NCIS season 23 episode 2 left us with a satisfying conclusion to the Carla storyline, and with Harriet and Alden Parker bonding over honoring their late father. But while the episode was gratifying in parts, it also introduced more questions and mysteries.
One of the questions that has NCIS fans already running wild with theories is: why would Director Vance want to speak to Agent Torres in private? What can be so sensitive that McGee and Knight shouldn't hear? Let's take a look at four major theories and see which one holds.
NCIS season 23 might introduce a new undercover operation for Torres
There's agreement among fans that the secrecy is related to an upcoming undercover operation. As we know from previous seasons, whenever Torres worked undercover, the team was little aware—at least not until they had to intervene.
This theory makes the most sense at the moment. An undercover op will be classified information, and only those who absolutely need to know will be let in on it. If it somehow involves the rest of the team, then we'll learn about it soon enough.
Vance wanted to warn Torres about a familiar face coming back on NCIS season 23 episode 3
Another plausible theory is that Vance wanted to warn Torres to be on his best behavior and set differences aside for the upcoming episode, when the team will be working with Agent Sawyer. Nick's "arch nemesis" making a comeback might not sit well with him.
The last time they met, in season 22 episode 15, "Moonlit", they parted on friendlier terms, but there's still room for tension when working so close together. As the promo warns us, the collaboration "takes a terrifying turn for Torres". What could that be? We'll learn that next week.
Director Vance wants someone to step into Agent Parker's shoes
Vance made it clear to the team that Parker still has a place in NCIS, but the ambiguous way he spoke about it to the team makes me wonder if Parker is up for a demotion. While McGee will be the next in the chain of command and more than ready to take the lead if it comes to that, what if McGee leaves too?
Will Vance make Torres the new team leader? Indeed, Agent Torres is not the same person he was when he first joined NCIS. He's more mature and completely devoted to his team. He could make a good leader.
We can expect a surprise character to return to NCIS season 23
Some fans are expecting someone from Nick's past to return. It seems far-fetched that Ellie Bishop would return to work with NCIS after the way she left and considering her unofficial work for the CIA, but we can dream. There could be a joint case somewhere along the way.
Wilmer Valderrama stated in a TVLine interview that there will be crossovers, one confirmed with NCIS: Origins (although I can't see how the storylines will fit together). But he teased more cameos and mentioned the season will bring nostalgia, so maybe this theory isn't as unlikely as it seems.
Others believe in an NCIS: Tony & Ziva crossover. But why would Vance talk about them to Torres instead of McGee? Perhaps Vance is sending Torres to help them amid their own crises, and it won't involve an actual cameo or crossover.
Whatever the reason behind Vance’s private chat with Torres, one thing’s certain—it won’t be something minor. Whether it’s a classified mission, a leadership shake-up, or a blast from the past, NCIS season 23 is clearly setting up something big for each character, and Nick Torres is no exception.
NCIS airs on Tuesdays at 8/7c on CBS.
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