NCIS: Sydney Season 3 Episode 2 Review: Cults, Zodiac Signs, and Doc & Blue Feels md01

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Introduction

If you thought things were intense in the premiere of NCIS: Sydney Season 3, brace yourself: Episode 2, titled “True Blue”, ratchets up the tension, the emotional stakes—and the conspiracy. From hidden cults to zodiac-symbol clues, from forensic pathologists breaking into flats to twin prophecies and buried bones, this episode packs a lot. In this review I’m going to walk you through the major beats, the thematic undercurrents (yes, zodiac signs!), the dynamics between Doc and Blue, and why this episode matters for the arc of the show. Let’s dive in.

1. Episode Recap: What Just Happened?

Episode 2 opens with urgency. When forensic pathologist Bluebird “Blue” Gleeson goes missing, her friend and colleague Dr Roy Penrose (Doc) breaks into her apartment in alarm. According to the synopsis: “Concerned about Blue, Doc breaks into her apartment, where DeShawn and Evie make a shocking discovery about one of their own.” 
What they find: Blue’s flat is deserted except for clues. Makeup left behind, piling mail, a suitcase. They discover a hidden compartment in the ceiling featuring zodiac twin imagery (Gemini), and — most chillingly — bones. One set of remains is identified as Robert Mullens, missing for over twenty years. Blue’s secret life begins to unravel. 
The trail leads to a remote commune/collective in Bilpin that has morphed into a death-cult, where Blue and her twin brother Eli were raised under a prophecy of “ascension,” tied to the Gemini twins motif. The leader manipulates Blue’s return, orchestrates mass-suicide plans — until the NCIS/AFP team intervenes just in time. Blue’s brother drinks the poison; Doc saves him at the last moment. Blue meets her grandmother and begins a new chapter. Meanwhile, team leads Michelle Mackey and JD are confronted with Blue’s past as an ex-felon and her alias “Faith” and question what to do.

2. Thematic Focus: Cults & Manipulation

One of the standout features of this episode is how it uses the cult trope not just for suspense, but for character background. Showrunner Morgan O’Neill explains that they wanted to explore Blue’s backstory in a way that gives depth and context: “The nature of cults is really, really fascinating to me… the courage it takes to get out of those situations is really compelling.” 
The episode uses the idea of belief systems, control, and identity: Blue believed in the prophecy, followed rules, adopted a fake name and history (Bluebird Gleeson). She left and reinvented herself. The commune’s land, the “ascension” doctrine, the twin motif — all of it serves to make the viewer question: how much of Blue’s identity was chosen, and how much imposed?
The cult theme also affects the team: Mackey and JD face the moral dilemma of covering for someone they care about, navigating loyalty vs protocol. The cult plot isn’t a one-off twist—it resonates with the broader arc of characters confronting their pasts.

3. Zodiac Signs & Symbolism: Why Gemini Matters

You might ask—what’s with the zodiac twin symbol up on Blue’s ceiling? That detail is more than visual flair—it’s central. The Gemini constellation represents twins; Blue and Eli are twins. The cult leader uses the twin motif to control the narrative (“when the twins are reunited, ascension begins”). 
This kind of symbolism:

  • Mirrors Blue’s internal duality (Faith vs Bluebird)

  • Suggests identity fragmentation (who is she really?)

  • Adds mythic layering to what could have been a straightforward crime plot
    In short: the zodiac stuff gives the show texture. It invites viewers to think about symbols, hidden meanings, and the shadow side of belief. It also raises the stakes emotionally: the twin bond means the cult’s damage hits deeper.

4. Character Deep Dive: Blue’s Evolution

Blue’s character has long been enigmatic—quirky makeup, secretive tattoos, an independent streak. This episode peels that back. Morgan O’Neill says: “We know that she lives on her own. She has many locks on her doors… She doesn’t like her photographs being taken… We just kept piling interesting, intriguing things into Blue’s backstory.” 
What we learn:

  • Her real name is Faith. “Bluebird Gleeson” is a self-created persona.

  • She has a twin brother, Eli. She hasn’t seen him in some time; the cult narrative exploited their reunion.

  • She’s been hiding her past criminal record: an ex-felon for breaking and entering, sealed record. Mackey and JD learn.

  • She chose her path: leaving the cult, pursuing forensics, joining AFP/NCIS. This episode reframes her choices and roots.
    Bottom line: Blue is no longer just “that quirky pathologist.” She’s a layered character with a history that colors her present. The writers are giving her agency—and consequences.

5. Doc & Blue: The Emotional Heart

One of the highlights of the episode is the relationship between Doc (Roy) and Blue. He’s the one who first senses something is wrong when Blue disappears. His act of breaking in (with crowbar, yes) qualifies as rogue—but motivated by concern. 
That scene sets the emotional tone:

  • Doc trusts Blue even when all evidence seems strange.

  • Blue, for the first time, allows vulnerability: meeting her grandmother, acknowledging her past.

  • Their dynamic speaks of found family—not just team-colleagues but people who have each other’s backs beyond work.
    In earlier seasons Blue had built walls; here we see those walls crack. Doc’s role in saving her brother adds weight. The episode uses their connection to anchor high-stakes drama in human emotion.

6. Team Dynamics: Mackey, JD and the Moral Dilemma

While Blue’s arc takes center stage, the rest of the team aren’t just passive observers. This episode makes Mackey and JD active moral agents. They discover Blue’s past and choose to keep it in-house rather than report up the chain.
Why this matters:

  • It sets up tension for future episodes: secrets have a way of coming out.

  • It shows leadership: Mackey defines “her people” and shows loyalty beyond rules.

  • It raises the question: how far will they go to protect one of their own? Is loyalty to team more important than protocol?
    The rest of the squad also reacts: Evie, DeShawn, Trigger—all have their own take. The team becomes less of a “work-unit” and more of a surrogate family.

7. Plot Mechanics: Bones, Land, Commune, and Money

This episode packs in plot layers—let’s briefly pull them apart:

  • Bones found in Blue’s ceiling. Identified as Robert Mullens, missing for decades.

  • A second match: Blue had tried to use a bone density scanner (borrowed illegally) to identify remains as her father.

  • The commune: The Bilpin Collective—450 acres, originally idealistic, now dark and manipulative. Money land deals, mass-suicide scheme.

  • Brother’s involvement: Eli still believes the prophecy; when the team moves in, he drinks the poison. Doc saves him. 
    These mechanics are handled well: twists are surprising but grounded in character motivation. The show doesn’t just throw in a cult for shock—it uses it to deepen emotional and thematic stakes.

8. Symbolism & Visual Motifs You Might Have Missed

This wasn’t just a story about cults—it was styled. Some visual and symbolic touches worth noting:

  • The Gemini constellation on the ceiling in Blue’s flat. Upside-down—suggests inversion, distortion of truth.

  • Tattoos: Blue’s tattoos are prison-style, tattoos of someone hiding identity. From O’Neill’s comments: “She’s got all sorts of unusual tattoos, which could almost be prison tattoos…”

  • Land/earth imagery: soil on bones from Bilpin; commune land bought up. The earth connects to bones, identity, roots.

  • Bluebird motif: Bluebird as alias; freedom vs captivity; the bird symbol echoes again when Blue adopts a budgie in earlier episode (though not in this one). These touches elevate the production and reward observant viewers.

9. Themes of Identity, Truth & Secrets

Beyond cults and crime, the episode explores big themes:

  • Identity: Who is Blue—Faith or Bluebird? The alias, the twin, the past.

  • Truth and deception: Blue hid her past; the cult leader deceived followers; the team hides Blue’s secret.

  • Secrecy and its cost: Secrets within the team; Blue’s sealed record; the commune’s dark secret.

  • Family and found family: The twin relationship; Blue meeting her grandmother; the NCIS team stepping up.
    These thematic strands help the episode resonate beyond the case of the week. They promise character evolutions and emotional arcs.

10. Performance Highlights

The cast does heavy lifting here:

  • Mavournee Hazel as Blue conveys layered conflict: confident forensic pathologist yet haunted past. From producer comments: “For the first time in her entire life, she has found family.”

  • William McInnes as Doc brings gravitas and warmth. His concern for Blue feels genuine, not just plot-driven.

  • Olivia Swann as Mackey and Todd Lasance as JD handle the moral weight of leadership and team loyalty with restraint and tension.
    Other cast members—Evie, DeShawn, Trigger—play their roles well. The ensemble works because the writing allows emotional beats to breathe, not just action.

11. Production & Direction Notes

Directed by Jennifer Leacey, written by Justin Monjo (per Tell-Tale TV preview). 
The pacing is smart: the opening is quiet and unnerving (broken apartment, missing person) and builds into high-stakes, high-emotion climax (mass-suicide thwarted, brother saved).
Visually, the show uses Australia’s landscape (the Bilpin area, remote property) to contrast domestic forensic lab scenes—giving the narrative a sense of scope: from quiet labs to wild bush country.
The sound design and score underline tension without overpowering the characters—good balance.

12. What Works — Strengths of the Episode

  • Character payoff: Blue’s backstory illuminated in meaningful ways.

  • Emotional core: Doc & Blue, found family, the team.

  • High stakes and twisty plot: A cult death-plot, twin prophecy, hidden bones.

  • Symbolism and depth: Zodiac signs, tattoos, land symbolism.

  • Team dynamics: The moral grey of Mackey/JD’s choice.

  • Solid production values: The Australian setting, direction, real tension.
    All these combine to make this episode stand out in the series so far.

13. What Might Not Work — A Few Caveats

  • For some viewers the cult angle might feel a bit over-the-top or melodramatic.

  • The pyramid of revelations is dense: hidden bones, fake identity, twin motif, cult land deals. Some viewers might find it too many threads at once.

  • While Blue’s past is explored, the pace means the emotional fallout might need more time to land fully. Some of the team’s fallout (trust issues) are hinted at but not deeply resolved yet.

  • If you prefer purely procedural episodes (case of the week) rather than character-driven arcs, this episode leans heavily on the latter.

14. Implications for Season 3 and Beyond

This episode sets the tone for Season 3 in a big way. Some ripple effects:

  • Blue’s past is no longer hidden; the team knows. That secret will influence trust, dynamics, perhaps way the agency sees her.

  • The cult arc might be done for now, but the psychological imprint remains: the show’s theme “you can’t outrun your past”. Morgan O’Neill says this applies to everyone on the team.

  • Doc-Blue bond and Blue’s new family (grandmother, brother) open possible storylines about healing and identity.

  • Mackey & JD’s decision to keep a secret sets up tension: when and how will that blow up?

  • The visuals and motifs (zodiac, land, identity) hint at deeper mysteries or symbolic arcs ahead.
    Bottom line: This episode is a pivot. If Season 3 is about characters confronting who they are and where they came from, Episode 2 is the moment that brings it into sharp focus.

15. Final Thoughts: Should You Watch & What to Look For

Absolutely yes. If you’re a fan of NCIS franchise, of strong character arcs, or even TV that mixes procedural with personal stakes—this is a must-watch.
When you watch, pay attention to:

  • Subtle visual cues (tattoos, constellations) and what they suggest.

  • The team’s internal dynamics: how trust, secrecy, loyalty are played.

  • Blue’s demeanor: look for shadows behind her calm.

  • How the Australian setting amplifies isolation and identity.

  • The balance: crime procedural + emotional catharsis.
    If you love TV that makes you think who am I? as much as who did it?, then this episode hits that sweet spot.

Conclusion

In summary, “True Blue” (S3E2 of NCIS: Sydney) does something clever: it turns what could have been just a crime-case into a character-defining moment. With cult undertones, zodiac symbolism, hidden bones, and emotional reckonings for Blue and for the team, the episode stands out in the franchise. It deepens characters, raises the stakes, and promises that Season 3 isn’t just about looking outward (crimes) but also inward (identity, truth, family). If you’re watching, prepare to slow down and feel. And if you haven’t yet—this is the episode where NCIS: Sydney shows it’s ready to evolve.

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