5. “The Reckoning” (Season 14)
A mass shooting leads the team back to DRONA, the rogue CIA program that once manipulated young recruits. When former leader Howard Pembrook resurfaces and starts eliminating his own operatives, the case turns into a chilling study of guilt, control, and consequences. Dark, tense, and unforgettable.
4. “Hot Water” (Season 8)
Just as Hetty prepares to step down, the team is blindsided by a mole who frames multiple agents. Callen, Kensi, Deeks, and Granger are suddenly arrested, triggering one of the show’s most high-stakes internal investigations. A fast, twisty thriller that flips the NCIS formula.
3. “Till Death Do Us Part” (Season 10)
Kensi and Deeks’ long-awaited wedding day finally arrives — and so does a criminal from their past. The team scrambles to contain the threat while trying to keep the ceremony alive. A perfect blend of heart, humor, and classic NCIS action.
2. “Deliverance” (Season 2)
The hunt for a mysterious Cold War black book intensifies as assassins and foreign agents converge on LA. Hetty’s past becomes central to the mission, pushing the team to prove their loyalty in one of the show’s strongest espionage-heavy hours.
1. “Absolution” (Season 2)
The standout first half of a gripping two-parter. A murdered spy, a dangerous ledger, and a rush of international intel agencies set the stage for a tense, atmospheric spy thriller. Hetty’s secret history drives the drama, making this one of the most iconic episodes of the entire series.
