NCIS Episode 3 Recap: Jackson Gibbs Uncovers Leroy Jethro Gibbs’ Motivation for Joining NIS

The third episode of NCIS: Origins, titled Bend, Don’t Break, premiered on CBS on October 21, 2024. This gripping episode centered around the investigation of a deceased young drug dealer and a series of thefts at a suburban mall, presenting a plethora of challenges for the NIS agents.

Opening with a dramatic exchange, the episode showcased Jackson Gibbs confronting Mike Franks regarding his decision to recruit Leroy into the NIS after he failed to apprehend Pedro Hernandez, the suspect in the murders of Shannon and Kelly. Following this intense discussion, Franks made the decision to bench Leroy.

Subsequently, Leroy found himself in a heated argument with his father as Jackson accused him of joining the NIS out of a desire for revenge. Despite being sidelined from active duty, Leroy delved into the gun theft case, cleverly cornering Prado, a mall security guard, in the elevator.

An Exploration of a Young Drug Dealer’s Demise in NCIS: Origins Episode 3

The episode kicks off with Leroy disposing of some boxes when Franks interrupts him, leading him to a crime scene. They discover the body of a young boy named Emmett Sawyer, whose remains had been unceremoniously dumped. Nearby, Lala uncovers a plastic egg containing drugs, pointing to Emmett’s involvement in drug dealing.

At the local shopping center, NIS agents pursue the case further. A security officer named Prado directs the team to Emmett’s associate, Dougie, who makes a run for it. After a brief chase, the agents capture him for questioning, during which Dougie claims that a legendary entity, the mothman, was responsible for Emmett’s death.

Jackson Gibbs Challenges Mike Franks in Episode 3

Jackson Gibbs did not hold back in expressing his frustration with Franks, condemning him for allowing Pedro Hernandez, who is responsible for the deaths of Leroy’s wife and daughter, to escape to Mexico. Franks defended his actions by stating he lacked jurisdiction in Mexico, indicating there was little that could be done now.

Furthermore, Jackson confronted Franks about hiring Leroy despite his fragile mental state following the traumatic loss of his loved ones, asserting that Leroy exhibited a “death wish”and would be placing himself in danger by continuing in law enforcement.

Impacted by Jackson’s remarks, Franks decided to pull Leroy from fieldwork, assigning him desk duties for a period instead.

Leroy Gibbs Captures Prado in the Elevator

Leroy received the news of his benching poorly and lashed out at his father, demanding that he leave. Jackson informed him that he was aware Leroy had joined the NIS driven by vengeance.

Determined to continue the investigation, Leroy visited the mall, where several stores had been robbed. He suspected the mall’s chief of security, Prado, might be linked to the crimes. To buy time for his fellow agents working the case, he cleverly trapped Prado in an elevator.

Leroy’s instincts proved correct; Prado was embroiled in a smuggling operation involving transporting firearms hidden within toys to a nation ruled by a tyrant. It became clear that one of the smugglers had inadvertently hit Emmett with their vehicle while attempting to cover up their illicit actions.

The episode concluded with Jackson visiting Leroy’s home to retrieve the ‘box of rules’ that Shannon had previously organized, which had been tossed aside. This episode notably sets the stage for Leroy’s ongoing conflict with the drug lord, Pedro Hernandez, a significant aspect of NCIS lore.

Viewers can catch NCIS: Origins episode 3 on CBS and Paramount+.

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