Is It Time for a Real Romance on ‘NCIS’? (POLL)
NCIS is entering its 19th season this fall, and one thing it has yet to do is show a real, successful, on-screen romance between two series regulars.
Instead, it seems like it’s been one tragedy, “what if?” or will they/won’t they after another. After losing his wife and daughter, Gibbs (Mark Harmon) hasn’t been able to make a marriage or relationship last. McGee (Sean Murray) was involved with Abby (Pauley Perrette) before he officially joined the team, but he is happily married — with twins — to Delilah (Margo Harshman, who recurs). Dr. Jimmy Palmer (Brian Dietzen) is now a single father after his wife Breena (Michelle Pierce, who recurred) died from COVID.
There was the possibility of something happening between Tony (Michael Weatherly) and Kate (Sasha Alexander), but then she was killed. (The two were married in the “what if?” of Episode 200 “Life Before His Eyes.”) Then began the (very) slow burn of Tony and Ziva (Cote de Pablo). Their first non-undercover kiss came in what was, at the time, her last episode. Then as he exited the series, he learned Ziva died … and they had a kid she never told him about. It turned out Ziva had faked her death and was last seen going to join her family off-screen.
And that kiss seemed to set a precedent for the will they/won’t they couples to come. Gibbs and Jack (Maria Bello) kissed as he left her in Afghanistan after she realized her next steps away from NCIS. Bishop (Emily Wickersham) and Torres (Wilmer Valderrama) kissed as she left him and everyone else behind for an undercover operation.
On the other hand, both spinoffs, Los Angeles and New Orleans have shown successful relationships amongst their series regulars. On the former, Kensi (Daniela Ruah) and Deeks (Eric Christian Olsen) went from partners to spouses talking about having kids, while Nell (Renée Felice Smith) and Eric (Barrett Foa) were together for a time (and may have a future since they left together). New Orleans ended its seven-season run with Pride (Scott Bakula) marrying Rita (Chelsea Field, promoted to series regular for the final season), as well as Hannah (Necar Zadegan) and Carter (Charles Michael Davis) together.
Sonja Flemming/CBS
Is it time for this to change for NCIS? If not now, when? Never? Let’s be realistic: The long-running procedural drama is closer to its end than its beginning, especially with Harmon’s future with the show unclear. If something’s going to happen, it has to be soon, to give the audience enough time to watch a relationship play out on-screen.
But if that happens, who would be involved? McGee is obviously out (because we don’t want anything to touch his and Delilah’s relationship). With Harmon likely only around in a limited capacity, we’ll rule him out as well. Let’s assume that NCIS won’t stick Torres in a new relationship so soon after Bishop’s exit, especially considering how that relationship was handled. That leaves Jimmy, Kasie (Diona Reasonover), Vance (Rocky Carroll), Ducky (David McCallum), FBI Agent Alden Park (new series regular Gary Cole), and Jessica Knight (Katrina Law, upped to series regular).
What do you think? Vote in our poll below.
NCIS, Season 19, Fall 2021, CBS
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C
With Nick and Ellie, the writers seemed to be promising something there (and as he came to care for Ellie, the possibility of romance did seem to let Nick show a more attractive, less self-absorbed and less macho persona), Ellie's departure and the kiss just landed as sort of a "thud" after episodes like Ephemera, On Fire and 1mm. Would rather live totally without a romance than so many unfulfilled teasers of same.
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G
Who cares, they're all retiring or getting reassigned..
No need for romance when you have a crime to solve and a criminal to catch.
Maybe they can arrest Biden, Harris, and Pelosi on treason and exposed the corruption in government politics.
Oh that's right Hollywood is also the problem.
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P
I don't know what you have planned but the story of McGee and Delilah was a beautiful romance!!! And even though we are not brought into the whole story of Tony and Ziva the implication is so that it reminds me of some of the old movies which allowed the viewers to use a little imagination!!
And sadly I have not been able to watch the last 6 shows because of the way you did Gibbs in the show with the dogs! Gibbs needs to be treated a lot better as he steps down!! This was my #1 favorite show😥!
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O
Vance is long overdo for romance in his life. He should also play a more active role in some of the upcoming episodes.
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O
No,especially not between Bishop and Torres. They're just boring,no action or excitement.
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O
I think Gibbs needs a person who can be the woman who understands his ways and be strong for him. Vance, on the other hand should find someone. He's been alone for a long time and should have a person to come home to and grow old with.
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O
I think Palmer and Agent Night they connected on something toward the fanale
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B
First, the original description for the Jessica Knight character was that she was married. I hope they keep her married.
Second, in spite of what the other series have done, no federal agency would allow two people who are partners in the field to date. They would have to work elsewhere in the agency. So that leaves options for dating somewhat limited to those who have different jobs (and don't have supervisory relationships).
Third, if they do introduce a romantic secondary story, let it be both realistic and secondary (or better yet tertiary) to the show.
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G
I think it's time for Director Vance to meet someone
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R
Where's the poll at. There is no poll.
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G
Gibbs needs a romance
Jimmy and Kasey together for Torres have Bishop come back for a few episodes to finish what barely got started Finally Tony and Ziva also come back and get married
Nothing was better than Tony and Ziva ♥️
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B
You're right...nothing will ever be better than Tony and Ziva. Torres and Bishop.....boring!!!!
Well, she was boring. Her character, and her "acting", and I use that word in the loosest of terms, was the absolute worst!
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R
It seems the writers along with Mark Harmon really do not have any real interest to invest any serious time & effort in the existing characters & story lines anymore & haven't since Tony, Abby & Ziva left the show. I think it would be best for the writers to really work hard on a very good, final, satisfying ending for all the NCIS fans, to the whole NCIS show in the 19th season that will be a nice happy ending to what was once a really great TV series.
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I love the idea of love for each of them if it happens, but not with each other. It’s their personal life and there’s no reason for jealousy or tension in the squad room. There’s all kind of possibilities that can be explored with their dating outside.
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C
NO ROMANCE!!!!!!!
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G
not Torres and Bishop; no real chemistry, imho. Gibbs and Jack could be okay.
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B
Vance.....hands down.....he needs to find someone
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P
I think Vance deserves a real relationship now. I have missed his wife. Where is the poll?
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B
"Ellie" was never a believable character... her acting was atrocious. Happy when she left, now maybe they'll find someone as good as "Ziva" to fill the void.
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O
No keep sex and love between partners out of the one decent show on TV. Please.
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