What is Rule 45 in NCIS? Gibbs rules explained

NCIS has just wrapped up its 22nd season with an explosive finale, but you might have noticed a note reading “Rule 45.” What does it mean, and what are Gibbs’ rules?

Back in the golden days of the binge-worthy TV show, Gibbs was a man who ruled the roost. A former U.S. Marine Corps Scout Sniper, he became a special agent who commanded our team for the Naval Criminal Investigative Service.

He might have left the show, but his legacy lives on thanks to the Gibbs rules. They’re not something mentioned often, but hardcore fans will know they’re an integral part of NCIS lore.

NCIS Season 22 has been brought to a close by leaving multiple characters on the brink of death, but what is Rule 45, and why does McGee use it?

What is Gibbs’ Rule 45 in NCIS?

According to Gibbs’ rules in NCIS, Rule 45 is “Left a mess I gotta clean up.” There are 91 rules in total, though we don’t actually know what all 91 of them are.

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If you’re new to NCIS – given there’s 22 seasons, it can be tough to keep up – the Gibbs rules are introduced in Season 6 Episode 4. In flashbacks, Gibbs’ first wife Shannon where she tells him about her rules for life that inspire a similar set of Gibbs’ own. He then goes on to teach them to his subordinate agents at NCIS.

Gibbs left NCIS back in 2021 “in search of adventure” in Season 19 Episode 4.

We full list (that we know, anyway), looks something like this:

• Rule #1: Never let suspects sit together.
• Other Rule #1: Never screw over your partner.
• Rule #2: Always wear gloves at a crime scene.
• Rule #3: Never believe what you are told. Double-check.
• Other Rule #3: Never be unreachable.
• Rule #4: Best way to keep a secret: Keep it to yourself. Second best: Tell one other person, if you must. There is no third best.
• Rule #5: You don’t waste good.
• Rule #6: Never say you’re sorry.
• Rule #7: Always be specific when you lie.
• Rule #8: Never take anything for granted.
• Rule #9: Never go anywhere without a knife.
• Rule #10: Never get involved personally on a case.
• Rule #11: When the job is done, walk away.
• Rule #12: Never date a coworker.
• Rule #13: Never involve lawyers.
• Rule #14: Bend the line, don’t break it.
• Rule #15: Always work as a team.
• Rule #16: If someone thinks he has the upper hand, break it.
• Rule #18: It’s better to seek forgiveness than ask permission.
• Rule #20: Always look under.
• Rule #22: Never, ever bother Gibbs in interrogation.
• Rule #23: Never mess with a Marine’s coffee if you want to live.
• Rule #27: Two ways to follow someone. First way, they never notice you. Second way, they only notice you.
• Rule #28: When you need help, ask.
• Rule #35: Always watch the watchers.
• Rule #36: If it feels like you’re being played, you probably are.
• Rule #38: Your case, you’re lead.
• Rule #39: There is no such thing as a coincidence.
• Rule #40: If it seems like someone’s out to get you, they are.
• Rule #42: Never accept an apology from somebody who just sucker punched you.
• Rule #44: First things first, hide the women and children.
• Rule #45: Left a mess I gotta clean up.
• Rule #51: Sometimes you’re wrong.
• Rule #62: Always give people space when they get off an elevator.
• Rule #69: Never trust a woman who doesn’t trust her man.
• Rule #91: When you decide to walk away, never look back.

Rule 45 played a key role in NCIS Season 22 finale

So why are we particularly interested in Ruler 45? The NCIS Season 22 finale accounts for this, with McGee leaving behind a note for Ward simply reading “Rule 45.”

Obviously, we now know this was shorthand for McGee leaving to clean up his own mess. Leading into the episode, his career and credibility were on the line when he investigates the deputy director Laroche for corruption.

It’s a cat-and-mouse race between the two, with McGee claiming to have seen Laroche kill someone – which is later proved to be true when the team finds evidence on a dead thief’s phone. Ward then reveals that an official complaint has been filed against McGee for professional misconduct, harassment, and abuse of power, and everyone knows it was Laroche.

Ward is convinced it’s an act of jealousy on McGee’s part, recommending indefinite suspension pending formal charges for defamation. This is when our team finds the proof that McGee was right, leaving the Rule 45 note on the desk.

Vance points out that “Gibbs’ rules always come at a cost,” with McGee hiding in the back of Laroche’s van as he drives away with the evidence. There’s a shootout where Laroche shoots Shaker, with McGee saving Laroche’s life by taking a hit to the shoulder himself. Recognizing this, Laroche surrenders, claiming this was never about the money. “It’s time you know the truth,” he says, pointing to the computer chip in Shaker’s pocket… and that’s all we know.

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