Viewers of NCIS: Sydney knew that Bluebird Gleeson was going to return to the CBS show, but there’s no way they predicted exactly how it would unfold. “True Blue” reveals all of Blue’s backstory, and it’s heartbreaking but also adds a whole new layer to the character, as well as the entire series. This may be a self-contained plot, but it leaves plenty to play with.
Season 3, Episode 2 is a breath of fresh air for the genre in general. The “tech expert” characters like Blue are almost always the comic relief characters, meant to be quirky and funny, because the assumption is that being so interested in science or technology means they’re geeky. This is a tired stereotype that holds little weight in reality—Sergeant Nathan Schilling from Tulsa Homicide on The First 48 is the computer expert and incredibly badass. So in “True Blue,” audiences get to see a far more serious side to Blue and see more of actor Mavournee Hazel. But they probably didn’t have “creepy suicide cult” on their backstory bingo card, even with the hint at the end of Season 2.
Flashbacks reveal that Bluebird Gleeson is a fictional identity. Her real name is Faith Mullens, and she and her brother Eli have been raised among the Bilpin Collective. Their father Robert tried to take them away from the place after their mother’s death, but he died doing so—with the siblings being told that he abandoned them. It’s the same kind of cultish environment that has been depicted on other TV shows before, but NCIS: Sydney takes the idea to another level. Blue and her brother are the group’s spiritual figureheads, and now that Blue has been lured back to the organization, the Collective can “ascend.”
The NCIS universe never shies away from emotional gut punches — and NCIS: Sydney Season 3, Episode 2 just proved that once again. Fans who thought they had seen the last of Blue are in for a surprise — and not the happy kind. This episode brings her back in a way that’s both beautiful and devastating, reminding us why NCIS: Sydney continues to stand out in the franchise.
What Happened in NCIS: Sydney Season 3, Episode 2?
Episode 2, titled “Ghost Waters,” picks up right after the shocking cliffhanger of the premiere. The team dives into a high-stakes investigation involving a naval intelligence leak — but it’s the emotional undercurrent that steals the show. When a mysterious lead connects back to a familiar face, fans realize they’re about to see Blue again.
Blue’s Return: Not What Fans Expected
Let’s get this straight — Blue’s return isn’t the typical “back from the dead” trope. Instead, she appears through flashbacks and surveillance footage, woven into the narrative of an ongoing case. The way her character is reintroduced hits harder than any plot twist because it’s grounded in grief, loyalty, and memory.
The Emotional Core of the Episode
At the heart of “Ghost Waters” is the idea of unfinished business. Mackey, still haunted by Blue’s death, uncovers evidence suggesting Blue had been investigating something crucial before she died. This discovery reignites emotions and gives the entire team a reason to fight — not just for justice, but for closure.
Why Blue’s Story Still Matters
Even though Blue is gone, her influence echoes throughout the NCIS: Sydney team. Her meticulous work, moral compass, and deep bond with her teammates remind viewers that heroes never really leave — they just leave legacies. The writers use her return to explore the emotional ripple effects of loss within a tight-knit investigative family.
A Scene That Left Everyone in Tears
The moment that broke fans? A recorded message Blue left behind. It’s found on her old encrypted laptop — a video where she speaks directly to Mackey, warning her about a mole within NCIS. The delivery feels intimate, raw, and painfully real. It’s not just Blue talking to Mackey — it’s Blue talking to all of us.
How the Episode Honors Blue’s Character
Instead of turning her into a plot device, NCIS: Sydney honors Blue’s memory with care and depth. Every detail, from her flashback scenes to the way her colleagues react, reflects who she was: brave, selfless, and deeply human. It’s storytelling done right — emotional, respectful, and powerful.
The Impact on Mackey and the Team
Mackey’s emotional arc takes center stage here. Her guilt over Blue’s fate has been simmering since last season, and Episode 2 finally cracks it open. Watching Mackey confront the ghosts of her past adds a rich layer to her character, showing vulnerability beneath her tough exterior.
The rest of the team reacts differently — JD turns his grief into determination, Evie questions her choices, and DeShawn channels his pain into action. Together, their emotions form the emotional spine of the episode.
A Powerful Blend of Action and Emotion
Even with its heavy emotional core, NCIS: Sydney doesn’t forget what makes it thrilling — high-stakes investigations, clever tech twists, and breathtaking Sydney backdrops. The writers perfectly balance the action with personal storytelling, making Episode 2 one of the season’s most complete installments.
Fans’ Reactions: Tears and Tweets Everywhere
Social media exploded the moment Blue appeared on-screen. Hashtags like #BringBackBlue and #NCISSydney flooded X (formerly Twitter), with fans sharing emotional reactions, theories, and even fan art. Some called it the “best-written episode of the season,” while others admitted they “cried harder than expected.”
What This Means for the Rest of Season 3
Blue’s reappearance isn’t just fan service — it’s a setup. The message she left behind hints at a larger conspiracy that might tie into future episodes. It seems the mole she was tracking could still be active, which means Mackey and her team are far from done unraveling the mystery.
Behind the Scenes: How They Filmed Blue’s Return
Interestingly, Tahlia Sturzaker (who plays Blue) returned to film new scenes exclusively for this episode. Showrunner Morgan O’Neill revealed in an interview that the team wanted to “do justice to Blue’s story” and “make her presence meaningful, not just nostalgic.” The result? A seamless blend of past and present that elevates the entire storyline.
Why Fans Still Can’t Move On From Blue
Blue wasn’t just another agent. She represented heart, courage, and compassion — the emotional glue holding the team together. Her loss changed the show’s tone, but her return reminds fans why she was unforgettable. She’s proof that the most powerful characters don’t need to be alive to leave a lasting impact.
The Power of Legacy in NCIS: Sydney
If there’s one theme this episode nails perfectly, it’s legacy. Every flashback, every reference to Blue’s work, and every emotional reaction from the team builds a powerful message: the people we lose never truly leave us. They shape our choices, drive our actions, and stay alive through memory.
Is This the End of Blue’s Story?
Maybe not. The encrypted message she left behind hints that Blue might have uncovered something bigger — possibly a network of corruption within the naval intelligence community. While her physical story is over, her investigation could shape the entire rest of the season.
The Episode’s Final Moments: Bittersweet Perfection
In the final scene, Mackey visits the ocean — the same spot where Blue’s ashes were scattered. She listens to the last seconds of Blue’s message, ending with the words, “Keep fighting, Mackey. You’re not alone.” The screen fades to black, and fans are left speechless. It’s emotional storytelling at its finest.
Why Episode 2 Is a Masterclass in Emotional Storytelling
From pacing to performance, NCIS: Sydney Season 3, Episode 2 shows how emotional depth can elevate procedural drama. It’s not just about solving crimes — it’s about confronting grief, finding purpose, and holding onto the people we’ve lost. This episode reminds us that even in death, love and loyalty endure.
Conclusion: Blue’s Return Is the Heart of NCIS: Sydney’s Evolution
Blue’s heartbreaking return proves NCIS: Sydney isn’t afraid to evolve. By blending emotional storytelling with investigative drama, the show continues to redefine what the NCIS universe can be. Episode 2 doesn’t just bring back a beloved character — it brings back the soul of the series.
