‘NCIS’ season 14, episode 12 review: Who is Leland Robert Spears? Agent Gibbs’ undercover mission
Fans of Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs weren’t disappointed on Tuesday night watching “NCIS.” The popular agent typically is giving the orders for the team to find killers, but this episode was different as viewers fell in love all over again with the character who carries the show. “NCIS” fans realized that the minute Agent Gibbs dumped his cell phone, wallet and badge in the mailbox and went off the grid. Yes, this was the biggest case in 2017 so far and it had everything to do with the boss going under cover.
The team’s first priority was finding Gibbs to figure out quickly his agenda. Agent Gibbs made a decision to return to field work on a whim and decided to once again go undercover with a contact involved in an infamous anti-government militia to catch the “NCIS Most Wanted” fugitive. Looking to finish a case he started years ago, the team is in the shadows to make sure he gets what he needs to support his mission.
Teaming up to offer immediate support, NCIS Special Agent Timothy McGee and NCIS Special Agent Nicholas “Nick” Torres were in the car for anything Agent Gibbs needed. Not only was the backup necessary, it also offered a view into their budding working relationship. Showing off his reverse pickpocketing skills, Torres was complimented by McGee during some funny banter in the car. Their relationship continues to grow as Agent Torres starts to grow into former Agent DiNozzo’s shoes.
Agent Gibbs only gets so far in the case before he hits a roadblock. In order to save the world (and find the lost rods), he has to make a connection. The fugitive’s brother has to be coaxed to call the man on the run in hopes to find the items stolen. When a deal is offered, a response is not what was expected and it’s alarming as nobody saw it coming.
In addition, nobody saw the final twist in solving the case as Agent Gibbs was outed as a federal agent during his undercover work. Tracing back to the people who helped to solve the case, it was Department of Energy Deputy Director Doyle Roden who tipped off the bad guy and actually ended up putting Agent Gibbs’ life in danger.
What had some people on the edge of their seats is how the man from the NCIS Most Wanted Wall was actually a family man who had apparently reformed. And the fringe man was in plain sight at the Department of Energy, taking a paycheck from the very place he seemed to despise.
Fans of Agent Gibbs were cheering him on during the entire episode. Returning to the character who drew in millions of viewers week after week, it’s obvious Agent Gibbs still is the best agent in the office who can make a plan, be the leader and continues to be the best “NCIS” can be.
We were thrilled to once again see a character driven episode. Add that it was Agent Gibbs who made the episode exciting and it’s a no-brainer on why viewers were having a fangirl moment. Hopefully, in the weeks ahead, we will see more of these high impact, character driven episodes as they are enjoyable to watch! Episode grade: A+.
For a preview for next week’s “NCIS” episode, head over to the link here. (Photo: CBS.)
This review was written by Jodi Jill. Be sure to follow her on Facebook and Twitter!