‘NCIS’ season 14 episode 13: Brian Dietzen talks about Jimmy Palmer’s heroism

Teaser of “NCIS” season 14 episode 13 titled “Keep Going” has already shown that the episode will be about Jimmy Palmer’s (Brian Dietzen) heroic act of saving a man trying to commit suicide. The episode will revolve around Dietzen’s character, finally giving him the much-deserved screen time.

Dietzen has so far received small amount of screen time in the season. However, it seems that the forthcoming episode will compensate for that. Going by the sneak peak and Dietzen’s recent statements, the episode will be all about Palmer and his secrets in life.

Jimmy Palmer’s heroism

In “NCIS” season 14 episode 13, Palmer who is a lab assistant will be seen investigating a hit-and-run case along with his team. During the investigation, a situation arises where he makes an impulsive decision. While trying to save a stranger’s life, he puts his own life in danger.

He comes across a guy who is standing on the ledge of a building apparently trying to commit suicide. “Without thinking, Jimmy sprints up there, grabs the guy (played by Spencer Treat Clark) by the belt, grabs a drainpipe and is basically, ‘If you’re going over, I’m going over with you,’” said Dietzen. However, Palmer soon realises that he shouldn’t be out there.

Dietzen said that Gibbs (Mark Harmon) and Torres (Wilmer Valderrama) were shocked to see Palmer in such a situation. He made an impulsive decision because of his helpful and positive nature. “We flash back to a bunch of things that Jimmy has done over the years, where he has always been a very positive character — a glass half-full type of guy. We revisit that over and over again,” Dietzen told TV Line.

However, there’s a surprise

Dietzen said that during this chaotic situation, “big secrets” about Palmer will be unveiled. “The team learns a ton of stuff and goes, ‘Whoa! We didn’t know that!’ It’s fun, and it’s really good.”

Another interesting fact about the episode

“Keep Going” was the first episode to be written after the sudden demise of showrunner Gary Glasberg in September last year. Executive producer Scott Williams penned the script for the episode, which was about “life affirmation,” according to Dietzen. Terrence O’ Hara has directed the episode.

“NCIS” season 14 episode 13 will air on SBS in the US on Jan.24. The show also airs on Channel Ten in Australia. The new season will be telecasted at 8:30PM on Tuesdays from Feb.7.

Read related: ‘NCIS’ season 14 episode 13 spoilers, promo: Jimmy Palmer the hero