NCIS In Review - Missing (Episode 1.20)

NCIS In Review - Missing (Episode 1.20)

Once again, the episode surprises us when we expect it to follow a certain course, but instead, it takes a different turn. We begin with people celebrating at a bar, but instead of a couple heading into an alley and finding a dead Marine, we come across Gunnery Sergeant Bill Atlas, a live Marine, having drinks with a journalist with whom he also has an intimate relationship. During their conversation, he shares that some of his fellow Marines have gone missing, and he fears he might be next.

Episode:  1.20, Missing

Air Date: May 4, 2004

Victim: Well, there are a few, but we didn't start with a body if you're wondering.

Once again, the episode surprises us when we expect it to follow a certain course, but instead, it takes a different turn. We begin with people celebrating at a bar, but instead of a couple heading into an alley and finding a dead Marine, we come across Gunnery Sergeant Bill Atlas, a live Marine, having drinks with a journalist with whom he also has an intimate relationship. During their conversation, he shares that some of his fellow Marines have gone missing, and he fears he might be next.

An unknown admirer sends a drink to Sergeant Atlas, which he naively consumes. He bids farewell to his companion and heads out into the alley, only to faint shortly after.

Upon regaining consciousness, he finds himself in a dirty cell, chained to the floor, facing a decomposing corpse.

Back at headquarters, Tony is busy playing video games on his work computer and inadvertently reveals that he tampered with Kate's purse. Gibbs arrives and informs the team that Sergeant Atlas didn't show up for work. Although NCIS usually doesn't track AWOL Marines (Absent Without Leave), Sergeant Atlas's absence is concerning given his ability to handle low-yield nuclear weapons. The team begins their investigation.

They interview the waitress at the bar where Sergeant Atlas's vehicle was found. She recognizes the sergeant and his companion and describes how they left separately. Tony flirts with the waitress and leaves his card. Kate lies about her availability to the waitress. Gibbs suspects that the sergeant didn't desert since he was close to retirement, and no one would willingly give up a 20-year pension.

The team continues the investigation, finding Sergeant Atlas's high-quality lighter at the scene. This reinforces the suspicion that he was kidnapped.

Meanwhile, Sergeant Atlas remains captive in his cell, desperately trying to get answers from the captor who refuses to interact with him.

Kate creates a composite sketch of the woman who was with the sergeant at the bar and checks cell phone records for clues. Gibbs and Tony search the parking lot and find evidence suggesting a possible abduction.

Sergeant Atlas remains in captivity, facing increasing difficulties. Tony, on the other hand, discovers the name of the woman from the bar, Carol Powers, a reporter. Gibbs authorizes a more intense approach to extract information from Carol.

During the interrogation, Carol reveals her motivation and her involvement with Sergeant Atlas, as well as providing information about the missing Marines. Gibbs lets her go but warns her about the consequences. Meanwhile, Sergeant Atlas remains missing.

The team investigates Sergeant Atlas's background, as he was an explosive ordnance disposal specialist, and focuses on the connection between the missing Marines and Major Sacco, his former commander. While Sergeant Atlas struggles in captivity, the team follows leads pointing towards Major Sacco.

Major Sacco is found, but he's not the culprit. He explains that Sergeant Atlas used to go missing due to alcoholism, but it never lasted this long. Kate begins investigating Major Sacco's past for clues.

Meanwhile, Sergeant Atlas continues to endure torment in his cell, including an attack by bees sent by his captor.

Abby provides evidence linking Sergeant Atlas's cigarette to the crime scene and reveals the presence of a sedative drug. The drug is traced to Okinawa, Japan, where Major Sacco was previously stationed.

The team sets off to find Major Sacco, encountering traffic problems along the way. Gibbs is in a foul mood and threatens Tony during the trip. They locate Major Sacco, who denies involvement in Sergeant Atlas's disappearance.

As Gibbs watches video footage, he has flashbacks of a previous shootout. Kate and Abby uncover information about Major Sacco's unit in the Philippines in 1992 when the missing Marines served together.

Gibbs and Kate get closer to the real culprit, Vanessa, one of the women who were in the transport container in the Philippines. She had a personal motive for killing the missing Marines, believing they had left her to die.

Finally, the team arrests Vanessa, closing the mystery. Tony seeks recognition, but Gibbs discourages him, leaving him uncertain about his future on the team.

This episode involved a complex mystery with surprising twists and an intriguing villain.

Six Abby´s