Critic’s Rating: 4.5 / 5.0
4.5
I’ll admit, for a moment, I thought we were settling in for a cozy, feel-good holiday episode.
You know the drill — sweet kringles, glowing Christmas trees, a heartwarming reading of A Christmas Carol, and a touching “Mankind is our business” speech to kick off NCIS Season 22 Episode 9.
But this is NCIS, folks. Warm and fuzzy? Please.
Gunfire was practically on the RSVP list, and of course, Gabriel LaRoche waltzed back into the picture like the Grinch who stole McGee’s holiday cheer.
Let’s start with the big return — LaRoche.
He’s not just lurking in the shadows this time. Oh no, he’s overseeing a very sensitive case because, naturally, there’s nothing like tossing fuel on an already smoldering fire.
You could practically hear McGee grinding his teeth from the moment he learned LaRoche was back in the building.
And hey, it’s nice to see McGee taking the spotlight again.
Between Parker’s Lily storyline on NCIS Season 22 Episode 8 and now the ongoing LaRoche saga back in play, we’re tying up loose ends while fanning the flames all at once.
LaRoche’s return raises eyebrows for everyone, but for McGee? It’s personal.
After being passed over for Deputy Director in favor of LaRoche (ouch), McGee is convinced there’s something shady about him.
And honestly? I can’t blame him. LaRoche has been MIA since NCIS Season 1 Episode 1, so excuse McGee if he’s not rolling out the welcome mat.
But LaRoche isn’t doing himself any favors, either.
He seemed a little too happy to work with the team “up close and personal,” but we know his giddiness is because he thinks there’s a mole in NCIS — no matter that McGee thinks it’s LaRoche himself.
Even Jimmy — sweet, lovable Jimmy — got snippy when LaRoche dared to try to eat mints in his lab. It’s clear the team has already iced this guy out, and no one’s rushing to warm up to him.
His compliment about the team “thinking outside the box” might’ve sounded sincere… or was it snark?
Hard to tell with LaRoche’s weird, rigid, “I’m trying to be a team player” vibe. Either way, he’s a walking drama magnet, and honestly, I’m here for it.
If this leads to some friction, especially with McGee or Parker, bring it on.
Parker, of course, is played nice because he has no choice, but you can tell LaRoche’s micromanaging has him this close to boiling over.
It’s only a matter of time before these two have a heated showdown. That said, Parker better tread carefully — LaRoche has enough pull to make his life hell if he wants to.
The actual case involves war hero Hastings, a 2010 ambush in Afghanistan, and a controversial tell-all book that accuses Hastings of mistakes that led to three soldiers’ deaths.
The author, Sam Cross, is a former Marine with a tragic personal connection — his brother died during the ambush.
Hastings, meanwhile, is stoic as ever, refusing to defend himself because he doesn’t feel the need. His loyalty to the men around him — particularly the vets working in his auto shop — speaks volumes.
As the team digs deeper (despite Vance ordering them to start their holiday early), it becomes clear that Sam’s anger has a deeper root.
It turns out that Sam was the radio operator that day and made the mistake that cost lives, including his brother’s. Hastings has been carrying the weight to protect Sam, even as Sam slandered him publicly.
Credit where it’s due — Torres shined in this case, showing true Christmas spirit by convincing Sam to stop blaming himself and retract the book.
We even got a happy resolution as Hastings and Sam reconciled, wrapping up the case with a neat, heartwarming bow.
But don’t think this episode didn’t leave us hanging.
Torres, after lying about his Christmas plans, got a mysterious text from someone he called “babe.” Uh, excuse me? WHO is “babe?” Jess? Someone else?
Look, I’m just going to say it: if Torres and Jess are a thing, I will scream. Jess deserves better — preferably Parker, because the chemistry between those two is absolutely smoking.
And then there’s LaRoche, standing at the podium like he’s running for office, smugly promising a “new chapter” for NCIS.
What does that mean? Is he taking over completely? Shaking things up? Plotting something nefarious?
One thing’s for sure — LaRoche isn’t fading into the background anytime soon, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Love him or hate him, he’s adding tension that this show desperately needs.
Ultimately, this was a satisfying holiday episode with just the right balance of warmth, mystery, and drama.
Sure, LaRoche may still be a wildcard, but he’s shaking things up, McGee’s got something to do, and Torres has babe drama to keep us guessing until January.
Random Thoughts
Parker’s kringles looked delicious. That man never disappoints with his baked goods.
Loved McGee nerding out with his VPN talk and slipping in a nod to his book-publishing days. Classic McGeek.
P.S. If you haven’t yet, check out McGee’s Evolution: From Probie to NCIS Legend to see how we really feel about McGee’s lack of storyline on the show.
Why did no one ask Parker what he was up to for Christmas? Or Jess (but maybe we already know the answer to that question.)
Over to you! What did you think of LaRoche’s return? Who do you think Torres’ “babe” is? And are you as convinced as I am that Jess belongs with Parker?
Watch NCIS Online
NCIS returns on Monday, January 27, 2025.
