As a lifelong fan of NCIS, I can confidently say that these three episodes are some of the best the series has ever produced. Each one offers a unique blend of action, suspense, and emotion that keeps viewers hooked from start to finish.
As a dedicated gamer, I’ve been hooked on NCIS since Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs assembled his crew back in 2003. This series has captivated audiences globally with its ingenious and pulse-pounding narratives, not to mention the dynamic characters it’s introduced over the years. Originally a spin-off from JAG, NCIS has gone on to become one of the longest-running scripted crime dramas ever made, with over 460 episodes spread across an impressive 21 seasons thus far.
Selecting only 20 standout episodes from the vast NCIS collection is no easy task. We’ve taken into account factors such as plot, character progression, emotional impact, and the episodes’ ability to balance action and humor effectively. These chosen installments delve into significant events in an agent’s past, while also propelling seasonal arcs in unexpected ways.
From start to finish, beloved characters such as Gibbs, Tony, Ziva, and Abby keep viewers hooked with their exhilarating investigations and intriguing true-crime mysteries. Although a reader’s cherished character might not be included, the 20 episodes on this list encapsulate some of the most unforgettable moments in the annals of NCIS, ensuring hours of enjoyable entertainment for you.
20 “She”
Season 16, Episode 13
A crucial episode focuses on the NCIS team’s discovery of a puzzling 9-year-old girl hiding in a storage unit on a Marine base. As they delve deeper, they find links to a ten-year-old missing persons case involving Navy recruit Morgan Burke. Agent Eleanor Bishop becomes deeply involved and eventually uncovers that her predecessor, Ziva David, had secretly been investigating the case long after the records indicated it was closed.
As a dedicated fan who has been following NCIS since its early seasons, I find this episode particularly captivating due to its revelations about Ziva’s secret work and her possible survival after faking her death. Having grown attached to her character over the years, I can’t help but feel a sense of excitement and intrigue as the storyline unfolds. Moreover, the way it develops Bishop’s character while connecting past and present events is simply brilliant, keeping long-time fans like myself on the edge of our seats.
19 “Great Wide Open”
Season 19, Episode 4
As a long-time fan of “NCIS,” I found the episode titled “Great Wide Open” particularly memorable due to its heartfelt and character-driven narrative. Having followed Jethro Gibbs for 19 seasons, it was a poignant moment to see him team up with McGee on an investigation into a company suspected of hiring a contract killer named Paul Lemere in Alaska. The episode marked a significant turning point in the show as Gibbs made the decision to leave his team and his life in Washington, D.C., behind to start a new chapter in Alaska. It was a fitting conclusion to the character’s journey, and it felt like a nod to the audience who have watched him grow throughout the years. Overall, I believe that “Great Wide Open” was a powerful and emotional episode that effectively wrapped up Gibbs’ story arc on the show.
In the final episode of the series, the main character Leroy Jethro Gibbs, who’s been with us since day one, is given an emotional send-off. This episode wraps up Gibbs’ storyline; it features poignant scenes that delve into his personal battles, his growth over time, and the deep relationships he’s built. There’s even a nod back to Gibbs’ past, raising questions about how he managed to retrieve his boat from the basement.
18 “Honor Thy Father”
Season 11, Episode 24
In the final episode of the season, NCIS honors Ralph Waite, the talented actor portraying Gibbs’ father, Jackson. Following the heart-wrenching revelation of his father’s demise, Gibbs journeys to his old hometown in Stillwater, Pennsylvania to manage his father’s estate and grapple with his sorrow. Simultaneously, the team delves into an arson case on a U.S. Navy vessel, uncovering its role as a covert detention facility for terrorists.
Similar to many NCIS episodes, “‘Honor Thy Father’” explores Gibbs’ background, offering more layers to his personality. His trip back home contributes to character progression and ties up the ongoing storyline about his relationship with his father. Furthermore, Mark Harmon gives a standout performance, while the rest of the cast effectively portrays the team’s emotional support during a tough time.
17 “Shabbat Shalom”
Season 10, Episode 11
The NCIS group delves into the murder case of a Petty Officer, whose body was found during a father-son fishing expedition, uncovering an unexpected truth – the victim was not a military man but a civilian and journalist. At the same time, Ziva is taken aback when her estranged father, Mossad Director Eli David, suddenly arrives in America for a visit. Despite his claim that the visit is for a personal reunion over Shabbat dinner, Ziva harbors doubts.
In the plot’s unexpected turn, “Shabbat Shalom” takes a tragic twist as Eli and Director Vance’s wife, Jackie, are victims of a drive-by shooting. This episode leaves an indelible emotional mark on NCIS history, striking hard with its powerful scenes and delving into the intricate relationship between Ziva and her father. It adds a deeply personal touch to the narrative, elevating it beyond a typical procedural episode. Moreover, this twist lays the groundwork for Ziva’s storyline throughout the season as she embarks on a quest for vengeance.
16 “Till Death Do Us Part”
Season 9, Episode 24
In the last episode of Season 9, titled “Until Death Tears Us Apart”, the team encounters a lethal threat from a former industrialist turned terrorist. This villain is responsible for a string of explosions that the team investigates. It’s uncovered that his revenge-fueled actions stem from the death of his son, who perished in a Navy accident. The episode also includes the NCIS team in a state of high alarm as Director Leon Vance mysteriously disappears.
During the thrilling conclusion, a bomb was found in Director Vance’s vehicle, causing an enormous explosion at NCIS headquarters. In the midst of chaos, Jimmy Palmer’s wedding got postponed, and Ducky experienced a heart attack upon learning the news. This episode kept viewers on the edge of their seats right up until the last moment with its intense drama, non-stop action, and heartrending moments. It challenged Gibbs’ leadership skills, exposed Vance’s weaknesses, and laid the groundwork for Season 10.
15 “A Man Walks Into a Bar”
Season 8, Episode 14
In this captivating installment titled “A Man Walks Into A Bar“, the storyline takes an unexpected turn as the team embarks on a new investigation – the mysterious death of a Navy commander discovered in his private cabin. However, it’s not just the enigma of the death that captures our attention. After the tragic demise of Kate, the group is compelled to undergo routine psychological assessments, supervised by Dr. Rachel Cranston. These sessions prompt Tony, McGee, Gibbs, and Ziva to delve into their past traumas and personal experiences.
At the conclusion of the episode, we learn that Dr. Cranston is actually Kate Todd’s sister. She is seeking resolution regarding Kate Todd’s death by conducting interviews. The therapy sessions in this show are particularly insightful, as they depict the main characters grappling with their personal struggles and emotional well-being. Michael Weatherly and Cote de Pablo give outstanding performances.
14 “Family First”
Season 13, Episode 24
It’s been made clear that NCIS boasts some of the most compelling season finales, and this year’s installment, titled “Family First,” is no exception. In this episode, the NCIS team collaborates with the FBI and MI6 in a global manhunt for the renegade British agent Trent Kort. Kort, who has already claimed several special agents as victims, continues to elude capture. As the chase unfolds, Tony DiNozzo discovers that his old partner and romantic interest, Ziva David, is believed to have perished in a mortar attack.
The news leaves all the members of the team torn. But with it comes the shocking revelation that Ziva has a daughter named Tali that Tony didn’t know he’d fathered. This leads Tony to make the life-changing decision to leave NCIS, head to Paris, and take care of his daughter. The episode is one of the best because we see Tony transitioning from a carefree agent to a devoted father. It provides a satisfying conclusion to his arc but disappoints fans who were shipping Tony and Ziva.
13 “Judgment Day” Parts 1 and 2
Season 5, Episodes 18 and 19
In this rendition, we have two interconnected episodes titled “Judgment Day” (Parts 1 and 2) that test the limits of the NCIS team. The narrative opens as former NCIS Special Agent William Decker is found murdered in Los Angeles, which triggers Director Jenny Shepard, Tony, and Ziva to attend his funeral. Although it was initially ruled a heart attack, Jenny’s instincts lead her to suspect foul play, prompting her to launch an independent investigation. To gather more information, she calls upon Franks and meets Decker’s girlfriend. As events unfold, they find themselves face-to-face with a dangerous group of assassins.
Sadly, Jenny meets a fatal end in a gunfight, causing shockwaves among fans and viewers alike. With Gibbs leading the way, the remaining NCIS team grapples with the aftermath of her demise, pursuing those responsible for her death. The episodes are packed with tension and nail-biting suspense, leaving little room for respite. As the urgency mounts, we’re left gasping for breath. Gibbs, who had a complicated bond with the Director, is particularly shaken by this event. The arrival of Leon Vance as the new director sets up a thrilling cliffhanger to keep us guessing.
12 “Heartland”
Season 6, Episode 4
In a captivating and emotional turn of events, the “Heartland” episode unfolds when the NCIS team tackles a fresh case. A tavern brawl results in one Marine’s death and another sustaining critical injuries. Gibbs suspects it was a targeted ambush, with the surviving Marine being the real target. Interestingly, this Marine hails from Gibbs’ hometown. Accompanied by McGee and Ziva, he journeys to his childhood home in Stillwater, Pennsylvania.
In this installment, Gibbs finds himself compelled to delve into his past and reevaluate his relationship with his father, Jackson Gibbs, as he pursues clues. The narrative also intertwines scenes from the past, giving us a glimpse of a younger Gibbs, offering insights into his childhood and showing how he met his future spouse, Shannon. Despite the team ultimately apprehending the culprits, this episode stands out because it sets up the foundation for the prequel series, NCIS: Origins.
11 “Past, Present, Future”
Season 11, Episode 2
In the final episode of NCIS featuring Cote de Pablo as character Ziva David, the team is investigating a terrorist organization aiming to eliminate high-profile individuals and the squad itself. However, the main storyline revolves around the emotional farewell of Tony and Ziva’s relationship. As Tony journeys to Israel in search of Ziva, who has disappeared since her father’s demise, the episode primarily explores their heartwarming yet sad goodbye.
In due time, he finds her, and Ziva discloses that she’s grown tired of being an agent and intends to break away from NCIS and Tony. Tony expresses his affection for her, hoping to persuade her to reconsider, but she stands firm. She acknowledges their past together and chooses to heed Gibbs’ advice to follow her heart. The scene is both moving and convincing. Although the series might have a newcomer in Bishop (played by Emily Wickersham), it just isn’t the same without Ziva.
10 “Angel of Death”
Season 4, Episode 24
As a dedicated fan, I can’t help but highlight an exceptional episode that left me utterly captivated – the gripping tale titled ““Angel of Death.”” In this thrilling installment, our beloved Director Jenny Shephard returns from a European sojourn only to discover her abode violated. Her suspicions lead her to believe her supposedly deceased father might be the culprit. Simultaneously, our NCIS agents in Washington are put through their paces with a Homeland Security polygraph test, unveiling hidden secrets and escalating tensions. My heart raced as Tony and Jeanne found themselves in their most daunting predicament yet – held captive by a ruthless drug dealer. The suspense was palpable!
As a devoted fan, I found myself utterly captivated by this episode’s intricate web of perils, yet it managed to maintain a breathtaking pace and clarity that kept me hooked. The emotional intensity was palpable, especially for Tony and Jeanne, whose bond was stretched to its limits when, in a dramatic turn, they encountered René Benoit, alias La Grenouille – the elusive French arms dealer they’d been pursuing for months. However, their encounter held an unexpected twist: he was none other than Jeanne’s father.
9 “Requiem”
Season 5, Episode 7
Known for its exhilarating action scenes and emotional narrative, the episode ““Requiem”” stands out among NCIS episodes and is particularly recommended for fans of Leroy Jethro Gibbs. In this installment, Gibbs interacts with Maddie Tyler, a friend from his deceased daughter Kelly’s childhood. Maddie confides in him about an ex-Marine boyfriend who has been harassing her, asking for his assistance. However, things take a turn when Maddie is abducted, prompting Gibbs to delve deeper into the case and expose a startling conspiracy.
At the close of the episode, a group of vengeful abductors pursues Gibbs and Maddie. In a desperate move, Gibbs steers the car into a body of water, causing it to sink rapidly. Luckily, Tony is nearby. He performs a daring rescue, extracting them from the submerged vehicle, bringing them to the surface, and administering CPR to revive them. This scene stands out due to the show’s skillful combination of thrilling action and powerful emotion.
8 “My Other Left Foot”
Season 1, Episode 12
In a tiny town near Clarksburg, West Virginia, a scavenger unearths a severed leg adorned with a Marine tattoo in the trash dump named “My Other Left Foot.” The NCIS team is swiftly summoned to probe the matter. It seems that the leg was previously believed dead for two years, but forensic specialist Ducky estimates it had been detached from its owner within the last 24 hours. As they delve deeper and receive assistance from Abby, they gradually expose a tangled web of deceit and a hitherto concealed murder scheme.
As a long-time fan of crime dramas, I have to say that the latest episode of NCIS truly stands out from the crowd. With my years of watching procedural shows, I can confidently assert that this episode is exceptional in its execution. The intricate plot and character interactions are certainly noteworthy, but what really sets it apart for me is the masterful blend of mystery and drama, which keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.
7 “Keep Going”
Season 14, Episode 13
Although Brian Dietzen’s character, Jimmy Palmer, had been part of the series since its debut, it wasn’t until Season 10 that he was made a permanent cast member. However, it is an episode from Season 14, titled “‘Keep Going’“, that unveils Jimmy’s unique talent for empathizing with people on a profound spiritual level. In this particular storyline, NCIS investigates a hit-and-run accident resulting in the death of Navy Captain Paul Smith. His son, Ryan, is gripped by guilt and considers ending his own life.
Palmer moves up to a ledge on a nearby building, and he quickly follows suit. He initiates a chat with Ryan and tries to talk him out of it by recounting his own experiences with multiple unsuccessful attempts before finally passing his medical exams. The storyline not only involves Palmer but also delves into the themes of trauma’s effect and the significance of mental wellness, offering a relatable and captivating complexity.
6 “SWAK”
Season 2, Episode 22
In a situation where a letter labeled “SWAK” (Sealed With A Kiss) unexpectedly arrives at NCIS headquarters, Tony assumes it’s meant for him. Upon opening it, a puzzling white substance spreads throughout the squad room. The team has a contingency plan in place for such occurrences and promptly initiates bioterrorism procedures. As Tony and Kate are isolated at Bethesda Naval Hospital, Gibbs and the rest of the group work urgently to trace the origin of the letter.
Simultaneously, Tony’s health deteriorates as he contracts the plague. Fortunately, they discover a cure, making for a gripping episode from beginning to end. It skillfully combines the tension of an uncommon threat with the interpersonal dynamics of the team. The acting, particularly Michael Weatherly’s portrayal of a severely ill Tony, is profoundly moving.
5 “Truth or Consequences”
Season 7, Episode 1
In the thrilling opening episode of the new season, the storyline continues directly from where it ended in Season 6, with Ziva being abducted and believed dead. Tony is unwilling to accept this outcome, so he joins forces with Gibbs, Abby, and McGee to investigate further. Eventually, DiNozzo and McGee find themselves taken captive and subjected to a truth serum. During their ordeal, Tony shares the events that led to his capture and confesses that he can’t bear life without Ziva.
Via flashback sequences, we witness the team’s efforts in finding a replacement for Ziva and their numerous job interviews. Yet again, Gibbs engages in a risky operation, demonstrating his exceptional Marine sniper abilities by neutralizing Saleem, a notorious Somalian terrorist.
As a devoted fan, I can’t help but rave about “Truth or Consequences”! Right from the get-go, it’s packed with suspenseful twists and turns. Yet, amidst the drama, there’s a touch of humor that keeps things engaging. Weatherly himself encouraged us newcomers, saying it was like unwrapping a mystery box, revealing all the characters and show dynamics, and it certainly lived up to its potential!
4 “Kill Ari” Parts 1 and 2
Season 3, Episodes 1 and 2
In the wake of Special Agent Todd’s heartbreaking demise, Gibbs finds himself driven by a thirst for retribution against the renegade Mossad agent, Ari Haswari. This malefactor persists in his attacks, with Abby as his latest target, but she miraculously manages to survive. Concurrently, a new NCIS Director, Jenny Shepard, makes her appearance on the scene, carrying a complex past with Gibbs. Alongside her, another Mossad Officer named Ziva David joins the team. However, both Jenny and Ziva assert that Ari is blameless and deserves to live free.
In the sequel titled “‘Catch Ari,’” the atmosphere grows increasingly tense as the group intensifies their pursuit of Ari. Ziva finds herself in a difficult position as she strives to shield Ari while simultaneously demonstrating her worthiness for inclusion in the NCIS team. These episodes signify a pivotal change in the broader narrative arc of the show, as they intertwine captivating personal and psychological narratives with a major vendetta and introduce Ziva, who goes on to win over fans as a beloved character.
3 “Twilight”
Season 2, Episode 23
Nestled between the occurrences of “SWAK” and “Kill Ari” lies an exhilarating yet heart-wrenching episode titled “Twilight.” In this installment, Tony DiNozzo reappears at work just as the team is on the brink of investigating a chilling murder scene close to Fredericksburg. Remarkably, a man from the Virginia State Police halted two off-duty Navy officers and discharged six rounds, each hitting both officers. Concurrently, Ari makes his return to the United States with an intent to eliminate Gibbs.
In this situation, the danger escalates dramatically as Ari sets off a bomb aimed at the team. Despite being told to keep away, Gibbs, Todd, and DiNozzo manage to corner the terrorists. Tragically, the episode ends with an unexpected bullet striking and instantly killing Todd. This episode serves as a poignant reminder of the NCIS team’s susceptibility during high-risk missions.
2 “Call of Silence”
Season 2, Episode 7
Typically, NCIS focuses on characters preventing terrorist activities and safeguarding lives. However, “Call of Silence” is exceptional as it delves into a heartwarming World War II narrative. In this episode, an ex-Marine named Ernie Yost, who received the Medal of Honor, visits NCIS headquarters to confess to a murder he committed during WWII, some six decades ago.
Initially hesitant about the case, Gibbs and his team decide to proceed. As they delve into the investigation, they discover Yost’s harrowing experiences in battle and the traumatic circumstances that culminated in the present situation. They manage to unravel the past events, understanding that Yost is grappling with survivor’s guilt. Ultimately, they clear his name, a feat marked by its deep emotional resonance and thoughtful examination of themes like honor, guilt, and war-related trauma. This episode stands out for its powerful and healing impact.
1 “Yankee White”
Season 1, Episode 1
“Yankee White” marks the debut episode of NCIS, skillfully setting the stage for the series’ overall tone. The premiere commences with the enigmatic demise of a Navy Commander on Air Force One, following a luncheon with the President. The NCIS unit, headed by Leroy Jethro Gibbs, is dispatched to probe the incident. Despite obstacles from the FBI and Secret Service, they manage to expose the death as an accident, but also unveil it as a piece of a broader assassination plan.
In the initial installment, we find a harmonious mix of political maneuvering, tension, and character establishment. This opening act introduces us to the distinctive flair of the series while cleverly showcasing Gibbs’ leadership, Tony’s charisma, and Abby’s forensic skills through a high-pressure situation. The interplay between Gibbs and Kate Todd, as she moves from the Secret Service to NCIS, leaves a lasting impression in this episode.
In essence, it was a trailblazer, paving the way for over two decades of compelling and enjoyable narratives.
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2024-08-04 04:03