NCIS is ending Season 22 soon. However, viewers have noticed a note that had “Rule 45” written in it. This simple but intriguing note has piqued the interest of many viewers, who are now eager to learn what Rule 45 means and what its importance is in the crime-drama thriller series.
So what is Gibbs’ Rule 45 in NCIS? How is it important in NCIS Season 22? Here’s all you need to know.
Gibbs’ Rule 45 in NCIS explained
As per Gibbs’ Rules in NCIS, Rule 45 basically means “Left a mess I gotta clean up.” The literal meaning is that when someone makes a mistake during their job and causes a mess, they will have to clean it up. In the episode “Hiatus Part 2,” this rule is also called “Never leave behind loose ends.”
There are a total of 91 Gibbs’ Rules in NCIS. However, not all 91 rules have been disclosed to viewers.
These rules made their debut in Season 6, Episode 4. Flashbacks reveal that Gibbs’ first wife, Shannon, had lived by a set of rules she made, which inspired him to make his own set of rules, which he begins living by and also starts teaching to his subordinates.
What is Rule 45’s importance in NCIS Season 22?
Out of all the rules, Rule 45 is the most important topic of interest because of its key role in NCIS Season 22. McGee leaves a note for Ward that simply reads “Rule 45.”
Viewers knew that McGee was trying to fix a mistake. He placed his career in jeopardy when he began investigating Deputy Director Laroche for corruption.
McGee claimed that he witnessed Laroche killing someone. The team eventually found proof and evidence backing McGee’s claims. Unfortunately, Ward informed that an official complaint was filed against McGee, accusing him of professional misconduct, harassment, and abuse of power. Despite this, there was undeniable proof that Laroche was dirty.
Vance later noted that Gibbs’ rules had come at a cost. McGee later saves Laroche’s life during a shootout, prompting the latter to surrender and point toward a computer chip in Shaker’s pocket.
Ultimately, although Gibbs departed NCIS in 2021, his rules’ influence remained and proved crucial in helping McGee find proof of Laroche’s corruption.
