S10·E9 Devil's Trifecta

Episode recap

In the tenth season episode titled Devil's Trifecta, the NCIS Major Case Response Team initiates a joint investigation alongside the FBI. The collaboration is prompted by a shooting incident in which FBI Agent Fornell is targeted. As the investigation into the attack proceeds, the case takes an unexpected turn when Diane Sterling, who is the mutual ex-wife of both Gibbs and Fornell, becomes involved in the proceedings. The episode centers on the professional and personal intersection of these individuals as they work to resolve the criminal matter. The narrative follows the established format of the series, which focuses on the Major Case Response Team as they handle investigations involving personnel from the United States Navy and Marine Corps, as well as their families. This episode highlights the ongoing dynamic between the central characters as they navigate the complexities of their shared history while addressing the threat against Fornell. The investigation requires the team to manage the complications introduced by Sterling's presence, forcing a cooperation between the two agencies that is complicated by their personal connections. The episode maintains the procedural focus of the series, which has been a staple of the program since its inception in 2003. By integrating the personal history of the characters with the active criminal investigation, the episode explores the professional relationships between the NCIS team and their counterparts in the FBI. The investigation remains the primary objective, even as the personal ties between the three central figures create additional layers of tension during the case. The episode concludes as the team works to uncover the details behind the shooting, ensuring that the investigation remains consistent with the broader mission of the Major Case Response Team to address crimes linked to Navy and Marine Corps personnel.