The sudden reassignment of Tony, Ziva, and McGee created one of the show's biggest cliffhangers, leaving Gibbs with a completely new team at the start of Season 6.
The season was shortened due to the 2007–2008 writers' strike , which led to some subplots (like Jenny's illness) being compressed into these final episodes. Viewer Perspectives Major Impact on the Series [S5E18] (18-19)Judgment Day Part 1-Part 2
The team deals with the emotional fallout of Jenny's death while hunting the mastermind behind the hit: Svetlana Chernitskaya , a Russian hitwoman and lover of a man Gibbs killed years prior. To protect Jenny’s legacy, Gibbs and Franks burn down her house to make it appear she died of smoke inhalation. The finale ends with Leon Vance becoming the new Director and immediately dismantling Gibbs' team. Critical Reception and Themes The sudden reassignment of Tony, Ziva, and McGee