NCIS In Review - One Shot, One Kill (Episode 1.13)

NCIS In Review - Bête Noire (Episode 1.16)

Episode 1.16, "Bête Noire," deviates from the usual NCIS program pattern by delving into a darker and emotionally charged plot. The storyline delves deep into a tense and unsettling environment, taking place in an autopsy room.

Episode:  1.16, Bête Noire

Air Date: March 2, 2004

Victim: Episode 1.16, "Bête Noire," deviates from the usual NCIS program pattern by delving into a darker and emotionally charged plot. The storyline delves deep into a tense and unsettling environment, taking place in an autopsy room.

The events of this episode evoke intense emotional conflict for the main protagonists. Dr. Mallard (Ducky) and his assistant, Gerald, are taken by surprise when the body of a foreign naval officer turns out to be a living man, holding them at gunpoint. The man, whom we'll refer to as the "Terrorist," displays impressive and meticulous knowledge, compelling Ducky to cooperate. The Terrorist possesses crucial information about the contamination by a lesser form of smallpox, originating from the nasal spray of the terrorist Qassam.

Simultaneously, the NCIS team is wrapping up a case involving Qassam, a terrorist. They fail to find incriminating evidence at his residence, leading to a standstill regarding intelligence on a potential attack on the Norfolk naval base, where Qassam worked. Gibbs, the team leader, is challenged by the lack of leads.

The plot primarily unfolds in the autopsy room, where Ducky, Gerald, and the Terrorist engage in a dangerous cat-and-mouse game. The Terrorist demands information about the contamination while holding Gerald under the threat of harm. The NCIS team races against time to uncover the true extent of the Terrorist's plan.

Gibbs, seeking a solution, confronts the Terrorist in the autopsy room. An intense exchange of words follows, culminating in a standoff with guns drawn. The Terrorist reveals the presence of an accomplice disguised as a rescue team member in the basement. Shots are fired, and both Gibbs and the Terrorist are wounded.

The episode concludes with the revelation that Qassam's body, dressed in tactical gear, was left as a decoy, allowing the Terrorist to escape. As the team rescues Gibbs and the others, the plot unravels the emotional and ethical implications of the events that transpired.

"Bête Noire" stands out for its dark and tense tone, as well as its emotionally complex plot. The characters face moral dilemmas and genuine peril, enhancing the narrative's depth. The cast's performances, particularly in the interactions between Ducky and the Terrorist, are commendable. This episode is a notable example of how NCIS manages to delve into emotional and ethical issues while maintaining the suspense and action that the audience expects from the show.

Ten Abby´s