‘NCIS’: 3 Reasons Gibbs and Sloane Would Never Work

During NCIS Season 17, episode 16, we see Gibbs (Mark Harmon) and Sloane (Maria Bello) get closer. It looks like things might finally be heating up between these two. During this episode, Sloane receives a box of chocolate and a dozen roses for Valentine’s Day. She doesn’t know who gave her the candy and roses, …

by Sheiresa Ngo

Published on February 11, 2020

2 min read

During NCIS Season 17, episode 16, we see Gibbs (Mark Harmon) and Sloane (Maria Bello) get closer. It looks like things might finally be heating up between these two. During this episode, Sloane receives a box of chocolate and a dozen roses for Valentine’s Day. She doesn’t know who gave her the candy and roses, so she walks around the office and shares her unexpected treat with the team.

At one point, Gibbs passes by Sloane’s desk and says, ‘Nice Valentine.’ Sloane then offers him some candy. Gibbs takes one and kisses Sloane on the cheek. They’re becoming more comfortable with each other and it seems to be a matter of time before they get involved romantically. Although the attraction between Sloane and Gibbs is growing, it doesn’t seem like this would be a wise love connection in the long run. Here’s Showbiz Cheat Sheet’s take on why a relationship between Gibbs and Sloane would never work.

1. Sloane would burn out trying to help Gibbs

Maria Bello and Mark Harmon on the set of NCIS | by Patrick McElhenney/CBS via Getty Images

Sloane always seems to be trying to save Gibbs. Whenever he’s having some type of personal difficulty, she’s right by his side, trying to make it all better. For example, when Gibbs was trying to process everything that happened with Phineas and his mother Sarah (season 17, episode 11), Sloane called to check up on him and was even waiting outside of his home, ready to offer comfort. Sloane is a caring person (she is a psychologist, after all) but if she gets romantically involved with Gibbs, she might not be able to turn this off. She might remain in “savior” mode because she’s so accustomed to interacting with Gibbs this way.

2. They work together

Mark Harmon and Maria Bello | Patrick Wymore/CBS via Getty Images

Sloane doesn’t report directly to Gibbs, but they still work for the same agency. Sure, plenty of couples meet at work and have successful relationships, but many times an office romance doesn’t work out. If things between them sour, they will still have to see each other at work. This could make for some very awkward encounters. Sometimes one member of a couple finds another job when the relationship dissolves, but this probably wouldn’t work for Gibbs and Sloane. They love their jobs too much to leave.

3. Relationships rarely last on ‘NCIS’

Mark Harmon and Maria Bello as Gibbs and Sloane | Bill Inoshita/CBS via Getty Images

There has been a trail of broken hearts on NCIS. No one can seem to stay in a happy relationship (so far, McGee and Palmer seem to be OK, but that could change at any moment). As we’ve mentioned before, someone dies, or the couple breaks up. Gibbs probably has the worst track record when it comes to relationships.

During season 17, episode 10, Gibbs’ friend even refers to him as a “lone wolf,” and says this seems to be working for him. Gibbs says that isn’t always true, but we think he’s probably better off by himself. We’d hate to see him date Sloane only for her to be left heartbroken or dead.

Follow Sheiresa @SheiresaNgo