Agent Parker refers to Leroy Jethro Gibbs in NCIS season 22, and the comment shows how Mark Harmon’s legacy is getting in the way of Gary Cole’s character taking control of the team. Cole assumed the lead role in the CBS procedural after Mark Harmon exited NCIS in season 19, episode 4, “Great Wide Open,” with the Office Space actor playing a fundamental role in the plot that bids Gibbs farewell. After a case takes Gibbs and McGee to Alaska, the agent in charge decides to stay in Naktok Bay due to his newfound sense of peace.
NCIS introduces Parker in tandem with Gibbs’ swan song plot, making him the FBI agent tasked with arresting the MCRT leader. Ultimately, Parker refuses to arrest Gibbs and gets fired from the FBI. Coincidentally, however, he takes Gibbs’ place after McGee refuses the role. NCIS season 22 is the fourth season in which Parker has headed MCRT. While Cole has been great, the procedural’s first complete season of episodes following the dual Hollywood strikes is seeing low numbers. Parker can help make the show great again, but only if he stops this trend in “Hardboiled.”
Parker Referencing Gibbs’ Rule #39 In NCIS Season 22, Episode 7 Makes No Sense
Parker Shouldn’t Know Gibbs’ Rules
Parker refers to Leroy Gibbs in NCIS season 22, episode 7, “Hardboiled.” As a tense case embroils the team in an investigation that could neutralize a national security issue, Parker advises the group to trust their instincts, noting that coincidences don’t exist. However, rather than simply advising the team in his own words, Parker refers to one of Gibbs’ rules. The former agent in charge has a code of standards to live by, which Gibbs impressed on his team while leading MCRT. Gibbs’ mentees quoted his rules often. Still, Parker’s reference to Gibbs doesn’t make any sense.
Without reciting it directly, Parker refers to one of Gibbs’ rules in NCIS when he says, “Rule thirty-nine. That’s the one about no coincidences, right?” While many are familiar with his’ legacy and would remember his code, Parker never even officially worked with Gibbs. Therefore, Parker’s memory of his predecessor’s rules doesn’t add up. It’s nostalgic for someone like McGee or Jimmy to quote their mentor of nearly 20 years. That isn’t the case for Parker, who never crossed paths with Gibbs in the workplace and probably didn’t study up on his rules.
NCIS Needs To Let Go Of Gibbs For Parker’s Sake
Parker Must Create His Legacy
For Parker’s sake, NCIS should discard references to the former leader, especially when his successor is uttering them. Parker must forge his own identity so NCIS can outlast Harmon’s exit, and the dated references to Gibbs hardly serve a purpose. While referring back to Gibbs’ rules seems like a fun idea, it’s more meaningful when agents whose careers Gibbs impacted recite them. Parker’s references to Gibbs feel a bit forced while reminding audiences that Gibbs no longer runs the team. Therefore, the reference in episode 7 unnecessarily convolutes his leadership with Gibbs’ legacy.
NCIS season 22 is seeing the procedural’s lowest viewership ratings in more than two decades on air, leading some to wonder if CBS will cancel NCIS.
The nod to Gibbs is problematic because it signals that NCIS is stuck in the past, which doesn’t serve its future. NCIS season 22 is seeing the procedural’s lowest viewership ratings in more than two decades on air, leading some to wonder if CBS will cancel NCIS. Especially in season 22, looking back at Gibbs does Parker a disservice. Parker works because he contrasts Gibbs, leaving no room for comparison, like when bringing the team pastries. NCIS must bolster Parker’s identity to survive the future rather than look in the rearview mirror.