Warning: SPOILERS for NCIS season 22, episode 20, “Nexus.”
Just after it seemed like the biggest late-season twist in NCIS was LaRoche being a good guy, the season 22 finale ends with the twist reveal that the villain all season has been someone who could become even more dangerous in the future. It’s been clear for a while now that the biggest villain in NCIS season 22 had some kind of ties to the Nexus cartel, but the gang’s leader was something of a mystery. Known only as El Carnicero, or The Butcher, they weren’t seen in the flesh until the NCIS season 22 finale.
The MCRT now knows who they’re truly up against, but The Butcher’s identity was unfortunately revealed with a deadly twist that will continue to have ramifications through NCIS season 23. Not only was NCIS unprepared to learn the truth, but it turned out that The Butcher was someone who’d been tormenting one member of the team for years. As soon as their identity was learned, the latest NCIS villain became more dangerous than ever in ways that could affect the entire tone of the show.
NCIS Season 22 Finale Establishes Carla Marino As Season 23’s Villain
It Turned Out The So-Called “Butcher” Never Even Existed
Part of the reason Seamus Dever’s Gabriel LaRoche had been acting so sneaky and villain-like turned out to be because the Secretary of Defense asked him to betray NCIS in order to get closer to Nexus. In the end, it turned out that the face and voice of The Butcher were entirely AI-generated by Kansas City mob boss Carla Marino. She pretended she would help MCRT get closer to Nexus in exchange for immunity, but that was all part of a plan to get closer to Parker.
Why Carla Marino Is So Effective As NCIS’ New Big Bad
Her History With Parker Just Became More Contentious Than Ever
Carla blames Parker for the death of her son because she feels his motorcycle crash wouldn’t have occurred if the former FBI agent didn't call him in for an interview. It could be a coincidence, but it seems convenient this reveal occurs right as Jimmy’s uncovering oddities in the death certificate for Parker’s mother, whose own vehicle crash is related to the ghost of Lily that Parker’s been seeing. There are some fans theorizing that Carla and Lily are the same person, but they don’t need that kind of connection for her to rank among the best NCIS villains.
What To Expect From Carla & Parker’s Conflict In NCIS Season 23
The MCRT May Have To Work With Criminals Occasionally
Not only is Carla Marino the most dangerous threat to the MCRT in years, but her turn as villain has the potential to result in some of the best NCIS episodes in some time. While she certainly escalated her feud with Parker by killing his father, Parker also escalated her battle for gang control by revealing her bomb to the other leaders. Assuming Carla hasn’t given up on her plan to eliminate her competition, NCIS season 23 could take place during a bloody mob war during which the MCRT has to actively protect violent criminals.
