Things have been undeniably awkward between exes Dr. Jimmy Palmer (Brian Dietzen) and Special Agent Jessica Knight (Katrina Law) since Knight returned to D.C. after her stint at Camp Pendleton. But their long-overdue conversation is finally happening in the November 4 episode of NCIS.
In “Sticks & Stones,” as NCIS races to defuse catastrophic threats at multiple locations, Palmer and Knight are forced to address their unresolved issues. Dietzen and Law recently shared insights into playing these tense moments and the dynamic between their characters.
Reflecting on the season’s early episodes, Law explained how fun it’s been to layer in awkwardness after years of building a strong on-screen connection. “Nobody does awkward quite like Knight with Shining Palmer,” she joked. Dietzen added that while they were initially cautious about introducing relationship trouble, the creative team assured them they’d get scenes together—just with a twist. This new tension, he said, has made their scenes “interesting and sometimes challenging.”
When asked who’s more reluctant to confront their feelings, Dietzen and Law agreed it’s a toss-up. The irony lies in Jimmy, the series’ communicator, avoiding the conversation altogether—showing just how much they’re both dreading it.
The duo’s hand is forced by the looming threat of nuclear war, which Dietzen joked was about the only thing that could get them talking. Even then, they don’t quite say it all. “If Jess could’ve found a way to crawl out mid-conversation, she would have,” Law laughed.
Law previously hinted that Knight opens up to Palmer, only for his response to sting a little. Dietzen explained that Palmer’s caution comes from wanting to protect not only his own heart but also his daughter’s. Having lost his wife, Palmer wants any future relationship to be solid and permanent, not another heartbreak.
On a lighter note, the actors mentioned a revamped set formerly used as Gibbs’ basement, now offering a more personal space where agents can meet outside the formal workspace. Law noted that it even has a fully functional massage chair, which, Dietzen added, “is pretty great.”
NCIS airs Mondays at 9/8c on CBS.
