
Naval Criminal Investigative Service Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs leads a group of colorful personalities in investigating crimes -- ranging from murder and espionage to terrorism -- that have evidence connected to Navy and Marine Corps personnel. The team includes MIT graduate Timothy McGee, Ellie Bishop, who specializes in international threat assessment, charismatic and unpredictable Nick Torres, and forensic psychologist Jack Sloane. Dr. Donald "Ducky" Mallard brings his vast experience in forensics into play to help solve cases.

A Navy lieutenant is found murdered in his hot tub; the team interviews families in the victim's peculiar neighborhood; Torres must face the consequences of a volatile night out with Palmer.

An agent is starstruck after the team investigates an explosion outside the home of a Navy SEAL and his wife, a popular reality TV star; Vance continues physical therapy for the injuries sustained when he was held hostage.

Gibbs' quiet vacation at his remote cabin is interrupted by a call from NCIS asking for his help to locate a robber hiding in the woods near him.

After a 50-year-old tape recording left by a murder victim is found, the team tries to exonerate the Marine serving a life sentence for the crime.