The revolving door of the NCIS bullpen has introduced us to a myriad of personalities over the past two decades, each bringing a unique flavor to the Major Case Response Team. While Nick Torres, portrayed with undeniable charisma and muscular intensity by Wilmer Valderrama, has become a cornerstone of the post-Gibbs era, there is a distinct segment of the fandom that finds their ultimate loyalty lying elsewhere. For many, the heart of the show is defined by the intellectual grit of Ellie Bishop and the tactical brilliance of Jessica Knight. To put it bluntly: Sorry, Nick Torres, but Ellie and Jess will always be the definitive NCIS favorites for those who value the evolution of the show’s female powerhouses.
The fascination with Ellie Bishop began the moment she sat on the floor of the bullpen to solve a complex NSA puzzle. She wasn’t just another “probie”; she was an intellectual disruptor. Bishop represented a shift in the NCIS archetype, moving away from the street-smart brawler toward a more cerebral, analytical approach to justice. Her journey from a slightly socially awkward analyst to a hardened, “Rule 91” operative was one of the most compelling transformations in procedural history. What made Ellie a favorite was her willingness to evolve—to shed her academic skin and descend into the “abyss” of deep-cover work. While Nick Torres provided the brawn and the bravado, Ellie provided the mystery and the growth. Her return in Season 23 only solidified this status, as fans saw the “Shocking Truth” of what she had become: a survivor who understood the “Price You Pay” for total dedication to the mission.
Then came Jessica Knight, a character who breathed fresh, high-octane life into the series at a time when it needed a new spark. Jess didn’t just fill a seat; she commanded the room. As a REACT specialist, she brought a level of tactical proficiency that was both terrifying and inspiring. What sets Jess apart as a favorite is the duality of her character. She is a woman who can breach a high-security facility with military precision one moment and navigate the emotional complexities of a workplace romance with Jimmy Palmer the next. Unlike Torres, whose intensity can sometimes feel singular, Jess’s energy is multifaceted. She represents the modern agent: technologically savvy, physically formidable, and emotionally intelligent.
The preference for Ellie and Jess over Nick often stems from the unique “Sisterhood of the Shield” dynamic they represent across different eras of the show. While they never officially served together as a duo, their back-to-back presence has defined the show’s modern identity. Ellie was the bridge from the Gibbs era into the unknown, and Jess is the pillar of the Parker era. Both women represent a departure from the “damsel in distress” tropes that often plague procedural dramas. They are the ones kicking down the doors, deciphering the codes, and making the “Tough Calls” that save the city. Sorry, Nick, but while your leather jacket and undercover stories are legendary, the sheer competence and intellectual depth of Bishop and Knight offer a more nuanced look at what it means to be a modern investigator.
Furthermore, the “Ellick” and “Knightmer” romantic arcs highlighted the difference in these characters’ impacts. While the tension between Nick and Ellie was a masterclass in the “slow burn,” it was often driven by Ellie’s internal conflict and her eventual sacrifice. Similarly, the relationship between Jess and Jimmy has added a layer of warmth and “Heart” to the show that balances the gritty crimes they investigate. Both women act as the emotional anchors for their respective partners, but they never lose their individual agency in the process. They aren’t just love interests; they are the primary drivers of the narrative.
As NCIS moves through its twenty-third season, the presence of these two women continues to cast a long shadow over the Navy Yard. Bishop’s return has reintroduced a level of high-stakes drama that had been missing, while Knight remains the tactical heartbeat of the team. For the fans who have followed the series from its inception, the appeal of Ellie and Jess lies in their ability to be both relatable and extraordinary. They represent the “New NCIS”—an agency that is as smart as it is strong, and as empathetic as it is effective.
Ultimately, while Nick Torres will always be a fan favorite for his loyalty and his grit, the mantle of the “G.O.A.T.” (Greatest of All Time) in the hearts of many belongs to Ellie and Jess. They are the characters who challenged the status quo, who survived the “Brutal Ambush” of personal loss and professional burnout, and who came out the other side stronger. They are the definitive favorites because they prove that in the world of federal investigations, the most powerful weapon in the arsenal is often a brilliant mind paired with an unbreakable spirit.
