NCIS: Los Angeles may have concluded in 2023, but its legacy in the NCIS franchise lives on through memorable cases, high-stakes drama, and fan-favorite characters. Here’s a roundup of the top episodes that define the series.
15. “Hand to Hand” (S1E19) – Introduces Marty Deeks, blending undercover work with humor and setting up Kensi’s new partnership.
14. “Three Hearts” (S5E21) – A rogue undercover agent tests the team’s loyalties in a tense game of deception.
13. “The Frozen Lake” (S5E10) – International espionage and Kensi-Deeks chemistry collide as the team recovers stolen intelligence.
12. “Personal” (S2E17) – Deeks survives a targeted attack, highlighting emotional stakes and investigative skill.
11. “Head of the Snake” (S7E21) – Callen faces mind games when Nate Getz returns under suspicious circumstances.
10. “Expiration Date” (S6E16) – Thapa’s return sparks an international spy crisis, blending action and intrigue.
9. “Impact” (S5E2) – Explores trauma and recovery after Deeks and Sam endure a kidnapping ordeal.
8. “The Seventh Child” (S7E19) – A brainwashed child bomber puts the team to the ultimate test.
7. “Internal Affairs” (S7E10) – Deeks faces murder charges, forcing the team to defend one of their own.
6. “Blame It on Rio” (S7E5) – Twists and comedy shine as the team pursues an escaped criminal.
5. “The Reckoning” (S14E19) – DRONA conspiracy heats up with shocking revelations and intense action.
4. “Hot Water” (S8E13) – The team must prove their innocence after being framed during Hetty’s retirement.
3. “Till Death Do Us Part” (S10E17) – Kensi and Deeks’ wedding blends romance, action, and lighthearted chaos.
2. “Deliverance” (S2E10) – Concludes a Cold War spy saga while deepening Hetty’s mysterious past.
1. “Absolution” (S2E9) – A high-stakes espionage thriller kicks off an international black book hunt, cementing NCIS: LA’s spy legacy.
From undercover drama to emotional highs, these episodes showcase why NCIS: Los Angeles remains a standout in the franchise.
