NCIS Season 23 is set to bring an emotional surprise — a special episode dedicated to one of the show’s most beloved characters, Jimmy Palmer.
The new season picks up in the aftermath of the finale, with Alden Parker still reeling from his father’s death and wrestling with his need for revenge. But while Parker’s story continues, the spotlight will shift to a familiar and deeply loved face: Jimmy.
One episode will focus entirely on Brian Dietzen’s character in a “day in the life” format, giving viewers a chance to experience the NCIS world from Jimmy’s perspective. The concept echoes the fan-favorite Season 10 episode “Detour,” returning to a storytelling style that hasn’t been used in more than a decade.
This time, the story isn’t expected to revolve around a kidnapping. Instead, it will explore Jimmy’s everyday reality — possibly through a case unfolding around him, his personal life, or both. The episode is especially meaningful because Dietzen himself helped write it, making it a deeply personal tribute to the character.
Jimmy has long been considered the emotional core of NCIS. First introduced as Ducky’s assistant, he grew from comic relief into the team’s chief medical examiner and one of its most sincere, grounded voices. After more than twenty years on the series, Season 23 finally gives him the spotlight fans feel he’s always deserved.