Critics and fans alike praised Cote de Pablo for her performance in the "Shiva" arc, citing it as some of the series' best acting.

Part 2 of the Mossad arc; set an for the series. 22.86 "Damned If You Do"

The final episodes introduced DOD investigator Richard Parsons (Colin Hanks), who targeted Gibbs for his past "off-book" actions. This culminated in a massive cliffhanger where Tony, Ziva, and McGee resigned to protect Gibbs. Major Performance Milestones

While the procedural elements remained, viewers noted a darker, more somber tone as the "family" at NCIS faced internal and external threats they couldn't simply solve in an hour.

The season leaned heavily into character backstories, featuring notable appearances by Anthony DiNozzo Sr. (Robert Wagner) and the introduction of Admiral John McGee (Jamey Sheridan), Timothy McGee's estranged father.

Season 10 of is widely regarded as a pinnacle for the series, serving as the year it officially became the most-watched program on U.S. television, even surpassing Sunday Night Football . Spanning 24 episodes from September 2012 to May 2013, the season shifted from its standard procedural roots into high-stakes, serialized drama that permanently altered the team's landscape. Key Narrative Pillars