NCIS Rule 45: What It Means & Why It's Explosive

In simpler terms, the ending of NCIS’s 22nd season might have left you wondering about the mysterious “Rule 45.” To clarify, these are a set of principles known as Gibbs’ Rules, which were named after the character Leroy Jethro Gibbs, the main protagonist in the series. These rules serve as guidelines for his team and help them solve cases effectively. The total number of rules varies throughout the show, but Rule 45 might be a new addition to the list.

In the heyday of the popular TV series, Gibbs was the undisputed leader. Having served as a U.S. Marine Corps Scout Sniper, he transitioned into a special agent leading our unit within the Naval Criminal Investigative Service.

Although he may no longer be a part of the show, the impact he made through the “Gibbs rules” remains vivid. These rules aren’t frequently discussed, but dedicated viewers are well aware that they form a crucial piece of the NCIS mythos.

In simpler terms, NCIS Season 22 ended with several characters hanging on by a thread. But what’s Rule 45, and why does McGee invoke it?

Rule 45 here refers to the “Rule of 45 Minutes” or “McGee’s Rule”, a fictional concept in the NCIS series. It is used when a character is in danger or has been injured severely, and they must be rescued or treated within 45 minutes to ensure their survival. McGee uses it as a means of urging his team to act quickly and decisively in such situations.

What is Gibbs’ Rule 45 in NCIS?

As per Gibbs’ guidelines at NCIS, Rule 45 translates to “Cleaning up a mess that someone else made.” In total, there are 91 rules, although the specifics of all 91 are not publicly disclosed.

If you’re just starting with NCIS, with its 22 seasons, it might be challenging to follow along – but don’t worry! The Gibbs rules are presented in Season 6, Episode 4. In a series of flashbacks, we see Gibbs’ first wife Shannon, who shares her life principles that later inspire Gibbs to develop his own set of guidelines. He then proceeds to pass these lessons on to the agents under him at NCIS.

Gibbs left NCIS back in 2021 “in search of adventure” in Season 19 Episode 4.

We full list (that we know, anyway), looks something like this:

Rule #1: Never let suspects sit together.
Other Rule #1: Never screw over your partner.
Rule #2: Always wear gloves at a crime scene.
Rule #3: Never believe what you are told. Double-check.
Other Rule #3: Never be unreachable.
Rule #4: Best way to keep a secret: Keep it to yourself. Second best: Tell one other person, if you must. There is no third best.
Rule #5: You don’t waste good.
Rule #6: Never say you’re sorry.
Rule #7: Always be specific when you lie.
Rule #8: Never take anything for granted.
Rule #9: Never go anywhere without a knife.
Rule #10: Never get involved personally on a case.
Rule #11: When the job is done, walk away.
Rule #12: Never date a coworker.
Rule #13: Never involve lawyers.
Rule #14: Bend the line, don’t break it.
Rule #15: Always work as a team.
Rule #16: If someone thinks he has the upper hand, break it.
Rule #18: It’s better to seek forgiveness than ask permission.
Rule #20: Always look under.
Rule #22: Never, ever bother Gibbs in interrogation.
Rule #23: Never mess with a Marine’s coffee if you want to live.
Rule #27: Two ways to follow someone. First way, they never notice you. Second way, they only notice you.
Rule #28: When you need help, ask.
Rule #35: Always watch the watchers.
Rule #36: If it feels like you’re being played, you probably are.
Rule #38: Your case, you’re lead.
Rule #39: There is no such thing as a coincidence.
Rule #40: If it seems like someone’s out to get you, they are.
Rule #42: Never accept an apology from somebody who just sucker punched you.
Rule #44: First things first, hide the women and children.
Rule #45: Left a mess I gotta clean up.
Rule #51: Sometimes you’re wrong.
Rule #62: Always give people space when they get off an elevator.
Rule #69: Never trust a woman who doesn’t trust her man.
Rule #91: When you decide to walk away, never look back.

Rule 45 played a key role in NCIS Season 22 finale

What’s the reason behind our special focus on Ruler 45? This gets explained in the final episode of NCIS Season 22, where McGee leaves a note for Ward that says only “Rule 45.

It’s clear now that “taking care of some personal matters” was code for McGee cleaning up the mess he had inadvertently created during his investigation of Deputy Director Laroche for alleged corruption. As a fan, I couldn’t help but feel the tension mounting as his professional reputation hung in the balance.

The game of cat-and-mouse continues between McGee and Laroche, as McGee alleges he witnessed Laroche commit murder – a claim later confirmed by evidence found on a deceased criminal’s phone. However, things take a turn when Ward discloses that an official complaint has been lodged against McGee for unprofessional conduct, harassment, and misuse of power. It is common knowledge among all that it was indeed Laroche who was involved in the crime.

In this scenario, Ward believes McGee’s actions stem from jealousy and suggests an ongoing suspension until official charges for slander can be brought forward. However, if our team uncovers evidence showing McGee was correct – as proven by the Rule 45 note left on his desk – it could potentially overturn these suspensions.

As I huddle down in the back of Laroche’s speeding van, clutching the evidence tightly, Vance’s words echo in my mind: “Gibbs’ rules always have a price.” The van swerves abruptly as gunfire erupts outside, and Laroche returns fire, striking Shaker. Suddenly, I feel a searing pain in my shoulder, but I don’t let go of the evidence. It’s only later that I realize Laroche owes me his life, and he surrenders, admitting this was never about the money. With a trembling hand, he points to a small device in Shaker’s pocket, revealing a hidden truth… but that’s all we know for now.

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2025-04-29 12:50

NCIS Rule 45: What It Means & Why It’s Explosive

What is Gibbs’ Rule 45 in NCIS?

Rule 45 played a key role in NCIS Season 22 finale

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