NCIS, a television juggernaut, is widely regarded as one of the most successful and durable shows of all time.
Even this fan favorite has had its share of controversy, from snoozefest special episodes to the loss of popular characters. In this examination, we look at the storylines that provoked passionate debate among the show’s devoted fans.
One notorious episode that stands out in the NCIS history books is “Knockout,” a Season 6 special that aimed to unravel the mysterious past of Director Vance. Despite the good intentions, fans were left unimpressed as the episode became the lowest-rated on IMDb.
Viewers found themselves questioning the timing of delving into Vance’s backstory, a character relatively new to the NCIS Squad. It serves as a lesson that not every character dive hits the mark, and backstory episodes might be better received when the fans are more invested.
Revisiting Gibbs’ Past:
Mark Harmon’s portrayal of Leroy Jethro Gibbs is a defining feature of NCIS, with the character’s murky backstory adding to the show’s fascination.
Fans criticized the idea to rehash Gibbs’ vengeance k1lling in the 16th season. Many people complained that this aspect of Gibbs’ life had previously been examined in a prior episode, so why relive it? Some viewers were displeased with the repetition, and they vented their frustration on platforms such as Reddit.
Season 14’s Struggle:
Season 14 of NCIS faced a challenging task of filling the void left by Tony DiNozzo’s departure at the end of Season 13. Despite introducing new characters in an attempt to patch up the heartache, fans responded with disappointment. The chemistry didn’t ignite, banter fell flat, and the new additions struggled to find their place in the NCIS universe. Viewers voiced their discontent, missing the spark that characterized the earlier seasons.
Ziva’s Farewell:
The resignation of Ziva David, played by Cote de Pablo, during Season 11 left viewers stunned. De Pablo initially cited personal reasons for her departure, but later acknowledged that creative differences were the underlying cause. She objected to the writers’ portrayal of Ziva’s destiny, which presented her as a miserable woman sent back to Israel. De Pablo stood up for her character and refused to return until a spectacular storyline was developed. Her choice highlighted Ziva’s impact on female viewers and cemented her status as an empowering character.
Abby’s Shocking Exit:
Pauley Perrette’s departure from NCIS as the beloved Abby Sciuto sent shockwaves through the fanbase. Rumors of a clash with Mark Harmon emerged, with a bizarre incident involving Harmon’s dog allegedly causing tension. Perrette, however, set the record straight on social media, asserting that she would never return and expressing fear of Harmon. Her departure left fans heartbroken, with many expressing that NCIS just wasn’t the same without Abby.
While NCIS has dealt with its fair share of controversy and polarizing storylines, the show’s innate charm and storytelling prowess continue to attract viewers. As it celebrates two decades of television domination, NCIS exemplifies tenacity in the face of periodic setbacks, constantly regaining its footing and keeping fans hooked on the series’ cr1me-solving prowess.
