Despite change being somewhat inevitable, these beloved characters have always shown such distinct personalities that it would be pretty easy to pick them out in a line-up from their actions or quotes alone. Yet there are still some moments that seem like out of context, or even sometimes within context, out of character and they don't represent these core personalities as an audience we have grown to know and love.
Leroy Jethro Gibbs
We're Going To Find Jacob Scott. We're Going To Kill Him.
Season 13, Episode 23, "Dead Letter," is a tense episode as the team hunts down Jacob Scott who they believe to be responsible for shooting two of the people attempting to find him. Everyone is deeply invested in finding him and want to see him pay, Gibbs as much as anyone so when McGee asks what their next move is and this is his response, it makes sense in the narrative but also feels somewhat out of character.
Gibbs has always been the strong and stoic type over the show's run, although he can come off as intimidating, even to those who know him well, ultimately, he is a man who takes a deep pride in this job and the work they do. That is exactly why the suggestion of revenge over justice can come off as very unlike Gibbs, who when it comes down to it truly believes in the justice system and in doing things the right way.
Anthony DiNozzo
I Feel Like I Don't Know Who I Am.
"Charade," (13.20) sees Tony's identity being stolen by a woman he picked up at a bar, as the team works to get his identity back, tracking down those involved, DiNozzo's desire to give up and uncertainty of himself that he expresses in relation to having his identity taken seems mishandled.
Since Season 1 Tony DiNozzo's confidence has always been one of his most defining traits, his immaturity and humor always blending into his self-assurance, he is more likely to analyze someone else's personality and actions than to doubt himself. His cocky attitude and sometimes unearned boldness has seen Tony through the seasons, even when faced with those who would attempt to tear him down or situations that would reasonably give someone else doubt, Tony has always remained consistent, so this suggestion of disillusionment with who he is as a person sounds so unlike the Tony everyone knows.
Abby Sciuto
I Am One Of Few People, In The World, Who Can Murder You And Leave No Trace.
"Silver War," (3.4) as an episode is as much about Ziva's integration to the team as about the case they follow, with an interesting addition of Abby being dressed out of character to her usual status quo due to a dress code warning. So when Abby gives this warning to McGee, as jovial as it is intended to be, it comes off as strange.
Although Abby's exterior with her goth style may come off as intimidating or threatening at a glance, those who spend any time with Abby Sciuto learn she's one of the smartest people, a cheerfully optimistic woman with a kind heart. She loves her job and her team, and with her bubbly personality and genuine hopeful outlook, she only wants the best for those around her, meaning that although it is true and she is perfectly capable of covering a murder, she is too gentle of a person to ever do such a thing, Abby is in no way as threatening as this quote would suggest.
Dr. Donald "Ducky" Mallard
I Just Nicked Your Brachial Artery. You'll Be Dead In Less Than Ninety Seconds.
"So It Goes," (12.3) takes Bishop and Ducky to London following up on an investigation that has personal ties to Ducky, leaving him determined to find out, seemingly disregarding of consequences as he threatens to leave a man to die unless he gets the answers he came for.
Ducky is a well-mannered and friendly man, he has a good and sometimes dark sense of humor and deeply caring, treating the team as his family, it is easy to view Ducky as an uncle type figure who often knows just what the others need to hear in moments of need, having wisdom and knowledge that the others rely on. He knows how to keep rational and focused, so this idea of a violent and threatening Ducky is very off base for what everyone expects from this easy-going lovable character.
Ziva David
I Do Not Understand The Humour.
"Code Of Conduct," (7.5) is a Halloween episode that follows the murder of a marine, while observing teenagers toilet-papering McGee suggests it's impressive, and Ziva claims complete confusion over the joy of the act, calling it both 'humor' and 'art' as if she is unsure if it is either.
Ziva immediately won over the fans with her tough exterior and strong personality, Ziva presented a determination and resilience that left little space for doubt, always ready to step into the fight and fearless in her way. This didn't mean she wasn't capable of taking a joke, over the years Ziva proved that she could often match Tony for banter and flirtation. There were many things that Ziva didn't understand or didn't quite get right, getting lost in translation often with American sayings, but she never failed to be funny, or enjoy the humor of the others.
Timothy McGee
I Can't Trust You Anymore.
"Patience," (12.19) covers a murder in relation to an op that both Gibbs and DiNizzo are privy to, but not McGee himself and with the little information and the privacy McGee suggests he isn't sure he can trust DiNozzo after Tony points out how often they've shared information that should have been considered classified.
McGee has arguably seen the most growth throughout the show, growing from a timid newbie into a more confident agent as the show progresses, although some things remain, he is ultimately when it comes down to it a computer nerd and a reliable friend who puts his faith in his team. McGee is a very human character and in that way, he has contradictions and flaws but always has a strong faith in those he trusts and it takes a lot to cast doubt on that trust making this statement feel unlike him.