NCIS goes full “Terminator meets office comedy” in Season 23, Episode 8 — and the result is one of the season’s most unexpectedly charming hours.
Titled “Stolen Moments,” the episode follows the team as they test DAWN, an AI chatbot pitched as a tool to make investigations more “efficient.” Viewers can see the twist from a mile away: technology can’t replace the human instincts that make NCIS tick. But co-writers Jesse Stern and Brian Dietzen (who also shines onscreen as Jimmy Palmer) add clever nuance and comedy that keep the story fresh.
Instead of going the typical sci-fi route — no rogue robots, no deadly systems takeover — the episode leans into humor and grounded skepticism. Jimmy becomes the voice of the audience, pointing out every flaw in trusting AI with sensitive tasks, from mishandled evidence to soulless witness statements. DAWN isn’t dangerous… just hilariously out of place.
The case-of-the-week, involving tampering with the U.S. Master Clock and an elaborate time-based con, mainly serves as a playground for the “AI vs humanity” debate. The whodunit is easy to spot, but the real entertainment comes from the team’s reactions and DAWN’s unintentionally funny commentary — including a dig at Kasie’s chaotic file system.
After the emotional weight of earlier episodes, this lighter approach feels like a welcome breather. Smart, witty, and deeply character-driven, “Stolen Moments” proves once again that NCIS thrives not because of high-tech gadgets, but because of the people behind the badges.
NCIS airs Tuesdays at 8/7c on CBS.
