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Warning: Contains spoilers for “NCIS” Season 23, Episode 8 — “Stolen Moments”
Michael Yarish/CBS
In the latest episode of “NCIS,” titled “Stolen Moments,” the team uncovers yet another one of Leroy Jethro Gibbs’ famous rules. This time, it’s rule 24: “There’s no such thing as perfect timing.” This principle resonates deeply with Jimmy Palmer, portrayed by Brian Dietzen, as he struggles with personal revelations triggered by his interactions with the team’s new AI assistant. Caught in a web of loneliness, Jimmy reflects on his failed relationship with Jessica Knight, played by Katrina Law, and wonders if he took too long to make his move, as Gibbs’ rule ominously suggests.
Jimmy forges an unexpected bond with the newly introduced Data Assisted Workflow Navigator, affectionately dubbed DAWN. While DAWN is meant to assist with professional tasks, her blunt assessments push Jimmy to confront his feelings. He realizes that expressing emotions shouldn’t be postponed, especially with the growing chemistry between Knight and Nick Torres, played by Wilmer Valderrama, threatening to eclipse any chance he has with her.
The “NCIS” fandom has long speculated about a potential romance between Torres and Knight, drawing comparisons to the iconic duo of Tony and Ziva. Yet, there remains a faction rooting for Jimmy and Jessica’s rekindling romance. “Stolen Moments” teases this love triangle as DAWN, with Jimmy’s reluctant approval, allows him to overhear a conversation between Jessica and Nick during an investigation. Hearing Jessica mention a date with someone else sends Jimmy into a spiral of jealousy and anxiety.
In a candid conversation, Nick acknowledges Jimmy’s lingering feelings for Jessica, but Jimmy dismisses it, claiming their relationship is a thing of the past, a victim of poor timing. However, the week’s unfolding case prompts Jimmy to rethink his stance, leading him to seek out Jessica after hours. Sadly, his hopes are dashed when he witnesses Jessica leaving with Nick, their camaraderie evident as they step into an elevator together. The episode leaves viewers wondering who Jessica will ultimately choose, leaving Jimmy facing potential heartbreak.
Jimmy and Jessica or Jimmy, Jessica, and Nick?
Sonja Flemming/CBS
A strong contingent of “NCIS” fans have been saying for years that Torres and Knight are the new Tony (Michael Weatherly) and Ziva (Cote de Pablo) and ought to get together. But there’s another group who think she should revisit her romance with Jimmy. “Stolen Moments” seems to hint that a triangle might be brewing between the three. DAWN — with permission from Jimmy, who later swears he didn’t afford it — allows Jimmy to eavesdrop on Jessica and Nick in their car as they investigate a case. He becomes frantic and jealous as she talks about going out on a date with someone else.
Later, Nick and Jimmy talk and Nick suggests Jimmy misses Jess. But Jimmy insists the relationship is in the past and that he realizes the timing wasn’t right. Much later, thanks to the case of the week, Jimmy changes his mind and approaches Jess after hours. Unfortunately, before he can get to her, he watches from afar as Nick and Jessica get into an elevator together. Heartache is definitely on the horizon for Jimmy — but it remains up in the air as to which guy, if any, Jessica will settle down with.
