What Alden Parker’s hallucinations mean and how they shape his story in NCIS season 22 is addressed by showrunner Steven D. Binder. The NCIS season 21 finale’s story had two big storylines for its newest MCRT characters. While Jessica Knight dealt with a game-changing offer, Parker almost died in an accident while investigating a case. Interestingly, however, as he continued to lose blood, he started calling someone named “Lily.” When asked about it while he was recuperating, he claimed that he didn’t recall anything about the matter.
Talking to TV Line, North addressed the mystery of Parker’s hallucinations. While he can’t give any spoilers about the matter, he shares that MCRT’s current leader may not be lying when he said that he didn’t know anyone named Lily. Read his full quote below:
It’s not entirely clear to him who this girl was. There’s something in his past that even he’s not aware of that’s bubbling to the surface.
How Lily’s Mystery Changes Parker’s Story In NCIS
Parker’s Personal Story Can Be The Focus Of NCIS Season 22
Aside from Parker’s hallucinations of Lily in the boat, the NCIS season 21 finale also featured what appeared to be flashbacks from when he was around the same age as the little girl. His mother also appeared, reprimanding both of them for running around the ship. Based on these, it seems like Lily is Parker’s late sister. She may have died in an on-board accident that he may have also been involved with. However, it’s interesting that Binder is floating the idea that Parker may not be aware of the incident.
One way to further endear him to the audience is to develop his personal story — something that the police procedural hasn’t done extensively.
For what it’s worth, it’s possible that he repressed this memory because the trauma of what happened was far too painful to deal with. If this is the case, then NCIS season 22 may be looking at unpacking this horrible experience for the character. Since taking over Leroy Jethro Gibbs’ role, Parker has been nothing but stellar in his job as MCRT’s lead. However, one way to further endear him to the audience is to develop his personal story — something that the police procedural hasn’t done extensively. This story may be the start of that path for him.
NCIS season 21 tackled some personal arcs for all of its main characters. Parker’s may have happened towards the end of its run, but it was an effective way of planting plot seeds that the upcoming year will eventually pay off. Maybe season 22 can even bring in some family members for the character, which has been the norm for other characters.