NCIS: Origins Revealed The True Identity Of The Sandman (And It’s Absolutely Tragic)

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Contains spoilers for “NCIS: Origins” Season 1, Episode 17 — “Darlin’ Don’t Refrain”

In “Darlin’ Don’t Refrain,” it is revealed that the man believed to be notorious serial sniper The Sandman was actually deceased Jamison “Bugs” Boyd (Jared Bankens), and not Leroy Jethro Gibbs (Austin Stowell) who had been mistakenly identified as such. However, through his sharp detective work, Gibbs ultimately uncovers the true identity of the sniper – it is Luke Fletcher (Adam Huber), a trusted member of the support group for soldiers that Gibbs attends regularly. This shocking discovery represents a severe breach of trust, but underscores Gibbs’ exceptional investigative abilities. In a dramatic turn of events, Gibbs and Fletcher engage in a violent fistfight which culminates with Fletcher fatally bleeding out on the floor of Gibbs’ residence.

It’s revealed that Fletcher was formerly a top-tier sniper, part of Operation Sundown whose role was safeguarding Ahmad Safar, a crucial Gulf War informant. The CIA outsourced Safar’s protection to Flintpoint Security, but they failed to shield him and his family when insurgents attacked. Instead, the head of Flintpoint instructed the team to leave Safar behind and focus on more profitable assignments guarding oil fields from insurgent attacks. This betrayal weighed heavily on Fletcher, as he’s been avenging the decision that led to the family’s demise by targeting those involved. When Gibbs discovers Fletcher exploited the VA for information about his targets, it’s no surprise he feels frustrated.

Gibbs will trust very few people by the time NCIS rolls around

As someone who’s been deeply immersed in the world of NCIS, I can understand why Leroy Jethro Gibbs might find it hard to trust people freely after all he’s been through. With Luke Fletcher playing such a significant role in helping Gibbs cope with his war-induced trauma and the heartbreaking loss of his family, it’s no surprise that past betrayals like the one from Luke make him cautious when selecting his inner circle before assembling his team.

Indeed, he too conceals a troubling truth – it was him who murdered Pedro Hernandez (George Paez), the drug dealer responsible for his wife and daughter’s death. Given this hidden past, he tends to keep others at arm’s length until maturity, when the “NCIS” team manages to win his trust over time.

It will take some time, without a doubt. In the meantime, Gibbs is expected to dodge queries, much like those he might face in the Season 1 finale when he meets Lara Macy (Claire Berger), a character from “NCIS: Los Angeles”. Despite feeling relieved about solving the Sandman case, which does take its toll on him, he’ll soon find himself dealing with a multitude of fresh challenges.

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2025-04-23 00:29