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NCIS season 22 aired episode 5, titled In From the Cold, on November 11, 2024, on CBS. In this episode, an investigation plunged the MCRT (Major Case Response Team) into searching for retired Navy Officer Captain Thomas Butler, leading them to uncover something from his Cold War past.
As the investigation unfolded, the NCIS team initially labeled the case as "confused." They soon discovered that Butler’s past included connections to a Soviet spy who had lived undercover in the US as a national citizen for decades. This revelation hinted at a complex story of deception, involving Butler’s true allegiance and an unknown file called "Project Laurel."
The investigation took a darker turn as the team’s suspicions grew about CIA Agent Conrad, who had appeared helpful but was hiding sinister motives. By the end of the episode, a surprising twist revealed that the main villain was actually CIA Officer Conrad.
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Though he had seemed to be on the same side as NCIS in solving the case, he was secretly working against them. Conrad was ultimately found to be corrupt, with personal interests in silencing Butler and covering up his involvement in various crimes.
The team discovered that Butler was not a turncoat but rather a key player in a clandestine operation, meant to mislead the Soviets during the Cold War. The episode left viewers pondering just how deep the betrayal went and whether they could ever trust the CIA or not.
Who was Captain Thomas Butler really working for in NCIS season 22?
Captain Thomas Butler’s involvement in the Cold War was complex, raising questions about loyalty in NCIS season 22. The opening scene depicted him as a retired Navy officer with severe cognitive decline, initially suggesting limited responsibility.
However, as the team continued their investigation, they uncovered a hidden life as a Soviet spy. His knowledge of Russian intelligence, fluency in Finnish, and possession of classified documents hinted at a darker past.
Soon, the team discovered that Butler had actually been an undercover asset for the United States, feeding disinformation back to the Soviets. This revelation dispelled the misconception of Butler as a traitor.
Despite his memory loss, Butler’s Cold War role had been pivotal in sustaining U.S. covert operations. The probe further revealed that "Project Laurel," a CIA operation, had involved crucial intelligence manipulation.
What was Project Laurel and why was it so important in NCIS season 22?
Project Laurel was a Cold War-era operation centered around information manipulation, as shown in NCIS season 22. In episode 5, the team learned that the Project Laurel file held classified details that could pose serious security risks if exposed. This file included a "laundry list" of CIA operations, many of which could be deemed incriminating.
As the inquiry into Butler’s connection to Project Laurel continued, the team recognized that Butler was not a national security threat. Instead, CIA Agent Conrad emerged as the real danger, desperately trying to recover the file to prevent the exposure of CIA secrets. Conrad’s actions made the team question the moral implications of hiding the truth, as they realized that Butler had ultimately been working for a noble cause.
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How did CIA Agent Conrad manipulate the situation in NCIS season 22?
At first, CIA Agent Conrad appeared to be a helpful ally to the MCRT team, encouraging them to dig into Butler’s past. But as the episode progressed, his true motives emerged. He attempted to control the investigation, urging the team to close the case and casting Butler as a Soviet agent.
As the team uncovered more of Butler’s covert past, Conrad’s actions grew suspicious. He even went as far as suggesting that Butler needed to be silenced to prevent the release of sensitive information.
Ultimately, the team discovered that Conrad had been manipulating the flow of information to hide his own involvement in Project Laurel. This sequence exposed Conrad as the true villain, using his position to deceive and mislead the NCIS team.
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What does the ending reveal about the relationship between Butler and his son in NCIS season 22?
The episode concluded dramatically by highlighting Captain Butler’s relationship with his son, Danny. Tension had existed between the two due to Butler’s long absences while he worked covertly.
Throughout the episode, Danny grappled with feelings of abandonment, believing his father had been distant and unfaithful to his family. However, as he learned of his father’s role in a high-stakes Cold War operation, he began to see his father in a new light.
This revelation allowed Danny to reconcile with his father, coming to terms with the reality that Butler had been serving a greater cause. The emotional arc between father and son brought a human element to the action-filled episode.
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NCIS season 22 is currently available on CBS and Paramount+.
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