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You’re likely still reeling from the NCIS Season 18 finale. We weren’t expecting that explosive ending. How does the season 18 finale compare with the season 17 finale? Which one ranked higher? Here’s a look at how the two NCIS finales stack up according to IMDb viewer ratings.

‘NCIS’ Season 18 Episode 16: Rule 91

Emily Wickersham and Mark Harmon talk in Gibbs' basement on the set of NCIS.
Emily Wickersham and Mark Harmon | Cliff Lipson/CBS via Getty Images

IMDb rating: 8.2

During the NCIS Season 18 finale, the team goes after an arms dealer. During their search, they discover information leading them to believe Bishop (Emily Wickersham) was responsible for an NSA leak that occurred 10 years ago. Bishop is accused of violating the Espionage Act. Also, Gibbs and Marcie realize the killer they’ve been looking into might know what they’re doing. He finds out someone has been listening to their conversations. Gibbs tells Marcie to abandon the search.

Mark Harmon’s real-life wife, Pam Dawber, plays the role of Marcie Warren. Marcie is an investigative journalist who writes about Gibbs’ side of the story after he is suspended. Once the story is published, she returns to ask him for a favor. She wants his help with catching a killer. However, if Marcie keeps digging, she just might become the story. “Walk away,” Gibbs tells her. “Don’t be become the story.”

The Gibbs Rules played a big role during the NCIS Season 18 finale. A new rule (Gibbs rule 91) was introduced during this episode. When Bishop asks Gibbs what rule 91 is, he says, “when you decide to walk away, don’t look back.” Bishop seemed to take this rule to heart, and she decides to leave the NCIS team. This didn’t go over well with Torres (Wilmer Valderrama), who thought their relationship was going to continue to move forward. Instead, Bishop tells him, “I didn’t mean for us to happen.”

‘NCIS’ Season 17 Episode 20: The Arizona

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IMDb rating: 9.2

The NCIS Season 17 finale, titled “The Arizona,” ranked higher than the NCIS Season 18 finale. During the season 17 finale, Gibbs and his team face an unusual situation. Joe Smith (Christopher Lloyd), a man who claims he was on the U.S.S. Arizona when it was attacked at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, seeks help from the NCIS team. His last wish is to have his ashes interred on the Arizona. He used an unconventional way to get attention. He stole a purple heart so he could have leverage in his negotiations.

Before the team can help Joe, they need proof he was really on the Arizona. Gibbs asks Joe to tell him about the day he was on the ship. At first, Joe resists because it’s too painful for him to talk about it. After some prodding, Joe gives a harrowing account of witnessing multiple fatalities and finding one of his friends severely injured.

Season 17 ended early because of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. One season of NCIS usually has 24 episodes, but that year, it was cut short. Season 18 also had a shorter season, airing just 16 episodes.

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