NCIS delivers one of its strongest midseason finales in Season 23, Episode 9, “Heaven and Nature.” The hour provides long-awaited emotional closure for Alden Parker—and then pulls the rug out from under fans with a jaw-dropping final reveal.
For Parker, the episode brings peace he’s never had. Learning the truth about his mother reframes his entire life, healing a wound that shaped how he saw himself and his family. It’s quiet, powerful character work that promises lasting change.
But just as the episode settles, it detonates its bombshell: Ellie Bishop is back. Her sudden appearance reopens unfinished business for Nick Torres, whose lack of closure has haunted him for seasons. Complicating matters further, Jessica Knight appears to be on a mission that may put her directly in Bishop’s path—raising questions about loyalty, sacrifice, and what comes next.
With an emotional payoff and a cruelly effective cliffhanger, “Heaven and Nature” sets the stage for a high-stakes second half of the season. It’s bold, confident storytelling—and a reminder of why NCIS still knows exactly how to leave fans desperate for more.
