10 Times "NCIS" Has Inspired Me
Start writing a post
Entertainment

10 Times "NCIS" Has Inspired Me

Life advice from Leroy Jethro Gibbs and the gang.

4697
10 Times "NCIS" Has Inspired Me
tvbreakroom.com

You know the show your family religiously watches together? The one you cue up on Netflix and wait to hit play until your mom finally comes to sit on the couch? My family's is "NCIS." There's just something about Leroy Jethro Gibbs, a Marine turned special agent, and his "quirky" (as Netflix describes them) team that seems to bring us all together. I believe that one of the biggest reasons is because as they deal with their cases and their personal lives, the team gives life advice that really resonates. Here is a list of 10 times "NCIS" has inspired me, and hopefully you too.

1. "I've seen bad turn to good plenty of times. You just can't lose faith."

Gibbs literally always knows the right thing to say, and as this quote shows, he gets right to the point. He draws on his own experience, seeming like a father figure to his team and sometimes the victim's families. This line is all the more inspiring because of the many traumas and unfair losses Gibbs has gone through. Like Gibbs said, you've gotta keep hoping for the best.

2. "One gets over the loss of a wallet or a watch, but a loved one, they never leave you."

Mossad officer turned special agent Ziva David has also gone through a lot of loss in her life, making her take on it all the more meaningful. Also like Gibbs, Ziva is blunt. That's what I love about this line from her; it's so simple, but it's completely true. Material objects are just that, and people, loved ones especially, are much more. Their meaning to you will never go away.

3. "Change is inevitable..."

Dr. Mallard, better known as Ducky, is the team's medical examiner. He's an older, English gentleman who loves to tell stories of his life. His wise words about embracing change imply that he has already personally learned that lesson. His words ring true because as his simile suggests, there really isn't a better option. Change is something we always have to live with.

4. "Family's more than just DNA. It's about people who care and take care of each other."

Through every season, through every episode, the NCIS team exemplifies a family dynamic. It doesn't matter which one of them is in trouble, or if all of them have managed to stay out of trouble for a few episodes, they have each other's backs. Their consistent love for each other, along with Gibbs' words about it, can remind everyone how valuable their friendships are.

5. "The things you do mean something to people."

Pictured with Gibbs is forensic scientist Abby Sciuto. Like the rest of the team, Abby strives to catch the bad guys, to do good. Like all of us, sometimes Abby needs reassurance that the work she does matters. Sometimes the bad seems too overwhelming and her efforts feel minimal or inadequate. But Gibbs is right: the things Abby, and the rest of us, do matter to others. Our efforts make a difference.

6. "You're never alone."

Because Ziva was born in Israel, Tony delivers this heartfelt line to her in Hebrew. Through any difficult moments in life, one of the most important things to hear is that you aren't alone. You always have friends and loved ones who share in your pain as well as your joy.

7. "Never take anything for granted."

Ah, a Gibbs rule. They all speak for themselves and thus teach us something about life, or Gibbs, or both. Rule No. 8 is particularly universal. Appreciate everything you have. It makes you much happier than wishing for the things you don't.

8. "Life is too short to not tell someone you love them if you do."

Just like Tony says, it is a cliche, but it's true. Again, Tony's personal experience of going through many woman and only truly caring for a few make these words more powerful. This cliche correctly implies that we each only have one life, and who knows how long it'll be, so we might as well get right to the important stuff. You have to let people know if they matter to you. (I would like to note that this line coming from Tony, as well as No. 6, gives me all the feels #tivaforever).

9. "There is no such thing as coincidence."

This is another Gibbs Rule and one of my personal favorites at that. I love it because I believe in another cliche that says everything happens for a reason. If you have a gut feeling, as Gibbs is famous for, go with it. We may not all investigate crimes, but we do have daily experiences where we look back and think, "Of course __ meant ___. I can't believe I didn't realize that!" In the words of LJG, "Always go with your gut."

10. "Never accept an apology from somebody who just sucker-punched you."

I think this is a great lesson to leave off on. It may not seem inspirational right away, but look at it again. Hint: it's a Gibbs Rule because it's a trusted life lesson. It may seem negative, and it may not always apply, but I'd argue it's a great rule of thumb to hold out on those who just wronged you. Make them understand the gravity of what they've done. Stand up for yourself and demand respect.

From this list, and the rest of the wonderful, poignant lines from "NCIS," the two most inspiring elements of this show can be narrowed down to respect and appreciation. Gibbs was a Marine who earned the respect of many, and continually shows the same respect to others. He has taught his team to carry themselves in a similar fashion; they trust their own instincts and only challenge authority when their gut tells them to. They also appreciate all of their team members, along with the tremendous opportunity they have to do good in the world.

I think anyone could learn a lot about life by watching "NCIS."

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

70938
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

132506
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments