NCIS Season 23, Episode 5 ‘Now and Then’ is the second part of the NCIS crossover event, and will pick up the same case from NCIS: Origins‘ ‘Funny How Time Slips Away‘ only over 30 years later. To do so, they will enlist the help of retired agent Vera Strickland (Roma Maffia), who returns to the role she once played on NCIS. Talk about a blast from the past to see her and Gibbs (Mark Harmon) in the same crossover! Plus, you can also expect to see Woody and Phil in both episodes, and played by the same actors!
These shows still have some overlap, but it is not the same as when Gibbs was the main character, obviously. So it will be interesting how Parker deals with a Gibbs mystery and how the people who interacted with Gibbs for long, like Jimmy and McGee, interact with Vera. It’s still a pretty fun thing that the shows have found a way to come together, and we would love it if this wasn’t the last time they did. Or, if NCIS wants to find a reason to go to Australia, we’ll take that too.
If you’re a long-time fan of NCIS (and let’s face it—who isn’t at this point?), you’re going to want to buckle up for Season 23, Episode 5, titled “Now and Then.” This episode promises more than the usual case-of-the-week fare. It connects past and present in a way that makes everything feel bigger. Let’s dive in and explore what we know so far—spoiler-lite, but with plenty of juicy angles.
What We Know So Far
Episode Details & Air Date
Episode 5 of Season 23 airs on Tuesday, November 11, 2025. The title: “Now and Then.”
It follows a special crossover with NCIS: Origins, and that’s one of the big reasons this episode stands out.
The Core Premise
In “Now and Then,” the team is faced with a prison break: an inmate who had just three weeks left on his sentence escapes, and that event forces the team to reopen a cold case from decades ago involving a naval officer’s death. This case originally dates back to when agents like Leroy Jethro Gibbs and his partner Mike Franks investigated it.
Plus: retired agent Vera Strickland returns to help.
A Crossover With Depth
The crossover element adds layers. Not only are we revisiting a case from the past, but we’re connecting two timelines: the ’90s investigation and the present-day team picking up the pieces. That means character history, legacy, and long-buried secrets all have a seat at the table.
Legacy Characters Return
Vera Strickland’s return is a big deal. She’s part of the legacy of the show. Her presence alone makes you think: what did she see then? What did she leave unsolved? What does she want now? Then add Gibbs intersecting via the Origins series, and you’re bridging eras.
Deep Roots = Emotional Stakes
Because the case goes back decades, the emotional stakes are higher than a typical weekly case. It’s not just about “who did it”—it’s about “why didn’t we catch them then?” and “what changed now?” The show is playing with time—and that heightens the suspense.
Key Characters to Watch
The Present-Day Team
The main agents—like Parker, McGee, Torres—face something atypical. They’re not just chasing clues; they’re chasing history. Their modern methods meet past methods, and the contrast is going to make sparks. The promo teases McGee actively questioning how cases were solved in the ‘90s.
Legacy Figures
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Vera Strickland: Her return unlocks a link to what the team originally believed.
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Gibbs & Franks: Though their investigation was long ago, their choices will echo in this episode.
The Escaped Inmate & Cold Case Villain
The inmate who breaks free with only weeks left raises immediate red flags. Why risk everything now? And the naval officer’s death? That mystery holds a secret key. The villains aren’t just present—they’re tied to the past.
Thematic Elements and Symbols
Time Capsules & Time Travel Metaphor
Interestingly, the team debates what to put in a Navy time capsule. Yes, you read that right. It’s a clever metaphor: what do we believe now that we believed then? What legacy do we preserve?
Past vs. Present Methods
The show throws two systems into contrast: the ‘90s investigative style versus modern tech and forensics. One agent asks, “How did they even do this back then?” That question speaks to how much the show has evolved—and it invites reflection.
Secrets That Won’t Stay Buried
The cold case theme is classic—but with a twist. Because the past isn’t past—it’s now. The present-day team must reconcile what the past got wrong and what present must fix. If you like redemption arcs, this episode is dripping with them.
What to Expect from the Plot
Opening Scene Kick-Off
Expect a dramatic opening: the prison break. Quick. High-stakes. Questions flying. That sets the tone. Then the team realises the inmate’s escape triggers something much older. They’re forced to go back.
Investigation Rewind
We’ll shift into flashbacks or at least lean into past files—old tape, old interviews, long-dormant leads. Vera and the team will compare notes—what was believed then vs. what can be uncovered now.
Conflict Among Team Members
Modern techniques clash with veteran instincts. Vera has experience, but maybe outdated tools. The team wants speed, tech, efficiency. That tension will drive both character development and plot momentum.
Revelation & Twist
We know there’s a naval officer’s murder, originally thought solved. But now there’s doubt. Expect a twist—someone overlooked, someone lied, someone benefitted. The escape is the spark. The cold case is the fuel.
Emotional Payoff
It’s not just about solving the crime. There’s regret, redemption, legacy. The time capsule debate underscores that. The episode will likely end with both resolution—and more questions.
Why Fans Should Tune In
It’s Not Just Another Episode
Because of the crossover, the legacy characters, the deep case—it feels special. If you’re a casual viewer you’ll like it. If you’re a die-hard fan you’ll love it.
Character Growth
Modern team members get to connect with the show’s roots. It’s more than procedural; it’s a test of identity. Who are we now compared to who we were then?
Memorable Moments Ahead
Vera’s return. A prison break with a three-week-left inmate. Flashbacks. Time capsule debates. Classic NCIS meets a fresh twist. If any episode of Season 23 stands out as a must-watch—it’s this one.
The Broader Franchise Benefits
This episode connects with the franchise’s other show, NCIS: Origins, meaning if you watch both you’ll get the full story. For the franchise fans it’s a treat.
Potential Questions & Theories
Why did the inmate escape with only three weeks left?
That’s the hook. Maybe he knew something. Maybe he was protected. Maybe the risk was worth the reward. We’ll find out.
What did Gibbs & Franks miss back then?
Every cold case has something unturned. Did they make a premature closure? Was evidence ignored? Was someone too trusted?
What’s Vera Strickland’s motivation now?
Is she just helping, or does she personally care? Does she regret something? Is there a hidden link to the officer’s death or the prison break?
Will the team reconcile past methods and present tech?
Probably. And that’s what gives us character growth. But who adapts? Who resists?
What will the time capsule debate metaphorise?
It could symbolise legacy, memory, what we leave behind. It adds a thematic layer that’s fun to unpack.
How to Watch & Where
US Viewers
Episode airs on CBS at 8:00 PM ET/PT on the scheduled date.
Streaming Options
After airing, the episode becomes available on Paramount+ (for Premium subscribers same‐day) in the US. International availability will differ—check local listings.
What to Prepare For
Clear your schedule. Maybe revisit past episodes that reference Gibbs & Franks, or dig up Season 23 earlier episodes for context. When you’re ready, this one will feel that much richer.
Final Thoughts
“Now and Then” is ambitious. It reaches back decades, it pulls up old players, and it forces the current team to answer for what happened before they were even on the scene. If you like your crime dramas with emotional weight, legacy ties, high stakes and surprises—you’ve got a winner. So get ready: the past is calling, and the future listens.
Conclusion
In NCIS Season 23, Episode 5, “Now and Then,” we’re getting more than just a standard investigation. We’re getting a story with roots, branches and consequences. It’s a crossover. It’s a legacy piece. It’s a reminder that time never really leaves a case behind. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just tuning in, this one promises to leave a mark.
