NCIS: I have a theory

[nakeisha]

I've shared this theory with a couple of people, but I thought I'd share it more generally. It concerns the end of this season.

Obviously there are spoilers for season eight, both actual and speculative, behind the cut. Do not read this if you do not wish to be spoilt.

Comments

[spikesgirl58]

I'm also wondering if they are getting ready to write Ducky out of the series. Obviously, I hope not, but there have been a couple of incidents this season that make me suspect something is going on. Fingers crossed that I'm wrong.

[nakeisha]

Out of interest, what incidents are you referring to for Ducky?

Interestingly Ducky hasn't touched my radar this season as being written out, whereas he has in a couple of previous seasons.

I'm not a huge fan of change, but one way or another I do fear there will be a change to the team this season; we're due it! We lost Kate at the end of S2, three seasons later we lost Jenny, we're not another three seasons later.

[spikesgirl58]

He's starting to lose his train of thought more and more, and they brought in Bob Newhart (I'm thinking as an indication of the path that Ducky will follow, given his mother's history). Jimmy is a full fledged doctor now (or that's my assumption as he's been gone an awful lot) and there is simply less and less Ducky these days.

As I said, it may be nothing and I'm hoping that it is.

[nakeisha]

I'm fairly sure that Jimmy hasn't qualified yet. He's still at Med School, which is why he's gone so much. It could be his last year (I'm not sure how long Med School lasts in the US). But had he qualified it'd been mentioned, if only by Ducky calling him Dr. Palmer rather than Mr. (and why does he still call him Mr. Palmer and not Jimmy? That's something I've always found very odd indeed).

Oh, I do fear they are going to make Ducky go the way of his mother, maybe not yet, but end with that :-(

But yes, we are getting much less Ducky - and we'll get far less for the rest of the season too, of that I'm certain.

[donutsweeper]

In a way, I almost hope they do 'get rid' of Tony. It's be the excuse I need to quit watching. That said, I doubt they will. Mostly because you're looking at the story arc they're building logically and tptb never do things in any sort of logical manner.

[nakeisha]

You're not the first person I've heard say that and have said it for the last few seasons.

They do logical things occasionally. I doubt they will, but they really have to be doing something with Rota to bring it up so late on.

Plus, I do fear there will be a change to the team this season; we're due it! We lost Kate at the end of S2, three seasons later we lost Jenny, we're not another three seasons later.

[donutsweeper]

However, shows don't muck with their line-up unless there is a damn good reason. Sasha *asked* to leave and there were rumours about Jenny's write off (I'm blanking on the actor's name) that were similar. Right now the show is #1 and why mess with that if they don't have to?

[nakeisha]

Lauren Holly. I heard two totally different rumours concerning her. One that she wanted out, one they wanted her gone. So who knows for sure.

Unless someone else wants out, of course. But they are focussing so much on the 'change', I do think it's coming. Even if it's Vance who goes, which I'm sure won't have as big an impact as any of the others.

[klingonlady]

I am not happy with any of the options that are looking like could happen. I hadn't thought of TONY leaving.. That would be bad tooo!! I have been all panic-y that Ziva would go.. One of two ways.. The serial killer getting HER.. or Ray whisking her away to Miami to get married or something *faints* .. NOW you have given me more to panic about. I DON'T LIKE THIS FEELING OF NOT KNOWING

[nakeisha]

I'm not happy either. I want the team to stay the team - but I really do think something will change. Sorry, sorry, sorry *Hides* I'm sure I'm wrong, way, way of base, because it's logical what I'm saying, and as donutsweeper reminded me, the NCIS PTB aren't logical.

Your theory is well thought out and you're right, it does tie in very well with the 'even' season. And we are going to get jealousy, we know that - we've already had a taste of it with EJ. It is true we have been given so many T/Z hints and teasing.

I can understand that. It is hard to put these things into perspective when we care so much about a character or pairing, very hard. I can do it at one level, but only at one level.

*Breathe* It's essential you breathe.

[slip_f18]

I think your scenario is very well-reasoned. I especially like the part where E.J. is the target of the killer. That would explain the addition of yet another annoying added-on character -- bring her in to kill her off. Then it would make perfect sense for Tony to take her job -- to accept the opportunity offered him previously and to take care of whatever unfinished business E.J. had. Also as a tribute to her cos of his apparent feelings.

Anyway, nice job of laying out your theory!

[nakeisha]

Thank you, very much. Whether it happens or not, it's good to know it's well-reasoned. *Grins* I think a lot of people would like the EJ gets killed bit. It wouldn't be the first time NCIS did that! *Nods at your reasoning* Indeed.

Thank you.

[plutos_revenge]

Wouldn't surprise me at all tbh. Have EJ taken out by the serial killer maybe & Tony take her role. Or Tony taken out by the serial killer I suppose. If he takes her job it leaves it open for MW to guest star while maybe focusing on his directing. If anyone has to leave obviously I hope it's Ziva, either again via the serial killer or preferably waltzing off with whatsisname. If they kill off yet another female character it will be ridiculous, even for this show.

There's a lot of talk of RC leaving & Gibbs taking the Director's role while Tony moves up to take over the team. While RC may well go, though I hope not, I just can't see Gibbs doing that role full time. Plus I can't see the MH getting a pay hike to be on screen less!

[nakeisha]

Another 'delayed' comment.

I'm glad you don't think it's totally out in the left field. I think my reasoning is sound, except as donutsweeper said, it is based on logic and the NCIS PTB don't do logic. If MW is leaving, I do hope they don't kill him off. As you say he could pop back as a guest star. Far better EJ is killed. I know you'd like Ziva to be the one to go - but if she does, please go happily with Ray. As you rightly point out another major female character killed would be a farce

[plutos_revenge]

A quite excellent point re TPTB and logic. Ah well. I hope they don't kill anyone, EJ included, but I think it's probable they will as that seems to be the only way they know how to write someone out.

I really hope RC stays, partly because I think he does a great job but also because bringing in a new Director will mean the first part of S9 focusing on him/her coming in and putting their stamp on things and frankly that's really quite dull to watch.

I did wonder what was going on before! Naughty LJ

[nakeisha]

They could surprise us! *Watches pig fly through the snow* They can kill EJ tomorrow as far as I'm concerned! I'm sure she's been brought to DC, a) because of the Rota thing and b) so she can die.

*Nods in full agreement re: RC & director*

It's been hinky with comments for quite some time now. Another friend of mine hasn't had any for about a fortnight!