NCIS Season 22 Episode 9 Highlights: Top 10 Key Moments and Revelations

Spoiler Alert: Insights from NCIS Season 22, Episode 9, “Humbug.”

This festive mid-season finale presents Parker’s Major Case Response Team (MCRT) grappling with various challenges. The episode hints at significant developments for NCIS as it prepares to return after the holiday break. Following a thrilling but abbreviated Season 21 due to the writers’ strike, the team is now navigating intricate dynamics, particularly with the return of Jessica Knight in the premiere episode of Season 22.

Knight possesses unique insight into Parker’s ongoing Lily mystery, introduced in the Season 21 finale. Parker’s enigmatic love interest makes her presence felt again in this episode, leading to a sense of relief for Parker. With the NCIS storyline poised to evolve further after the break, the spotlight also falls on NCIS Deputy Director Gabrielle LaRoche, whose reappearance in this festive episode brings an air of suspicion, especially from McGee, who remains wary of her motives after her unexpected rise to power.

10 Overview of NCIS Season 22, Episode 9’s Case

NCIS Investigates: “Darkness At Dawn”by Marley Jaggers

In this pivotal episode, the team delves into a tell-all military book whose leaked excerpts threaten the viability of a veterans’ bill. Central to this narrative is the commanding officer Hastings, whose alleged negligence is blamed for the deaths of three Marines during a Taliban assault in Afghanistan in 2010. With both the Department of Defense and SECNAV closely monitoring the situation, the stakes could not be higher for the team.

Cast	Characters
Gary Cole	Alden Parker
Sean Murray	Timothy “Tim”McGee
Brian Dietzen	Dr. James “Jimmy”Palmer
Katrina Law	Jessica “Jess”Knight
Wilmer Valderrama	Nicholas “Nick”Torres
Diona Reasonover	Cassie Hines
Roscoe “Rocky”Carroll	Leon Vance

As the investigation unfolds, MCRT visits Hastings at his motorcycle repair shop, a business he established to support wounded veterans. Despite his heroic reputation, Hastings remains reticent about the accusations made against him, emphasizing a refusal of assistance while the team evaluates the circumstances surrounding the night of the Taliban attack.

9 Cold Weather Challenges at NCIS Headquarters

Parker’s MCRT Bundles Up for the Holidays

As investigations heat up, the cold weather adds an extra layer of challenge, with the HVAC system inoperable at NCIS headquarters. The agents embrace the holiday spirit by donning winter coats, trees, and festive lights lining their makeshift workspace. Sporting scarves and gloves, the team gathers around the photocopier for a brief respite from the chill, collectively finding humor in their situation.

For the first time, the NCIS outdoor coffee area makes a welcoming appearance, providing a warmer space for discussions, especially as the team’s typical gathering spots prove freezing. The distinct contrast between the chilly bullpen and the temperature-controlled comfort of Vance’s office heightens the festive ambiance.

8 Gabrielle LaRoche’s Reappearance

LaRoche Introduces Tension for MCRT

Adding to the drama, the return of NCIS Deputy Director Gabrielle LaRoche provides further complications for the MCRT. Since she usurped McGee’s sought-after position in the premiere, her arrival is met with skepticism. Although LaRoche initially comes off as somewhat villainous, he aids the team during this episode, complicating their perceptions of him.

7 Nick’s Deceptive Christmas Plans

Nick’s Romantic Complication

During their pre-holiday conversations, the team shares glimpses of their Christmas plans. While McGee looks forward to a lovely holiday with Delilah and their twins, Knight anticipates her father’s complaints about retirement. However, when questions arise about Nick’s plans, he fabricates a story about spending Christmas with the Palmers and a night of caroling—evidence that he might have a romantic interest he’s keeping secret.

His deception unravels when McGee inadvertently mentions the inconsistencies with Jimmy, prompting Jess to confront Nick, who simply claims he’ll use the time to relax. A mysterious text referring to “babe”hints at deeper connections, teasing an undisclosed holiday rendezvous for Nick.

6 Kasie Connects the Dots

Kasie Connects the Tell-All Book to Samuel Cross

Kasie Hines emerges as a pivotal player in uncovering the connections within the tell-all narrative. Her investigation leads to the realization that the author Samuel Cross is posting under a pseudonym, revealing a profound connection to the tale involving his deceased brother Evan, a Marine who perished under tragic circumstances.

5 The Return of McGee’s Author Persona

Thom E. Gemcity Makes a Comeback

To further the investigation, Jessica Knight proposes leveraging McGee’s literary connections and his pseudonym Thom E. Gemcity. This prompts McGee to return to his roots as a writer, going undercover with Knight to obtain the incriminating manuscript.

4 Confrontation with Hastings

Hastings Reveals a Critical Mistake

Upon securing the manuscript, McGee and the team discover crucial details that point to a failed communication attempt that could have saved the Marines during the attack. This vital information triggers Parker and LaRoche to confront Hastings, who eventually admits to his failure to report the transmission, a decision made to protect his Marines.

3 Working Independently from LaRoche and SECNAV

Unlocking Secrets in Ducky’s Old Office

The tension escalates as Parker and his team must navigate orders to stand down from their investigation, sensing they are on the brink of a breakthrough. Utilizing Ducky’s memorial office, which has become a multifunctional workspace, gives them the opportunity to strategize away from prying eyes.

2 True Cause of Communication Failure Uncovered

Kasie’s Holiday Discovery

Kasie uncovers the real culprits behind the failed communication: a technical error rather than human negligence. Her findings demonstrate that Hastings had been trying to protect his fellow Marines but ultimately failed to tell the entire truth regarding the event.

1 Nick Bridges Gaps with Evan’s Widow and Veterans

Finding Solidarity Among Veterans

In a heartwarming conclusion, Nick steps up to help Samuel Cross confront the realities of his circumstances and work to retract his damaging narrative. With support from Evan Cross’s widow and other veterans, they emphasize that Samuel is not alone in dealing with his grief and guilt. Nick’s initiative leads to a poignant reconciliation, with Samuel finding solace in the realization that the Marines stand united behind him.

The episode wraps with themes of healing, forgiveness, and collective support among veterans, a powerful reminder of the bonds formed in both war and in healing. “Humbug”successfully maintains the spirit of the holidays while showcasing the complex realities faced by those who serve.

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