Jessica Knight (Katrina Law) had some noteworthy moments in NCIS season 21. Her evolution throughout the show’s most recent season makes it clear that her character has a wide range of talents. She is powerful both in action and conversation. Jess has been a worthy fit for her role as a special agent at NCIS Headquarters, and shocking circumstances for Jess in the NCIS season 21 finale suggest that she will continue to evolve.

Multiple moments from NCIS season 21 prove that Knight is capable of whatever comes next, whether that’s with her team in Washington, D.C., or across the country in California. One solution to Jessica Knight’s NCIS departure would allow her character to remain around in NCIS season 22 even after accepting her promotion. But if she does choose to depart the show, it would mark an unfortunate loss for the series. However, her exit would make season 21’s greatest Jessica Knight moments all the more memorable.

10

Investigating In Texas

Episode 9, “Prime Cut”

Agent Knight proved that she was a worthy investigator throughout season 21, and “Prime Cut” was a thrilling example of Knight at work. The team is investigating a murder linked to a ranch in Texas, and when Agents Knight and Torres go to investigate, they both get the spotlight. For Knight, it’s an episode where her character has a series of intuitions or conversations that lead them to the right answer. It shows that she would have been capable of her father’s Special Agent in Charge role and that she is capable of leading the next class of NCIS agents at Camp Pendleton.

While it’s a memorable episode that centers on her character, there are many others that outshine it, partially because several moments throughout the episode set the tone as less than serious. It doesn’t lend itself well to the crime scene investigation environment when the humor in a show like NCIS isn’t timed correctly. For instance, there are times when Jess’ Western-inspired hat and boots make it difficult to take her seriously. Overall, the episode struggles with tone, making it one of the weakest links when ranking episodes from NCIS season 21.

9

Going Undercover At The UAP Watch Group

Episode 6, “Strange Invaders”

In “Strange Invaders,” Knight goes undercover at a UAP (Unidentified Aerial Phenomena) Watch Group, and it’s a memorable moment for her character in the most recent season. That said, while Knight is undercover, she could be more convincing and serious. When asked about her first alien encounter, Knight doesn’t try to make anything up and puts pressure on McGee. Then, she makes a joke about McGee when he is covering for her, telling his own story.

It all takes place while the group is investigating the murder of a Navy pilot that keeps leading them to extraterrestrial conclusions, and it’s an episode that would’ve broken the entire NCIS show had it gone the way it looked it might. Her role in this episode suggests that Knight is a well-rounded agent, but she is most capable and motivated in her work when she is in action. That quality she has would make her a skilled team leader or Special Agent in Charge.

8

Working In The Maintenance Department During Walk-A-Mile Day

Episode 8, “Lifeline”

Knight has a moment that highlights her easygoing and can-do personality in NCIS season 21, episode 8, “Lifeline.” Parker (Gary Cole) has arranged “Walk-a-Mile Day” at NCIS, with the special agents assisting members of other departments in order to gain a deeper appreciation for the work that takes place at NCIS beyond their work as special agents. Jess is assigned to work with Louis (Michael Shepperd) from the maintenance and custodial department.

While some agents flourish in their roles and others struggle, Jess instantly connects. After Jess is pulled from her Walk-a-Mile Day task to investigate a case involving a former NCIS agent, she tells Louis that she will still be around because they need to continue to exchange gossip. It’s clear that she took Parker’s task seriously and, ultimately, it would be difficult to find the perfect Jessica Knight replacement now that she’s becoming a mainstay on the show.

7

Bringing Jimmy In To Relate To Jonesy

Episode 2, “The Stories We Leave Behind”

In “The Stories We Leave Behind,” the team investigates a case Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard was looking into before he died. The second episode in the season was a tribute to the late actor who portrayed the doctor until his death after David McCallum died at 90. The episode is a standout for Jess because she is there to comfort her boyfriend Jimmy (Brian Dietzen) as he mourns the loss of the doctor that he knew better than anyone. It’s a solid episode for Jess, especially since it shows her intuition as a leader.

While working on the case, the team needed vital information when trying to clear the name of a deceased Marine. They find his best friend, who has the intel they need to help clear his name, which is what the late doctor was trying to do before his death. Jess is an intuitive investigator, bringing in Jimmy to relate to Jonesy (James Landry Hébert), the late Marine’s best friend because they are both experiencing the loss of their greatest friend. Ultimately, Jimmy gets Jonesy to open up, and it’s the last piece they need to solve the case.

6

Kidnapping A Dead Body With Jimmy To Help Agent Torres

Episode 1, “Algún Día”

In “Algún Día,” Knight and Jimmy steal the dead body related to the case Nick is involved in. The FBI takes over the investigation, but Jess borrows her friend’s hearse and takes the body on a detour to NCIS with Jimmy so that he can go over the autopsy and see if anything was missed. It’s a significant moment for Jess’ character as it shows she has key traits that qualify her for her role as an NCIS agent. It’s a moment where she is similar to core MCRT characters like Jethro Gibbs (Mark Harmon) and other agents who are willing to break rules to get justice.

One of the things that needs to happen in NCIS season 22 after the season 21 finale is the complete resolution of Jess and Jimmy’s relationship, but key moments such as this one showed why they work together. Jimmy doesn’t question Jess’s desire to break the rules; in fact, he shows that he is rather excited by her willingness to break the rules and dress up. That said, while it’s a good moment for the couple, it’s clear that their chemistry is lacking in the everyday moments between the couple, this scene included.

5

Appealing To Agent Rose In The Elevator To Give NCIS Information

Episode 1, “Algún Día”

Another time that Jess shines in NCIS season 21 is when she persuades FBI Agent Rose to give her information about Nick’s case. They have a pivotal conversation in the NCIS Headquarters elevator wherein Jess appeals to Rose to help them, and Rose tells her not to play the loyalty card. When Agent Knight tells Rose that her only loyalty is to the truth, it seems to impact the FBI agent, who tells them that Nick’s hearing has been moved and later sends them the FBI case files to help clear Nick’s name.

The interaction between the two agents showcases Jessica’s ability to influence others, which is crucial to her continuing to evolve at NCIS. If Jess does depart the MCRT, the episode also offers the perfect Jessica Knight replacement, and the agents already had a moment that would serve as the perfect passing of the role. It’s one of the few times in the season that Jess stops the NCIS elevator to have a serious conversation, and they make up some of the most special moments of season 21 for her character.

4

Sticking Up For Jimmy And Herself To Feng Zhao

Episode 5, “The Plan”

In NCIS season 21, episode 5, “The Plan,” Jess has to defend her relationship with Dr. Jimmy Palmer after originally not disclosing the romance to her father, Feng Zhao (Russell Wong), when he is at NCIS Headquarters. Jimmy is hurt that Jess hasn’t mentioned him, but Jess explains to Jimmy that it’s because he’s not part of her father’s “plan” for her, which ends with her becoming NCIS director. It was an important scene for Jess and Jimmy that belongs near the top of moments for Jess from the season due in large part to how composed she was when dealing with the whole situation.

Ultimately, at the end of the episode, the three of them have a moment where Jess defends her relationship with Jimmy to her father, and they all sit down to have a meal. The way that Jess handles the situation allows for a fresh start, and Jess’ advocacy for her and Jimmy’s love makes this one of the best moments for her character. Although Jimmy and Jess don’t always have the most chemistry, the actors convey how much the two care for one another through their performances.

3

Fighting Alongside Feng Zhao

Episode 5, “The Plan”

Jess and her dad, Feng Zhao, have an epic fight against a suspect in “The Plan,” showcasing Knight’s fighting abilities. While in pursuit of a suspect, Knight’s father asks, “Where’s the fun in pulling our guns?” The scene goes on to show that both Knight and her father are capable in hand-to-hand combat. Her skills perfectly position her within the shared NCIS universe. Not only is it a memorable moment for her character, but it’s a great fight for NCIS.

Furthermore, it speaks volumes about Knight’s versatility as a character. She can influence, investigate, interrogate, and fight. She also has noteworthy scenes with Feng Zhao when she calls out that he lied to her, not as a fellow member of NCIS but as her father. While working with Feng Zhao, she also has a moment where she speaks Chinese as they interview a key witness, and it’s a cool moment for Knight’s character that highlights her background and how complex she is as an agent.

2

Jumping In The Water To Save Parker

Episode 10, “Reef Madness”

Another memorable moment is when Jess saves Parker in the NCIS season 21 finale, “Reef Madness.” They return to an abandoned ship to collect a piece of evidence that they initially missed. When Parker and Jess get locked inside, she has to save Parker from a piece of metal that falls on his leg. She has to save Parker again after the piece of metal causes him to suffer a leg injury, and Parker has visions of a mystery girl named Lilly as he is losing blood.

She jumps into the water to try to find a way out, telling Agent Parker to watch the rope that she ties to her leg as a last resort. But Parker falls unconscious, and for a moment, it looks like Knight won’t make it. At the last moment, the team is able to get to Knight and save her. When Director Leon Vance (Rocky Carroll) talks to Knight at the hospital, he praises her for the brave decisions she made to try to save Parker’s life. It’s a harrowing, heroic moment for Jess and arguably one of the best in her entire arc.

1

Accepting The Promotion To Chief REACT Training Officer

Episode 10, “Reef Madness”

Knight’s acceptance of the promotion to Chief REACT Training Officer in “Reef Madness” is the most memorable moment for her character in NCIS season 21, happening at the final moment of the season 21 finale. It’s clear that Knight’s experiences in the season 21 finale impact her perspective on moving forward, and her conversations with Parker urge her to push herself forward. Ultimately, Knight chooses herself when choosing the promotion.

While Knight’s dad wanted her to take his old role as Special Agent in Charge of the NCIS Far East Field Office in Yokosuka, Japan, and Jimmy wants Jess to stay where she is so that he doesn’t have to experience loss more, Jess ultimately does what she knows is best for herself. Her shock decision that would lead to her departure from the show could lead to another NCIS spinoff character replacing Jessica Knight since it looks like her character’s NCIS exit is certain.