“NCIS’s Most Shocking Secrets: The 5 Unbreakable Friendships that Warmed Our Hearts and the 5 That Caused the Most Drama – You Won’t Believe the Twists and Turns!”

Over its extensive 16-year run, “NCIS” has explored a variety of friendships among its characters, both good and bad. Some of these relationships were marked by chemistry and strong connections, while others fell short. Let’s delve into the five best and five worst friendships in “NCIS.”

Worst: Cassidy and DiNozzo

Special Agent Paula Cassidy and Very Special Agent Anthony DiNozzo had a brief romantic relationship that lacked chemistry from the start. Even after their breakup, the strained dynamic between them was palpable. Tony’s reaction to Cassidy’s death later in the series seemed to be the most genuine emotion he expressed towards her.

Best: Ducky and Palmer

Dr. Donald Mallard, known as Ducky, and Dr. Jimmy Palmer developed a strong and heartwarming friendship. Starting with a teacher-student relationship, their bond grew over time. Jimmy’s transition from a trainee to a skilled assistant solidified their connection, with Jimmy even naming his daughter after Ducky’s late mother. Ducky now acts as an NCIS historian, while Jimmy has taken on the role of the full-time medical examiner.

Worst: Kate and DiNozzo

Special Agent Kate Todd and Anthony DiNozzo’s relationship, often described as having a sibling dynamic, was predominantly characterized by excessive antagonism. While there were moments of camaraderie, their interactions often involved bickering and pranks.

Best: Abby and Kate

Abby Sciuto and Kate Todd shared a deep and genuine friendship both inside and outside the office. They had girls’ nights and supported each other personally. Abby’s appreciation for a sketch that Kate drew of her as a bat highlighted their close bond. Kate’s death had a significant impact on Abby, making her skeptical of Ziva David joining the team.

Worst: Abby and Clayton Reeves

Abby’s friendship with Clayton Reeves had the potential to be great but was cut short due to their departure from the show. Their chemistry was promising, and their growing friendship was evident, culminating in a dinner together. Tragically, Clayton was killed, prompting Abby to leave NCIS and establish a homeless charity in England. The lack of further development in their friendship was a missed opportunity.

Best: DiNozzo and Director Shepard

When Agent Gibbs took time off due to injury, Senior Special Agent DiNozzo temporarily took charge and worked closely with Director Jenny Shepard. Their friendship stood out for its strictly platonic nature, free from romantic or sexual implications, which was a rarity for DiNozzo.

Worst: DiNozzo and McGee

The relationship between DiNozzo and McGee often exhibited a sibling dynamic, similar to DiNozzo and Kate, albeit with less overt antagonism. While they had moments of respect, their interactions typically involved pranks, one-upmanship, or competing for sole credit on joint work. DiNozzo’s persistence in teasing McGee, even after the latter established himself as a capable agent, did not showcase the best friendship dynamics.

Best: Gibbs and Fornell

The interactions between Special Agent Gibbs and FBI Agent Fornell were characterized by jurisdictional disputes and a shared ex-wife, Diane Sterling. Despite the initial tension, their relationship evolved into a strong bond and a source of comic relief in the series. Fornell’s occasional appearances made their dynamic even more intriguing.

Worst: Gibbs and Director Shepard

Director Jenny Shepard’s past romantic involvement with Gibbs was a recurring point of conflict in the show. While they shared respect and genuine care, their interactions often served to add conflict to the storyline. This sometimes reduced Director Shepard to a mere plot point in Gibbs’ character development.

Best: Abby and McGee

Abby and McGee’s relationship began with flirtation and a short-lived romantic fling. Despite the romantic detour, they transitioned into close friends who collaborated on cases. Their acceptance of each other’s romantic partners and their ability to maintain a strong, platonic bond despite their history made their friendship the best among the “NCIS” characters.