NCIS season 21 ending explained: 3 things to remember before season 22

NCIS season 22 is on the horizon and is set to return in the middle of October. There’s a lot to remember about what happened in the season 21 finale, "Reef Madness," especially when it comes to revelations and possible exits that had fans talking throughout the summer. What do we need to remember about the season 21 finale as we get into the new season?

In the finale, Agents Jessica Knight (Katrina Law) and Alden Parker (Gary Cole) were trapped in a ship that was due to be sunk and turned into an artificial reef. While they tried to find a way out, Parker was injured as Jessica tried to get help. Eventually, they were rescued, but that wasn’t all there was to it. The episode also gave us some key points to remember to go into season 22.

Jessica Knight has a new career opportunity that affects her place on the team

"Reef Madness" revealed Knight was invited to become a REACT training instructor. She had applied for the job three years earlier after the loss of her team right before she joined the agents at NCIS. She had a big decision to make, especially since we learned earlier in the season that her father wanted to see her eventually take over his position at the Far East Field Office.

That spot eventually went to someone else, whose position as Chief REACT training officer at Camp Pendelton was now open. Knight was open to the opportunity but had to think about it, especially considering her relationship with Jimmy Palmer (Brian Dietzen).

Knight’s job offer leads to complications in her romantic relationship

Jimmy was already having a bad day when he discovered the opportunity Jessica had received. This led to the couple arguing about where this would take their relationship. Jimmy already was prepared to let her go, even though it wasn’t what she wanted. She wanted to make their relationship work. However, Jimmy had already lost multiple people, and he let his temper get the best of him.

It’s since been revealed that the couple are broken up, but there is a chance of reconciliation, especially with Jimmy’s daughter, Victory, wanting them back together. So season 22 may give us definitive answers on the future of their relationship.

Parker has a vision of a mysterious young girl

While Parker was trapped in the ship, he began to hallucinate visions of playing with a young girl. He called her “Lily,” but when he was in the hospital, he told Knight that he didn't know who the girl was.

This mystery will be touched on in season 22 as we learn that Parker has memories he may not be aware of. Is this a sister he doesn't know about? If this is the case, we could learn more about Parker and his past. Since we saw his mother in the vision as well, we could discover more about their relationship as well.

The season 21 finale sure left us with some questions going into the new season and we’re looking forward to finding out once and for all what is in store for these characters.

Season 22 of NCIS premieres on CBS on Monday, October 14 at 9/8c. You can find previous episodes on Paramount+.