NCIS Season 19 premiere: Rule 91 explained

NCIS Season 19 did not keep us waiting long during the premiere episode. We learned pretty quickly that Gibbs survived the bombing, which was hinted at in the Season 18 finale, but we had confirmation that he was rescued.

Whether or not that changed anything about the trajectory of his arc over work is another story. Find out what happened in the NCIS Season 19 premiere.

After the boat bombing, Gibbs finds himself in an elderly couple’s barn after they rescued him. Due to nearby drug dealing and Gibbs saying “No cops” before he passed out, they are suspicious of him. However, after some time, they realize he has a story and allow him to make a phone call.

During this time, the team, mainly being Nick and Tim at the beginning, are looking for Gibbs and trying to find out what happened. Tensions are high between the two, especially when they argue loudly in front of everyone at work. Not only is the Gibbs part of the equation on their minds, but also the absence of Bishop, who has already left the country at this point.

Vance decides it would be a good idea that someone help the two men, even bringing in a probie as a potential team member. But the guys decide they want to work with someone who has more experience, namely Jessica Knight.

NCIS Season 19 premiere explains Rule 91

This is how Jessica is brought into the fold, by helping Tim and Nick find Gibbs. A tracking device that was put on Gibbs’ person thanks to Kacie helps them find out where he is. But Gibbs is reluctant to have them help, wanting them to protect Marcie instead.

Even though they don’t end up solving the case of the serial killer, the team now knows what Gibbs has been investigating on his own. Tim, after having to look back over the rules that he had written down once, tells Nick that Rule 91 stands for knowing when to walk away.

For Tim, this makes him feel as though Gibbs is abandoning them. He tells him as much in a confrontation, pointing out that Gibbs’ first rule is to never “screw over your partner.” Tim wants Gibbs to accept help from the team, from their family.

It does look as though Gibbs is ready to walk away for good. But the talk with Tim at least shows him that for this kind of case, having some help is beneficial.

With this NCIS Season 19 premiere episode underway, we get an idea of where the characters are headed. The team is floundering at the beginning, but it appears the addition of Jessica Knight will help ground them, especially if Gibbs will finally say goodbye after this investigation.

What did you think of the NCIS Season 19 Premiere episode? Let us know in the comments below.

Watch NCIS every Monday on CBS. Catch up the next day on Paramount+.