In addition to the "NCIS" Season 21 finale setting up an intriguing mystery for Alden Parker, the events of “Reef of Madness” also saw Katrina Law’s Jessica Knight leaving the show’s team to become Camp Pendleton’s REACT instructor. Fortunately, Law’s fans needn’t worry, as she’ll still be around when "NCIS" Season 22 premieres on the TV schedule. However, per showrunner Steven D. Binder, Jessica’s departure has created a “chain reaction” affecting our core group of protagonists going into the new season.

Binder revealed that when "NCIS" Season 22 picks up six months after the end of Season 21, the team no longer really together, as Timothy McGee is looking to become a deputy director, and and Nick Torres has gone on another undercover mission.