 Confirms Jessica Knight’s MCRT Fate—And I’m Torn About What’s Next!

Jessica Knight’s fate in NCIS season 22 has been officially revealed, and I’m conflicted about it. Katrina Law’s skilled Major Case Response Team (MCRT) member was offered her dream job in the season 21 finale, a fantastic opportunity that would require her to leave her current team. Additionally, this new role would complicate her relationship with Jimmy Palmer. While I fully support women pursuing their goals, I understand why Knight struggled to give Director Leon Vance a definitive answer.

Unfortunately, Knight didn’t have much time to contemplate her decision. In the end, she chose to take the job, feeling both excited and sad about it. In most shows, this would suggest that Law would no longer be part of the NCIS cast. However, as a long-time viewer, I know better than to assume this is the end of her time with MCRT. NCIS has a history of fake-out exits, and now, ahead of season 22, CBS has confirmed what’s next for Knight.

CBS Confirms Knight Isn’t Leaving in Season 22

CBS Releases New Promotional Images for NCIS Season 22’s Core Cast

In anticipation of the new season, CBS released updated promotional images for the core cast of NCIS season 22, which include Law’s Knight (via Paramount Press). This confirms that despite her decision in the season 21 finale, Knight is somehow staying with the team. Given the show’s track record, I always doubted that Knight would leave. There was never any indication that Law was planning to exit the series. While NCIS has occasionally kept an actor’s departure a secret until their farewell episode, they’ve typically given viewers a heads-up.

That said, the new promotional image for Knight confirms she’ll be sporting a slightly different hair color in season 22. Admittedly, Knight’s lighter hair initially made me second-guess my belief about her staying on the show, especially since she appeared to be on vacation while production had already started. But the official image confirms her return with a new look. Though it may seem trivial, for fans searching for clues about her future, any detail could have been telling.

Why Knight Staying with MCRT Undermines NCIS Season 21’s Finale

NCIS Has a History of Fake Exits

Even though I suspected that Knight wasn’t going anywhere, I’m still torn about this confirmation. Don’t get me wrong—I like Law. She joined NCIS at a challenging time but quickly integrated into the cast, becoming a vital member of Alden Parker’s team. Knight was the first MCRT recruit post-Gibbs. However, my main issue is that this feels like yet another fake-out exit.

Knight being the latest victim of this trope is particularly frustrating, given NCIS’s history of repeatedly saying goodbye to its female agents. Over the years, NCIS has seen many character departures that were eventually reversed. While there have been some truly memorable exits, it’s time the show moved on from this pattern. Knight following in the footsteps of Ellie Bishop, Ziva David, and Kate Todd is especially disappointing, considering they all occupied the same desk in the MCRT bullpen.

Knight Staying Doesn’t Solve Her Relationship Issues with Palmer

NCIS Season 22 Sets Up a Difficult Road Ahead for Knight & Palmer

While I’m glad Knight is staying, I’m disappointed that she won’t be pursuing her dream job after all. This decision also complicates her relationship with Palmer, as their last conversation revealed unresolved issues. Whatever the reason for Knight not moving forward with her REACT role, staying with MCRT won’t magically fix her and Palmer’s conflict. Her near departure only brought their relationship’s underlying problems to the surface.

Even with Knight remaining on the team, their breakup may still happen, making it awkward and complicated for them to continue working together. Ideally, I want Palmer and Knight to reconcile, but it’s likely going to be a difficult process, if it happens at all. This means the MCRT, the characters, and the viewers will have to endure this rough patch. In an ideal scenario, I would have preferred that NCIS avoided another red herring exit with Knight.