Warning! Spoilers ahead for NCIS season 22, episode 9, "Humbug."Nick Torres is finally back on the dating scene, and his new girlfriend is a returning NCIS character. Ever since Nick was betrayed by Ellie Bishop in season 18, he has kept his emotions close to him and has not allowed himself to be put in a vulnerable position for fear of getting hurt again. However, NCIS season 22 seems to be changing Nick for the better.
Not only has Nick revealed he is open to dating again, but it seems like NCIS season 22, episode 9, is setting up a fulfilling relationship for him. When asked about his Christmas plans, Nick lied and said he was staying by himself when in reality he was creating plans with a potential girlfriend. Nick's discomfort at revealing his holiday plans could have something to do with the fact that the mystery person is likely Jessica's sister.
Nick Torres' New NCIS Girlfriend Is Likely Robin Knight, Jess' Sister
Nick's New Girlfriend Was Kept A Secret From His Team
Even though Nick did not reveal the identity of his girlfriend, NCIS' executive producer, Steven D. Binder, practically did in a new interview. When asked about Torres' new love interest, Binder said that Torres' girlfriend is a returning NCIS character. This is great news because it means the couple may have started slowly as they got to know each other, which is exactly what Torres needs after the rough relationship he had with Emily Wickersham's Ellie three years ago. Read Binder's full quote below:
I can tell you that we’ve seen this person before. This will be a character who has been on the show before and will be back again and it’s going to cause some issues with some of his team members—one in particular, may or may not be related.
Binder also revealed that Torres is keeping his relationship a secret because he is worried that the identity of his girlfriend could cause problems with certain members of the team. Nothing has been revealed yet but Robin's reappearance in NCIS seems more likely by the minute. If Robin is Nick Torres' girlfriend, then Knight is in for a shocking surprise. It would also explain Nick's secrecy, as it is out of character for him to keep things from his team.
Robin Knight Was Introduced In NCIS Back In Season 20
Robin Briefly Appeared In Episode 8, "Turkey Trot"
While not much is known about the character, it's confirmed that Lilan Bowden's Robin is returning in NCIS season 22. She was introduced in NCIS season 20, appearing in the Thanksgiving episode, "Turkey Trot." When Robin invited Jessica to Thanksgiving dinner, she was reluctant to go. She had hoped to back out of their lunch plans by citing work, but the team insisted she visit her sister. Given Jessica's resistance to going, it was clear that she did not get along with her sister from the very beginning of the outing.
When Jessica finally decided to go, she took Kasie with her, only to be met with constant bickering and insults, with poor MCRT's Forensic Scientist stuck in the middle of it all. Robin used the opportunity to introduce Jessica to her fiancé, who was unfortunately using her to get to her sister as revenge for not saving his brother in time. The tense episode had a happy ending, with the sisters reuniting. They may not always like each other, but they know they will always love one another.
The episode contributed significantly to Jessica's character by introducing her family life in a way that had not been done before. It also revealed how Knight and her sister are opposites, something that is sure to come up again if Nick's girlfriend really is Robin. In the episode, it was clear that Jessica cared for her sister but that she did not always agree with her dating life. Knowing Robin's personality could cause significant conflict between Knight and Torres.
When Nick & Robin May Have Reconnected In NCIS Season 22
The Couple Likely Reconnected Early In The Season
While glimpses of Torres' private life are few and far between, there is one episode that sticks out as the most likely moment when Nick and Robin reconnected. NCIS season 22, episode 6, "Knight And Day" showed Nick and Jessica laughing about a party they had attended together the night before. Given Jessica and Robin's relatively newfound appreciation for each other, Robin could also have attended the party. Jessica did not have a hangover, but she did have other symptoms of drinking too much, like forgetfulness. She could have forgotten that Robin had attended if she showed up later.
Another likelihood is that Nick and Robin accidentally bumped into each other sometime before Nick announced he wanted to delete MateQuest, NCIS' dating app. It would explain why Nick was adamant about deleting the app since he had met someone. Whenever Nick and Robin reconnected, it is clear that it happened long enough ago that the two are at a stage in their relationship where they feel comfortable spending the holidays together. The sweet moment would likely be ruined if Jessica found out, so Nick's secrecy is understandable.
