CBS Worsens NCIS's Biggest Misfit In Season 24

CBS Published Oct 16, 2026, 12:15 PM EDT Cher Thompson is a Senior Staff Writer at Screen Rant, where she covers everything from explosive reality TV moments to cast interviews about the twists and turns of scripted dramas. With a background in creative writing, marketing, and teaching, Cher knows how to spot both the storytelling genius and the guilty pleasures in pop culture. Her work blends wit with insight, making readers feel like they’re chatting with a friend who just happens to know way too much about TV. Sign in to your ScreenRant account Although there have only been a few episodes of NCIS season 24 thus far, the CBS series is already making things markedly tougher for the show's resident misfit, hinting at an even bigger struggle as the season continues. With such a small, elite group working throughout the run of NCIS, only a few agents have the opportunity to be a part of the MCRT. Each gifted and special in their own ways, the agents that round out the field have their own ways of dealing with the team elements of their jobs, and some do better with it than others. Despite being a somewhat reluctant proponent of the team dynamic on NCIS, Nick Torres (Wilmer Valderrama) isn't always someone who fits into the group easily. As a more distrustful, sardonic character, Nick has always had a tough time trusting new people, and his sense of humor isn't necessarily for everyone. Despite his skill set and ability to step up to the plate in the most difficult situations, Nick can be one of the more temperamental members of the MCRT, which has shined through in his appearances throughout NCIS season 24 thus far, especially with the newly appointed Director DiNozzo. Michael Weatherly's return to NCIS as Tony DiNozzo, field agent turned NCIS Director in the current season, has shaken things up considerably for the MCRT. For Torres, this means adjusting to a whole new hierarchy within the department, and the change has clearly taken him for a loop as the season has continued. Tony's Return Highlights Torres' Dark Tendencies In NCIS MovieStillsDB Though Torres has had some tough moments in the past, NCIS season 24 is throwing the character for a loop with Tony's big return and subsequent promotion. As a character who came in after the DiNozzo era of NCIS had already come to a close, Torres has mostly only heard about Tony through word-of-mouth, but he still had some serious reservations about the former agent's return to the department. Throughout the first episodes of the season, Torres has been skeptical of Tony's decision-making, pushing back against what seems like every move he's made in his short time as NCIS Director. Torres, who has been known to be skeptical of change and different direction through the years, has seemed more miserly and difficult since Tony's return, and while that shift isn't exactly surprising, it is somewhat jarring. NCIS' best use of Torres is when he's part of the team, working with his fellow agents to stay on top of cases, but his difficulty in trusting someone who's not a part of his foundational team has led to a bit of tension. While it's possible Torres will simply grow out of his distrust of Tony, the storyline has highlighted his darkest tendencies thus far. How NCIS Season 24 Can Better Utilize Torres While NCIS season 24 already has a plan for Torres, it would be great to see him branch out as an agent with a new NCIS Director leading the way. Tony, who's always been a creative thinker, could have a lot of fun working with Torres if he's willing. Although Torres and Tony aren't alike in many ways, their abilities and sense of confidence are similar enough that seeing them connect could be fascinating. Even if Tony and Torres don't align, the season has to find a better use for Torres than being a negative sounding board for Tony-based grievances. Throughout the CBS show's run with Torres, which began during NCIS season 14, the character has grown and expanded. With new leadership, there could be more space for Torres to hone his skill set or find new things to try. As an adept undercover agent, Torres may know how to use his charm to his advantage, and NCIS should be able to spin stories that don't necessarily put him undercover, but allow him to use that sense of self to his advantage. With plenty of room for Torres to grow, Tony's presence doesn't have to be a strike on his record. Release Date September 23, 2003 Network CBS Showrunner Donald P. Bellisario Cast Sean Murray Timothy McGee Michael Weatherly Tony DiNozzo Directors Dennis Smith, Terrence O'Hara, Tony Wharmby, James Whitmore Jr., Thomas J. Wright, Michael Zinberg, Arvin Brown, Rocky Carroll, Diana Valentine, Leslie Libman, Tawnia McKiernan, Colin Bucksey, William Webb, Bethany Rooney, Alrick Riley, Jeff Woolnough, Alan J. Levi, Lionel Coleman, Martha Mitchell, Peter Ellis, Michael Weatherly, Edward Ornelas, Stephen Cragg, Tom Wright Writers George Schenck, Frank Cardea, Jesse Stern, John C. Kelley, Jennifer Corbett, Christopher Silber, Reed Steiner, Nicole Mirante-Matthews, Jack Bernstein, Scott J. Jarrett, Matthew R. Jarrett, Kimberly-Rose Wolter, Don McGill, Gil Grant, Frank Military, Nell Scovell, Steven Kriozere, Brian Dietzen, Kate Torgovnick May, Jeff Vlaming, Sydney Mitchel, Katie White, Richard C. Arthur, Laurence Walsh Franchise(s) NCIS Creator(s) Don McGill, Donald P. Bellisario