5 Most Touching "NCIS" Moments

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"NCIS" has some of the most touching storylines on TV. Sure, the characters are quirky, even downright silly at times. The back and forth banter is comical. But there are moments that touch us and pull at the heartstrings. It's no wonder it is one of the most popular series on television and has enjoyed a rare longevity, having been on the air since Fall 2003.

1. "Twilight" from Season Two:

A group of terrorists bent on revenge sent Ari to kill Gibbs, but Ari had other plans. By the end of this episode, Caitlin "Kate" Todd was shot in the forehead and fell dead on a rooftop. Tony DiNozzo appeared to be in shock as what happened began to sink in. Not only did the team lose an agent, they lost a dear friend.

2. "Kill Ari Part I" from Season Three:

The "NCIS" team struggled to cope with Kate's death. Gibbs became very protective and fatherly to his team members. Slaps to the head took a backseat and finding Kate's murderer was at the forefront of everyone's minds.

3. "Kill Ari Part II" from Season Three:

Team members found themselves being visited by Kate in various forms.

Abby envisioned a Goth-like Kate; McGee saw the dead agent lying in a file cabinet which likely represents her lying on a cold morgue slab; and Tony saw her dressed in a schoolgirl uniform.

Gibbs had a less than pleasant vision of Kate. While searching for Ducky, who had been taken by Ari, Kate "told" him in order to save the other team members maybe he should kill himself. Further proof the Gibbster was feeling guilty.

Abby put on some jazzy New Orleans-style funeral music that was anything but somber and very fitting following Kate's funeral.

4. "Aliyah" from Season Six:

The team was sent to Israel where, in the end, they left Ziva.

When the team and Director Vance were preparing to leave, Ziva and Gibbs shared an exchange in which she told him she thought he needed to transfer her or DiNozzo because they could no longer work together. Gibbs - feeling betrayed by Ziva because she lied to him about her relationship with Rifkin - told her she is no longer welcome at "NCIS." Gibbs gave Ziva a kiss on the cheek and the two parted ways. Once everyone was onboard the plane bound for the U.S., Tony realized they were one short. Ziva was left teary-eyed on the tarmac.

5. "Rule 51" from Season Seven:

Ziva became a U.S. citizen, much to the "dismay" of DiNozzo (come on, we all know they are going to end up together ... eventually).

Director Vance, Abby, McGee, Ducky, and Palmer attended the ceremony. After taking her oath, Ziva was sad to see the two empty seats where Gibbs and DiNozzo should have been.

By the way, for the uninitiated, Gibbs' rule 51 is, "Sometimes you're wrong."

Tune into "NCIS" Tuesday nights at 8pm ET on CBS.

Sources:
"NCIS" Viewer
NCIS Recap: Rule 51 - CBS.com
NCIS Recap: Aliyah - CBS.com
NCIS: Gibbs Rules - NCIS Fan Site