S10·E20 Chasing Ghosts

Episode recap

In the twentieth episode of the tenth season of NCIS, titled Chasing Ghosts, the Major Case Response Team investigates a missing person case. The episode focuses on the team as they work to resolve this criminal matter involving personnel connected to the United States Navy or Marine Corps.

Concurrent with the investigation, the narrative explores the personal dynamics between team members following the death of Eli David. Tony DiNozzo expresses concern regarding Ziva David and her method of coping with the loss of her father. The episode highlights the tension between the professional demands of the team's investigative duties and the emotional challenges faced by the agents in the aftermath of recent events.

As with the broader series, which follows the Major Case Response Team of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, the episode maintains the show's established focus on crime, drama, and action. The series, which originated from back-door pilots on the show JAG in 2003, continues to feature the core team members as they navigate both high-stakes espionage and the personal lives of the agents. The episode serves as a character study, balancing the procedural requirements of a missing person case with the internal struggles of the team members as they process grief and adjust to changes within their unit. The interaction between Tony and Ziva remains a central point of interest, reflecting the long-standing relationships developed among the agents throughout the series. By grounding the investigation in a standard case, the episode allows for a deeper examination of how the team members manage their professional responsibilities while dealing with significant personal trauma. The episode remains consistent with the established tone of the series, which has been a staple of network television since its inception.