CBSYou might have expected a death in NCIS Season 22 Episode 20, but probably not the one that actually happened. It’s a shock move, but already sets up a prickly “revenge” plot for the future.
Poor, poor Parker. He’s had a lot going on in the binge-worthy TV show, and things have taken an ugly turn for him during the Season 22 finale. It’s all been thanks to drug boss Carla Marino (played by Rebecca De Mornay), who’s running Kansas City into the ground… and the NCIS team along with it.
In the finale, the team investigated the Nexus cartel and mob boss Carla Marino, uncovering a high-stakes plot involving stolen nuclear material. When Marino was exposed as the true brains behind the plan, she went straight after Parker personally.
The result is a death so shocking, it’s bound to have consequences for the rest of the franchise. NCIS Season 23 has already been renewed, and “revenge” in Season 22 Episode 20 is all but guaranteed.
Roman’s death in NCIS Season 22 Episode 20 sets stage for “revenge”
After Carla kidnapped Parker, it seemed a sure bet she would finish him off. Instead, Carla threatened to ruin his life, resulting in him finding his dad Roman dead as NCIS Season 22 Episode 20 closed out.
CBSAhead of NCIS Season 23, actor Gary Cole has already assured fans new episodes will “have to address” what’s unfolded.
“It doesn’t have to be in the forefront. Obviously, it’s not gonna be [talked about] every time we do an episode, but it has to color what Parker [does], the way he behaves, and what he thinks about,” he explained to US Weekly. “It’s a horrific [moment], discovering somebody that’s dead who you love is one thing. Discovering someone you love who is dead and has been murdered is quite another thing.”
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He adds, “This isn’t just another murdered victim that this team runs across. This is one of our own, it becomes that to some other team members.” Special Agent Nick Torres is particularly known for investing in the team’s personal lives, making what’s likely to come even harder-hitting than we think.
“He would understand that more than maybe anybody else,” Cole continued. “I would assume that’s where they’re headed, [revenge]. The way the last moment was written was that [Parker] goes from this shock and grief to immediately vengeful.”
Somebody is “going to pay” for Roman’s death, but it remains to be seen if Parker and the team will make the “right decisions” along the way.
While NCIS Season 23 was renewed in February 2025, fans will likely be waiting until September or October to find out what this personal revenge will look like.
NCIS Season 22 is now available to stream on CBS. For more, check out new TV shows streaming this month, the best TV shows of the year so far, and anticipated 2025 releases you cannot miss.