Stars of CBS's NCIS discussed the potential for a romance between agents Nick and Jess following a tense episode where they huddled for warmth in a cave. Wilmer Valderrama and Katrina Law shared thoughts on the red carpet at CBS Fest in Los Angeles, while showrunner Steven D. Binder emphasized the authenticity of the characters' feelings. The storyline remains open-ended amid complicated personal histories.
In the latest episode of NCIS, agents Nick and Jess found themselves stranded in a cold cave during a mission, forcing them to cuddle for body heat. The pair bickered but shared a moment hinting at deeper emotions, reigniting fan speculation about a romance. Earlier this season, Jess had referred to Nick as her 'valued friend and partner,' seemingly closing that door. Wilmer Valderrama, who plays Nick, addressed the buzz on the red carpet at CBS Fest in Los Angeles. 'I think they're just leaving the door cracked,' he told TVLine. 'This would be so messy with [Nick] and Jimmy and Knight. It might be good TV... But we're also not Grey's Anatomy.' Katrina Law, portraying Jess, suggested the writers have left all possibilities open. 'I do see a fight breaking out' between Nick and Jess's ex, Jimmy Palmer, she added. Co-star Diona Reasonover dubbed the trio 'Nick at Knight in Shining Palmer.' The characters' history complicates matters: Jess dated Jimmy, splitting in season 21, while Nick romanced Jess's sister Robin last season. Showrunner Steven D. Binder stressed realism. 'The feelings they have are real,' he said. 'We're not teasing... sometimes life is messy, and sometimes the heart wants what the heart wants.' He clarified they are neither writing toward nor away from a romance, prioritizing truthful moments.