Leon Vance quotes from NCIS

Palmer

I'm so not having kids.

Abby

Ok, Jimmy, that does it! [turns to Vance] Excuse us, Director, but something has gotten into Mr. Palmer and I would like to get it out now.

Vance

Well, don't let me interfere. [walks to the back of the room]

Palmer

Abby, listen––

Abby

[cuts Palmer off] No! You listen. You know what's infectious during the holidays? Optimism! Optimism is infectious. Optimism and joy...and joy and....

Kindness.

Abby

Kindness.

Courtesy

Abby

And charity.

Generosity.

Abby

And gratitude.

Selflessness.

Abby

Compassion.

Forgiveness.

Abby

Forgiveness is huge.

Kindness.

Palmer

You already said kindness.

I like kindness.

Abby

And faith, Jimmy. Faith. Faith is infectious. Life isn't always perfect, you know? But sometimes things will work out for the best if you just have faith.

Vance

Special Agent Barkley is sending additional manpower to Louisiana to assist. An interrogation expert, to be exact.

Don't need one. Agent Lasalle and I can question suspects just fine.

Vance

Recent flaws in your technique would suggest otherwise.

I only punched that XO once.

Vance

Once was enough.

[looks at the row of urinals] How do you do it? It's like pigs at a trough.

Gibbs

In some places it really is a trough, ma'am. [he and Vance look at each other] Fenway, Wrigley...

Vance

Mm-hmm, mostly stadiums.

Tony

[answering his phone] Director.

Leon Vance

Tell me he's alive.

Tony

He is, sir, but it's bad. They're working on him now, I'm gonna stay here 'til he's out of surgery.

Leon Vance

No, you're not. The best thing you can do for Gibbs right now is your job.

Tony

Director-

Leon Vance

If The Calling's still operating in Iraq, you need to get back there while the trail is hot.

Tony

Look sir, no one wants Daniel Budd stopped more than I do-

Leon Vance

Then we don't stop, DiNozzo. Until The Calling's dismantled and this psychopath is captured or dead. We owe Gibbs that much. Are-we-clear?

Tony

We're clear.

Tony DiNozzo

Ready?

Jimmy Palmer

I feel so silly. I can't believe I'm the only one without a motorcycle license.

Dr. Donald Mallard

No matter, Mr. Palmer. Rest assured that by my side, you will be hauling ass.

Leon Vance

Gentlemen, let's ride!

We are a nation of survivors. Slavery, civil wars. We strive for progress, but many are still poor, and cattle production is difficult and costly. Bushmeat has been a way of life for generations.

Leon Vance

Which is why it can wipe out animal populations.

It is unsustainable, and a health risk. My government desperately tries to teach this to the public, but food is also a cultural touchstone. It is used for celebrations, weddings, christenings...

Leon Vance

One more reason it's smuggled into our country. Old habits die hard.

Leon Vance

Sorry, that's another turn of phrase. It's difficult to change minds.

Even more so to change hearts.

Congratulations, Director.

Leon Vance

The two smugglers gave up their airport contacts pretty fast.

Be assured my government is following up in Liberia. This will not end here.

Leon Vance

The ball's in your court now.

That idiom I know.

McGee

Director Vance. You know, pre-wedding tension.

Leon Vance

As someone who was also married to a strong, intelligent woman, may I give you some advice, Agent McGee?

McGee

Don't blow it?

Leon Vance

(solemnly) No: never take it for granted. Not for one second. (smiles) And don't blow it.