CBS Expertly Preserves NCIS’ Only Acceptable Plot Hole In Its History

Ducky’s return to the franchise allows CBS to expertly preserve the only NCIS plot hole that is totally acceptable. The NCIS franchise is back in full force on Tuesday nights after CBS’ scheduling reshuffle. While the main show remains the primary draw for viewers, simply because of how long it has been on the air, NCIS: Origins is doing impressively well in terms of establishing itself as a must-watch procedural during the 2025-2026 network TV cycle.

Doing so means that the prequel needs to go back to certain moments in NCIS’ history that are iffy in terms of accuracy with regard to the timeline. The arrival of Ducky in Camp Pendleton in 1992 naturally opens up discussions about when exactly the pair met. It was first acknowledged in NCIS season 3’s two-part finale, “Hiatus,” where Gibbs lost his memory post-1991. To emphasize how dire the situation was, it was established that he didn’t recognize Ducky — his oldest friend in the show.