Gibbs Rules (NCIS)
Steve Marsi
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Leroy Jethro Gibbs' rules for life, both simple and profound, have been laid out over 11 seasons of NCIS. He doesn't always follow them and there are plenty he hasn't revealed yet, but here's the complete collection as we know it.
1. Rule #1 (Mike)
Never let suspects stay together. (Season 1 Episode 1, Mike Franks)
Rule #1
2. Rule #1 (Gibbs)
Never screw over your partner. (Season 4, Episode 14, Gibbs)
Rule #1
3. Rule #2
Always wear gloves at a crime scene. (Season 1, Episode 1, Mike Franks)
Rule #2
4. Rule #3 (Mike)
Don't believe what you're told. Double check. (Season 1, Episode 1, Mike Franks)
Rule #3
5. Rule #3 (Gibbs)
Never be unreachable. (Season 3, Episode 13, Gibbs)
Rule #3
6. Rule #4
The best way to keep a secret? Keep it to yourself. Second best? Tell one other person, if you must. There is no third best. (Season 4, Episode 11)
Rule #4
7. Rule #5
You don't waste good. (Season 8, Episode 22)
Rule #5
8. Rule #6
Never apologize. (Season 7, Episode 12, but referenced previous times without a number attached)
Rule #6
9. Rule #7
Always be specific when you lie. (Season 1, Episode 23)
Rule #7
10. Rule #8
Never take anything for granted. (Season 3, Episode 10)
Rule #8
11. Rule #8 (Alternate Version)
Never assume. (Season 9, Episode 21)
Rule #8
12. Rule #9
Never go anywhere without a knife. (Season 1, Episode 13)
Rule #9
13. Rule #10
Never get personally involved on a case. (Season 7, Episode 21)
Rule #10
14. Rule #11
When the job is done, walk away. (Season 6, Episode 24)
Rule #11
15. Rule #12
Never date a coworker. (Season 1, Episode 15, and referenced on other occasions)
Rule #12
16. Rule #13
Never, ever involve a lawyer. (Season 6, Episode 7; Gibbs is said to have other rules involving lawyers, but according to Tony, this is the "umbrella" one)
Rule #13
17. "Never leave behind loose ends."
Never leave behind loose ends. (Season 3, Episode 24)
Rule #45
18. Rule #14
Bend the line, don't break it. (Season 11, Episode 4)
Rule #14
19. Rule #15
Always work as a team. (Season 5, Episode 5)
Rule #15
20. Rule #16
If someone thinks they have the upper-hand, break it. (Season 8, Episode 24)
Rule #16
21. Rule #18
It's better to seek forgiveness than ask permission. (Season 3, Episode 4)
Rule #18
22. Rule #22
Never, ever bother Gibbs in interrogation. (Season 4, Episode 10)
Rule #22
23. Rule #23
Never mess with a Marine's coffee if you want to live. (Season 2, Episode 9)
Rule #23
24. Rule #27
Rule #27: Two ways to follow: First way, they never notice you, Second way, they only notice you. (Season 7, Episode 15)
25. Rule #35
Always watch the watchers. (Season 8, Episode 22)
Rule #35
26. Rule #36
If feels like you're being played, you probably are. (Season 9, Episode 1)
Rule #36
27. Rule #38
Your case, your lead. (Season 6, Episode 16; Season 10, Episode 3)
Rule #38
28. Rule #39
There is no such thing as a small world. (Season 10, Episode 14)
Rule #39A
29. Rule #39 (Alternate Version)
There is no such thing as coincidence. (Season 7, Episode 21)
Rule #39
30. Rule #40
If it seems someone is out to get you, they are. (Season 7, Episode 22)
Rule #40
31. Rule #42
Never accept an apology from someone who just sucker punched you. (Season 9, Episode 16)
Rule #42
32. Rule #44
First things first. Hide the women and children. (Season 7, Episode 23)
Rule #44
33. Rule #45
Clean up your own mess. (Season 7, Episode 24)
Rule #45
34. Rule #51
Sometimes you're wrong. (Season 7, Episode 24, titled "Rule Fifty-One")
Rule #51
35. Rule #62
I know rule 62 is to always give people space when they get off the elevator but this is really important and I don't want to waste any time.
Abby
36. Rule #69
Never trust a woman who doesn't trust her man. (Season 9, Episode 7)
Rule #69
