NCIS season 22 gets a clarification from one of the show’s long-time stars, with new episodes soon debuting on CBS. Ever since the NCIS season 21 finale earlier in the year, there has been concern and speculation about whether Katrina Law would be stepping back from her role as Jessica Knight. New cast photos for the upcoming season have since confirmed that Katrina is still very much a part of the show, but there have been question marks surrounding other team members.
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter to discuss his new memoir American Story: Everyone’s Invited, actor Wilmer Valderrama clarified the status of his character Nick Torres. Valderrama, who has been with the procedural since 2016, made clear that Torres will still be a part of NCIS season 22 when new episodes premiere on CBS on Monday, October 17 at 8 PM ET. Still, as he previews the upcoming episodes, Valderrama teases that there will be turbulence ahead. Read the full quote below:
Valderrama: I think they always worry. The fans are so passionate about NCIS . I would say this: That in season 22, the contribution these writers have done to the show is just invaluable. We’re playing a lot more with personal journeys for our characters. This season will be a little bit more humorous, definitely a lot more emotionally driven for our lead characters, and perhaps — perhaps — they’re going to be in major danger.
So you’re not going anywhere.
Valderrama: Yeah, no. I’m OK. I’m in the season.
NCIS Season 22 Will Be A Major Shakeup For The Team
The Main Characters Are Each Facing A Lot
A lot of the speculation around the NCIS ensemble has been connected to whether Law will return to the CBS show after her character, Jessica Knight, got offered a new opportunity away from the job. There are questions, in turn, about what that means for her relationship with Jimmy Palmer (Brian Dietzen). The storyline will have a ripple effect that impacts Torres, and from what Valderrama teases about the upcoming season, the show will embrace the opportunity of this to explore personal, emotional stories for the lead characters.
NCIS season 22 will see Knight accepting the job offer she was given in the previous finale, and moving to California as a result. This means some changes for the team and for Torres, who will be taking more undercover cases. There’s an argument to be made that it’s dangerous territory for him. Not too long ago, in the NCIS season 21 premiere, Torres had to stare down getting revenge on a tormentor from his past in a story that took dark turns.
NCIS season 22 will also have to address the Lily mystery, which is connected to Alden Parker (Gary Cole) and allows for an exploration of who Parker was before audiences met him. But with Knight elsewhere and other members of his group also focused elsewhere, such as McGee (Sean Murray) applying for a new position as deputy director, the season may well open in a way that audiences don’t anticipate.