‘NCIS’ season 11 spoilers: A story for Pauley Perrette’s Abby

Have you felt like “NCIS” has been in need of a good Abby story lately? If so, we’re right there with you. She’s been active and involved in a number of other plots, but Pauley Perrette has not been the focal point of too many during season 11. That will change somewhat during “Shooter,” an hour with a pretty dramatic name that airs on Tuesday, April 29.

It’s easier to focus on Abby’s story, which involves her showing off her caring side, than the other for one simple reason: There are no other characters mentioned by name in the synopsis below:

“When a Marine photographer disappears prior to providing his testimony in an Army court-martial hearing, the NCIS team investigates both the murder he witnessed as well as his current piece on military veterans who are homeless in the D.C. area. Meanwhile, Abby tries to help a young homeless woman reconnect with her family.”

These two stories are clearly linked to one another, and this is also going to be the second straight episode in which “NCIS” takes a hard look at issues that are prevalent in military society today … even if they are not always easy subjects to discuss. On Tuesday, “Alleged” looks at the presence of sexual assault and other acts through the lens of a singular NCIS Agent. These are not stories that are always easy to watch, but the way that the show traditionally handles them with dignity and respect helps to shed light on the issues without exploiting them for the sake of good TV.

In the case of the homeless crisis, the Abby character is a good one to shine a light on a problem not many choose to acknowledge, mostly because Perrette plays the role with so much heart and tenderness.

We’ll have some more news on “Alleged” soon, so be on the lookout for more on that episode. Also, sign up if you want to get further TV updates from our CarterMatt Newsletter.

Photo: CBS