NCIS season 22 episode 1 ending explained: Who is suspected to be the mole at NCIS?

Who is suspected to be the mole at NCIS? (Image via CBS)
Who is suspected to be the mole at NCIS? (Image via CBS)

NCIS season 22 episode 1, Empty Nest, premiered on CBS on Monday, October 14, 2024. It begins with the team members busy with their own tasks, and Jessica Knight in the spotlight, as she deals with a complicated hostage crisis while missing her team. The episode gets more intense as personal and professional issues mix, reminding the viewers of the stakes involved in their line of work.

As the episode further unfolds, it connects different plots, leading to a surprising discovery about a potential mole within NCIS. The team's trust is challenged when it becomes evident that there's more going on than just operational challenges. The investigation into Nick Torres' undercover assignment hints at deeper conspiracies, making the viewers wonder who might be controlling things secretly.

By the end of NCIS season 22 episode 1, Gabe LaRoche, the Department of Justice Inspector General, is suspected of being the mole. After meeting with Ross, the lawyer involved in the hostage situation, it becomes clear that LaRoche has important information about Torres' secret operations.

His unwillingness to help the team, alongside the fact that he knew about Torres’ mission before it was officially revealed, makes him the main suspect in the ongoing investigation to find moles within NCIS (Naval Criminal Investigative Service).


NCIS season 22 episode 1: Why LaRoche is suspected to be the mole

Gabe LaRoche's suspicious behavior during NCIS season 22 episode 1 made both, the characters and the viewers, suspicious. His disrespectful attitude towards NCIS and its agents, along with his secret knowledge about Torres' undercover work, made him look like he had some hidden motives.

The fact that he was the only person who knew about Torres' mission adds to the growing suspicion against him, suggesting a betrayal that could harm the whole team. Furthermore, the events that led to Torres' dangerous situation suggest that LaRoche might have been involved in causing the leaks that put the mission at risk.

With the potential danger of cartel involvement and corruption within the agency, LaRoche's promotion to deputy director raises even more doubts about his honesty. His actions not only affect the current investigation but also put the safety and trust of the entire NCIS team in danger.

The episode continues to develop this mystery, emphasizing the conflict between duty and personal ethics. Meanwhile, Knight's internal battle over her emotions regarding the hostage crisis makes the story more intricate, showing how personal concerns can mix with professional duties.


High stakes and personal conflicts: Recap of NCIS season 22 episode 1

NCIS season 22 episode 1 is packed with action, emotional moments, and the re-establishment of team dynamics. It starts with Alden Parker bringing in pro bono attorney Celia Ross to the hostage situation, showing Jessica Knight's inner conflict after causing a hostage situation for once instead of defusing it.

Knight finds herself torn between her duty to save the hostages and her desire for her colleagues' support, which shows how their job affects them personally. Meanwhile, Nick Torres is working undercover and facing several risks as he tries to keep up his fake identity while working to dismantle a powerful cartel.

The stakes are high, and the audience can feel the tension as Torres deals with threats from everywhere. As the story continues, the viewers see McGee trying to become the deputy director while dealing with work and personal challenges.

Meanwhile, Knight gets caught up in a tricky situation with her old REACT trainees and some cartel connections. This part of the story shows how committed Knight is to her past responsibilities, making her a more interesting and complex character. The episode also highlights the strong connections within the team, especially between Parker and Knight, who rely on each other for support.

As the episode builds to its climax, the tension grows when LaRoche's true intentions are highlighted, making people wonder about the loyalty of those in charge. The episode ends with several cliffhangers, suggesting future conflicts and the continuing fight against corruption in the agency.


Fans of the show can watch NCIS season 22 episode 1 on CBS and Paramount+

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Edited by Janhavi Chauhan
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