NCIS Rule 45: Cleaning Up the Mess - A Guiding Principle for Gibbs and Beyond
Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs from the \"NCIS\" franchise lives by a set of rules that guide his personal and professional life. One of these rules, Rule 45, emphasizes the importance of cleaning up one's messes, whether they are literal or metaphorical. Gibbs believes in taking responsibility for one's actions and ensuring that loose ends are tied up.
The genesis of Rule 45 can be traced back to Gibbs' wife and daughter's tragic deaths, which motivated him to adopt a code of conduct. While the rule was hinted at in earlier seasons, it officially became part of Gibbs' mantra in the \"NCIS\" season 7 episode titled \"Rule Fifty-One.\" This episode showcases Gibbs facing the consequences of his actions and the need to clean up the mess he created by seeking vengeance against the Reynosa Cartel.
Rule 45 continues to play a significant role in the show's storytelling, even after Mark Harmon's departure from \"NCIS.\" In the season 22 episode \"Irreconcilable Differences,\" Agent Timothy McGee invokes Rule 45 as he embarks on a mission to expose a corrupt NCIS official. Despite facing obstacles and arrest, McGee is determined to fix the mess he created and uphold Gibbs' principles.
Rules like Rule 45 have a lasting impact, transcending their originators and influencing characters long after they are gone. Gibbs' adherence to this rule serves as a guiding principle for the characters in \"NCIS,\" highlighting the importance of accountability and taking action to rectify mistakes.