NCIS Season 23 continues its steady march toward the finale with Episode 16, titled “S.O.S.,” an installment that promises mystery, character-driven moments, and a quieter buildup before the season’s biggest twists arrive. Directed by longtime cast member Rocky Carroll, the episode marks his return behind the camera rather than on screen, adding another layer of familiarity for longtime viewers.
This week’s case begins when a Navy lieutenant suddenly resurfaces a full year after her aircraft vanished without explanation. Her story raises immediate questions, and as Parker’s team investigates the crash, they quickly realize the disappearance may have been anything but accidental. Each discovery opens the door to new secrets, turning a single survival story into a much deeper mystery.
Meanwhile, Jessica Knight and Nick Torres head into the wilderness for part of the investigation. While Knight appears right at home outdoors, Torres’ discomfort brings a lighter contrast to the episode’s tension.