Will Parker (Gary Cole) catch up to his father’s killer, his longtime nemesis and mob boss Carla Marino (Rebecca De Mornay), in the second part of the NCIS Season 23 premiere? The photos released on Thursday, October 2, certainly make it look that way.
In the Tuesday, October 21, episode, titled “Prodigal Son (Part II),” CBS teases, “Parker’s pursuit of vengeance for his father’s murder could have deadly consequences, while his sister, Navy vice admiral Harriet Parker (Nancy Travis), faces an impossible choice.” The images below offer a look at Parker and the rest of the team — McGee (Sean Murray), Torres (Wilmer Valderrama), and Knight (Katrina Law) — scouting out somewhere then seemingly tracking down Carla.
After Carla killed his father — she blames the agent for her son’s death — Parker “is pissed,” executive producer Steven D. Binder told TV Insider as part of our Fall Preview. And we’ll get a look at what his and his sister’s dynamic was like in the past (with flashbacks to 1977) and present.
“The dynamic between Parker and his sister as adults is going to revert to the dynamic between them when they were [younger]. Alden Parker is a competent former FBI, current NCIS agent who seems pretty squared away,” Binder told us. “His sister was the good child. He was causing a lot of problems for himself, for their family, for their father, which is a regret he has now. If you’re a family member, his actions have gotten dad killed. Take that dynamic from childhood and bring it to the present with a brother and sister, and sparks are going to fly.” We expect to see just that when it comes to whatever “impossible choice” she has to make in this episode.
For years, NCIS has kept viewers on the edge of their seats with shocking twists, emotional backstories, and cases that feel ripped from the headlines. Now, all eyes are on Alden Parker, the no-nonsense NCIS Special Agent in Charge, whose most personal case is bubbling back to the surface—his father’s murder. Recently released promotional photos have fans buzzing: is Parker finally closing in on the killer who shattered his past?
In this article, we’ll dive deep into Parker’s storyline, analyze the new NCIS photos, explore fan theories, and break down why this arc could be the most emotional chapter yet.
Who Is Alden Parker in NCIS?
Alden Parker, played brilliantly by Gary Cole, stepped into the leadership role after Leroy Jethro Gibbs’ departure. While fans were skeptical at first, Parker quickly won hearts with his dry humor, leadership skills, and complex backstory. Unlike Gibbs, Parker’s demons aren’t hidden—they’re woven directly into his character arc.
The Painful Past: Parker’s Father’s Murder
One of the most compelling aspects of Parker’s character is the murder of his father. Unlike the typical NCIS case-of-the-week format, Parker’s story adds a deeply personal layer. It’s not just about solving crimes—it’s about seeking justice for someone he loved and lost.
But here’s the kicker: Parker doesn’t just want to solve the case; he needs to. His father’s murder is the ghost that follows him into every interrogation room, every lead, and every close call.
NCIS Photos Stir New Speculation
Promotional photos are always meant to tease, but the latest NCIS images take things to a new level. They show Parker looking unusually tense, eyes locked on something—or someone—that clearly strikes a nerve.
Could it be the long-awaited moment when Parker finally comes face-to-face with his father’s killer? Or is it another red herring designed to keep fans hooked?
Why This Storyline Matters
This isn’t just another case. It’s personal. NCIS has always thrived when it blends crime-solving with character-driven arcs. For Parker, his father’s death is more than a mystery—it’s the key to understanding who he is and why he leads the team the way he does.
Fans crave depth, and Parker’s journey offers that in spades. By exploring his past, the show gives us a raw, human look at a man often seen as composed and unshakable.
Fan Theories: Who Killed Parker’s Father?
Here’s where things get interesting. NCIS fans are some of the best armchair detectives in the TV world, and theories are already flying:
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Theory #1: A Cold Case Killer Returns
Some believe the murderer was a career criminal who slipped through the cracks years ago, now resurfacing. -
Theory #2: An Inside Job
Others think the killer might have ties to law enforcement or even the NCIS world itself. -
Theory #3: A Twist No One Saw Coming
Given NCIS’s history, the real killer might be someone Parker—or the audience—would least expect.
The Emotional Weight of Justice
Why does this storyline resonate so deeply? Because it’s universal. Who wouldn’t want closure if a loved one was taken from them? Watching Parker chase down leads isn’t just good TV—it’s a reflection of the raw human need for justice and healing.
Comparing Parker’s Arc to Gibbs’ Storyline
Fans who miss Gibbs may notice some parallels. Gibbs carried the weight of his own family tragedy—the murder of his wife and daughter. Like Parker, his personal grief fueled his relentless pursuit of justice.
But Parker’s story feels different. Where Gibbs often buried his pain, Parker wears his scars more openly. This contrast gives NCIS a fresh dynamic while still honoring the show’s roots.
Could This Be NCIS’s Next Big Season Arc?
NCIS thrives on long-running mysteries. Just like Ziva’s disappearance or Gibbs’ dark past, Parker’s father’s murder has the potential to anchor an entire season. And if the promotional photos are any indication, the writers are ready to pull the trigger on this storyline.
Character Development at Its Best
Every great TV show balances action with heart. Parker’s hunt for his father’s killer isn’t just about the chase—it’s about growth. As fans, we’ll get to see how far Parker is willing to go, what lines he might cross, and what kind of leader he becomes when the past collides with the present.
What the Photos Reveal About Parker’s Mindset
Look closely at the photos: Parker’s body language is tense, his expressions unusually vulnerable. He’s not just investigating—he’s reliving. Each new lead drags him back to the night everything changed.
This isn’t just a case file. It’s his life.
Could Revenge Cloud His Judgment?
Here’s the big question: will Parker’s personal stake make him sharper—or blind him? NCIS has often explored the danger of letting emotions take control. If Parker blurs the line between justice and revenge, it could put the whole team at risk.
How This Affects the NCIS Team
Parker’s journey isn’t his alone. His team—Knight, Torres, McGee, and Kasie—will inevitably get pulled into the hunt. And as history shows, when a leader goes rogue or lets emotions take over, the ripple effect can shake the entire unit.
The Potential Twist Ending
Imagine this: Parker corners the man he believes killed his father, only to discover the truth is far more complicated. Maybe his father’s death wasn’t random. Maybe it was part of something bigger—an unfinished conspiracy that ties directly to NCIS itself.
Sound far-fetched? Not in the NCIS universe.
Why Fans Are More Invested Than Ever
Simply put, this storyline humanizes Parker in a way fans crave. It’s no longer just about him filling Gibbs’ shoes—it’s about him carving out his own path, defined not by Gibbs’ shadow but by his own painful history.
Conclusion
So, is Parker about to catch up to his father’s killer? The latest NCIS photos suggest something big is brewing, and fans are right to speculate. Whether it ends in justice, heartbreak, or another shocking twist, one thing is certain: Parker’s hunt is going to define this chapter of NCIS.
This isn’t just another case. It’s personal. And when it’s personal on NCIS, you know it’s going to get intense.
