NCIS Season 22 just reaffirmed why Nick and Ellie’s relationship never worked, revisiting the reasons behind their failed connection that started back in Season 18. When Wilmer Valderrama’s Nick Torres joined NCIS in Season 14, he developed a strong bond with Emily Wickersham’s Ellie Bishop. Their dynamic hinted at a possible romance, but their relationship remained in the “will-they-won’t-they” phase until Ellie left the team in Season 18. Although the two shared some closure before her departure, it came at a heavy cost, leaving Nick heartbroken.
While Nick has moved on since then, even dating again in NCIS Season 22, it’s clear that the same issues that caused the downfall of his relationship with Ellie are resurfacing in his current relationship with Robin. In Episode16 of Season 22, while discussing their relationships, Nick opens up to McGee about how Robin expects him to be able to stop working when they’re together—a request he feels unable to meet. In contrast, McGee shares how lucky he is to have a wife, Delilah, who understands the demands of his NCIS job. As they continue the conversation, Parker offers an insightful perspective on why Nick’s past relationships, including with Ellie, never worked:
“Tough call. All the chemistry in the world ain’t worth a dime if you don’t value the same things.”
This line highlights a key issue: Nick and Robin have different expectations for their relationship. Robin wants a partner who can prioritize her over his work, while Nick needs someone who understands the commitment his job demands. This clash of values mirrors the tension in his relationship with Ellie. They never became an official couple because their values were misaligned—Ellie wanted to advance her career, and Nick wanted a partner who could share his life outside of work.
Ellie’s career ambitions played a significant role in why she chose not to pursue a relationship with Nick. Her past, particularly her involvement in leaking NSA documents, had the potential to bring serious consequences, including a public trial. The stress of facing those consequences, combined with the demands of a relationship, could have led to resentment, making it clear that her career was her top priority.
Additionally, Ellie’s past experiences, including her failed first marriage, may have influenced her decision to put her career first. Her negative view of relationships, shaped by her previous marriage, likely made her hesitant to commit to Nick. Ultimately, her choice to prioritize her career over their relationship further demonstrated that they were not meant to be together.
Nick and Ellie’s story was one of great chemistry, but their differing values and life priorities proved that they were never truly compatible.
