Jessica Knight’s Shocking Exit in NCIS Season 21 Finale Sparks a ‘Chain Reaction’ That Could Change Everything in Season 22!

In the NCIS Season 21 finale, an intriguing mystery was set up for Alden Parker, and it also saw Katrina Law’s character, Jessica Knight, leave the team to become a REACT instructor at Camp Pendleton. However, fans of Katrina Law can rest easy—she’ll still be around when NCIS Season 22 premieres next month on the 2024 TV schedule. Showrunner Steven D. Binder revealed that Jessica’s departure has triggered a “chain reaction” that will significantly impact the core group of protagonists in the new season.

When NCIS Season 22 kicks off, six months after the Season 21 finale, the team is no longer together. Timothy McGee is eyeing a position as deputy director, and Nick Torres is off on another undercover mission. Binder explained to EW:

“The team kind of separates, so picture Parker [Gary Cole] walking into the bullpen and the kids aren’t home.”

This isn’t the first time the NCIS team has experienced shakeups over the years, but it’s hard not to feel for Parker, who starts Season 22 working alone instead of being assigned new agents. However, he won’t be short on things to keep him busy, as he’ll head to California for a case and reunite with Jessica Knight. Although Jessica seemed certain that taking the REACT job was the right move in the Season 21 finale, it appears she may be reconsidering, especially after leaving her boyfriend, Jimmy Palmer, behind. Binder hinted:

“Under the worst circumstances possible will these two have the talk.”

If Katrina Law remains a series regular throughout Season 22, it’s likely that circumstances will lead her back to Washington D.C., where she could resume her old post. However, for the season premiere—and possibly the first few episodes—the team will be doing their own thing. Still, fans probably won’t have to wait too long for the gang to reunite. While NCIS may differ from other procedurals like FBI and Law & Order, it’s still a show where the status quo tends to return eventually.

Binder also mentioned that Parker isn’t entirely sure who Lily is—the little girl he saw while hallucinating during “Reef of Madness.” This mystery is just one of many that will unfold in NCIS Season 22, along with some romance and “fun and unusual” pairings. Additionally, this season will see Sean Murray become the actor with the most appearances in the NCIS franchise.

NCIS Season 22 premieres on Monday, October 14, followed by the debut of NCIS: Origins, a prequel series about Leroy Jethro Gibbs in 1991. After their broadcast, new episodes will be available for streaming on Paramount+.