Movies News Talk
Ncis season 22 breaking up Jessica Knight and Jimmy Palmer repeats the show's ugliest character exit and somehow outdoes it by being worse. CBS made the most of NCIS' short season. Despite only having 13 episodes compared to over 20 outings per year, a lot happened to the Major Case Response Team (MCRT). While the majority of the arcs tackled in NCIS season 21 were already resolved, some were planned to be further explored when it comes back in the fall. That includes the fallout from Knight's decision to accept a new job that would force her to leave MCRT.
Aside from Alden Parker's Lily mystery, the Ncis season 21 finale presented Knight with a difficult decision — accept a great career opportunity and leave DC or stay and let go of his dream job. Understandably, she was torn. Despite her interest in the new post, she couldn't just leave MCRT and be away from Palmer. Unfortunately, Palmer's reaction to the idea of his girlfriend leaving only further convinced her to take the job. Despite not wanting to split up, it seems like the writing is already on the wall — Knight and Palmer will be more in Ncis Season 22.
It's difficult to fault Knight for taking advantage of the opportunity presented to her. While she knew that it would be tricky, she didn't anticipate Palmer's visceral reaction to the news. Now, the pair's break-up seems already inevitable, considering their circumstances. This kind of heartbreak isn't new for the procedural, however. NCIS season 18 also forced Nick Torres and Ellie Bishop to separate as she took on a new job as an undercover agent. The way Emily Wickersham was written out of the show remains controversial, with critics pointing out that the reason for leaving MCRT was out of character.
It's no secret that Palmer doesn't have the best record when it comes to farewells. He didn't get to properly say goodbye to Breena and didn't have any personal moments with Leroy Jethro Gibbs before he left for Alaska. It was the same thing for Ducky Mallard, who died in his sleep. Considering this, having a proper conversation with Knight before she leaves seems like the best thing that could happen for Palmer in Ncis Season 22. Despite the similarity in circumstances, Knight and Palmer's break-up is worse than Bishop leaving Torres for a couple of reasons.
Firstly, Knight and Palmer's attraction to each other in NCIS was instantaneous. It was clear right away that they liked each other, resulting in a full-blown romance for the pair – something that never happened with Bishop and Torres. Somehow, this makes splitting them up a tougher pill to swallow. Secondly, there's no reason why Knight and Palmer can't do a long-distance set-up, especially in this day and age of technology. Bishop had no choice but to cut off all contact, considering that she was going undercover for a long period.
There's no reason why Knight and Palmer can't do a long-distance set-up, especially in this day and age of technology. Bishop had no choice but to cut off all contact, considering that she was going undercover for a long period.
NCIS's habit of forcing romantic relationships apart to send a character on a new adventure is a tired trope that the show has relied on for years. NCIS has a long history of great character exits, including Tony DiNozzo and Ziva David's departure, which was handled well. With Knight's exit, it feels like NCIS is using the same tired tactic over and over again. At this point, it's becoming more frustrating than anything else.
The writers should have found a more creative way to write out Knight that doesn't rely on breaking up her relationship with Palmer. It's not that hard to find reasons for a character to leave without having to resort to a tired trope.
While Knight's new job opportunity seems exciting, it's hard to believe that NCIS won't find a way to bring her back. The show has a knack for bringing back former characters, including Ziva and Tony, so it's not out of the realm of possibility that Knight could return in a future season.
If NCIS doesn't find a way to bring Knight back, it will be a huge miss for the show. Knight's been a great addition to the team, and her departure will be a loss. The writers need to find a way to write out Knight that doesn't involve a break-up and that doesn't repeat the mistakes of the past.