S19·E5 Face the Strange

Episode recap

In the fifth episode of the nineteenth season of NCIS, titled Face the Strange, the NCIS team is tasked with investigating the death of a Navy officer. The case takes an unexpected and dangerous turn when the officer's body suddenly explodes while in the custody of the medical examiner, Jimmy, before he is able to conduct a formal examination. This event forces the team to pivot their investigation to determine the cause of the explosion and the circumstances surrounding the officer's death.

NCIS, which premiered in 2003, is a long-running crime, drama, and action-adventure series. The show originated from two back-door pilot episodes of the series JAG that aired in April 2003. Throughout its tenure, the series has maintained a consistent production presence, with cast members such as Brian Dietzen, who portrays Jimmy, having been with the show since its early seasons. Dietzen began as a recurring character during the first season before eventually becoming a series regular. The series is produced by CBS Studios and has remained a staple of the network's programming since its inception. The investigation into the exploding body serves as the central focus of this episode, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the cases handled by the special agents. As the team works to uncover the truth behind the incident, they must navigate the complexities of the crime scene and the potential threat posed by the explosive device. The episode continues the series' tradition of blending procedural crime-solving with high-stakes drama, as the team members utilize their specialized skills to process the evidence and identify those responsible for the officer's death. By examining the remains and the site of the explosion, the agents seek to piece together the events leading up to the tragedy. This episode remains a notable entry in the nineteenth season, emphasizing the technical challenges and physical dangers faced by the NCIS team during their investigations.