S5·E17 About Face

Episode recap

In the seventeenth episode of the fifth season of NCIS, titled About Face, the narrative centers on Jimmy Palmer. The assistant medical examiner finds himself in a position of significant peril when he becomes the primary target of an anonymous murderer. The danger stems from a specific encounter, as Palmer is the only individual capable of identifying the perpetrator. This situation forces the NCIS team to intervene to protect him while attempting to track down the assailant. The investigation highlights the vulnerability of the support staff when they inadvertently witness criminal activity. As the team works to secure Palmer, they must navigate the threat posed by a killer who is actively hunting the only witness who can place them at the scene of the crime. The episode focuses on the tension surrounding Palmer's safety and the urgency of the team's efforts to neutralize the threat before the murderer can succeed in their objective. By placing a member of the medical examiner's office at the center of the conflict, the episode explores the risks inherent in the team's work, even for those who typically operate away from the front lines of field operations. The plot relies on the necessity of Palmer's testimony and his unique ability to recognize the suspect to drive the investigative process forward. As the agents pursue the anonymous killer, the episode maintains a focus on the protective measures required to keep Palmer alive while simultaneously gathering the evidence needed to close the case. The resolution of the episode depends on the team's ability to outmaneuver the antagonist and ensure that the witness remains safe from further harm. Through this sequence of events, the episode illustrates the collaborative nature of the NCIS unit as they shift their focus to prioritize the security of one of their own colleagues against an elusive and dangerous adversary.