NCIS has had several memorable characters over the years, including leader Leroy Jethro Gibbs and longtime couple Tony DiNozzo and Ziva David. Leon Vance has become another significant figure on the CBS show due to his no-nonsense attitude and sheer focus. Vance joined NCIS back in the season 5 episode, “Internal Affairs.” It took Vance a while to get used to the NCIS team since he and Gibbs had a history and didn’t get along well. Even so, he has become more compassionate with the unit over the years and eventually became the NCIS Director due to his years of experience as a field agent.
While Vance is mostly recognized for his leadership role as NCIS Director, there have been episodes that highlight Leon’s past, including his boxing history. Vance’s boxing days are hinted at in NCIS season 22, episode 18, “After The Storm,” and back in season 6, episode 18, “Knockout.” Vance’s expertise in boxing not only signifies his fighting skills, but also delves into his personal life involving his wife and a close friend.
NCIS Season 22, Episode 18 Remembers Vance’s Boxing History
Vance’s Boxing Days Reflect On The NCIS Director’s Youthful Energy
In “After The Storm,” Vance leads the NCIS team on an investigation involving murdered combat veterans. LL Cool J reprises his NCIS: Los Angeles role as former Special Agent Sam Hanna. He worked with NCIS on this particular case because the suspect used Hanna’s badge number when killing the three vets. Hanna’s friend, Mark Davis, and Mark’s brother, Roger, also appear guilty due to evidence, including the victims’ blood on Roger. As Hanna relives the intensity and action surrounding this personal NCIS case, he also has a moment with Vance and tells him how much he misses working with NCIS.
Vance can also relate due to his prior experience on the field, and acknowledges that Hanna is a team player who’s always welcome to return to NCIS. Sam even relived his hand-to-hand combat fighting skills when facing off against Russian mercenaries. Meanwhile, Vance finds secret financial affairs regarding his late wife Jackie, as well as a boxer friend and a Marine picture in his office, recollecting some of Vance’s complex history. This shows that Vance was once a tough Naval officer like Hanna with strong combat skills, which should be revisited further in the show.
Why NCIS Needs To Revisit Vance’s Boxing Days
Vance’s Boxing History Paved The Way To Joining NCIS
Before “After The Storm,” Vance’s boxing days were briefly highlighted in the 2009 episode “Knockout,” which is one of the lowest-rated NCIS episodes. However, “Knockout” proved that Vance wasn’t just another character who was out to get Gibbs and his team. The episode was personal for Vance as it brought him back to his Chicago roots, needing the assistance of NCIS on a case that hit close to home.
Owens died prior to “Knockout,” but the episode indicates that Owens influenced Vance to switch identities, so Vance could pursue his naval career, making him the leading NCIS Director that he fought hard to become and proving his dedication to the team.
“Knockout” not only acknowledged Vance’s experience of growing up in Chicago and training to be a boxer, but also that he and his childhood friend, Tyler Owens, both suffered detached retinas. For Vance, this injury was caused by his boxing days, leading to a medical discharge before ever serving in the Marine Corps. Owens died prior to “Knockout,” but the NCIS episode indicates that Owens influenced Vance to switch identities so that Vance could pursue his naval career, making him the leading NCIS Director that he fought hard to become and proving his dedication to the team.
