NCIS season 22 has been mostly focused on its current roster of characters, but a throwaway line in “Fun & Games” unexpectedly insults Abby Sciuto. Pauley Perette’s character is one of Leroy Jethro Gibbs’ original MCRT members who debuted in JAG and eventually moved to the long-running CBS procedural. Best known for her quirks, on top of her unparalleled forensic investigative capabilities, everyone who has ever been a part of the organization developed a soft spot for Abby. So, it’s a little jarring when NCIS season 22, episode 12, “Fun & Games” pokes fun at her, even though it’s unintentional.

“Fun & Games” puts Kasie Hines, Abby’s MCRT successor, at the center of its storytelling. In the outing, Alden Parker and his team solve the mysterious death of one of her friends after spending game night at her apartment. The case then goes on a few twists, as the agents delve into a different case that involved their mentor. Unsurprisingly, the gang solves the case, thanks to Kasie’s help. However, long before the matter was closed, a throwaway line from Parker in NCIS season 22, episode 12 indirectly insults the most-recognized thing about Abby.

Parker’s Victor Comment About Being A Forensic Scientist Indirectly Insults Abby’s Looks
Abby Definitely Did Not Look Like A Forensic Scientist

In NCIS season 22, episode 12, Kasie’s scientist friends are put in danger. The show isn’t new to exploring the personal lives of its characters; in fact, stories like these are a staple of its narrative approach. However, when they are presented with the preliminary information about the murder of Victor, complete with some goofier photos of him, Parker questions if he really is a forensic scientist based on the photos. While the snaps that his agents shared aren’t exactly professional-looking, it’s difficult to not connect his comment to Abby, whose looks also don’t fit the stereotypical forensic scientist aesthetic.

During his time in NCIS, anyone could easily recognize Abby because of the way she dressed. A goth by heart, she came to the office wearing black platform shoes, dark eye makeup, blunt bangs, and a choker, which made her reminiscent of Wednesday Addams instead of a government forensic scientist. This aesthetic extended beyond her clothes, as evidenced by NCIS season 21’s Abby reference during Ducky’s special send-off. Despite her tough-looking exterior, it would be hard-pressed to find anyone who wasn’t impressed with her skills in her job, which, in itself, is a counter to Parker’s comment about Victor.

Why Abby Was Such An Important Part Of NCIS
Abby Was A Great Character Both For The MCRT & The Show Itself

For what it’s worth, Parker never got to work with Abby. Gary Cole’s character only came in just before Mark Harmon’s exit as Gibbs in NCIS season 19. That being said, the comment about Victor’s looks somehow highlights just how important Abby was beyond what she brought to MCRT. Pauley Perrette’s character was a reminder of how much NCIS banked on its cast’s individuality to appeal to its audience. As great as the current MCRT ensemble is now, they aren’t as immediately striking as the earlier version of the team.