NCIS: Origins Episode 12 Highlights: Top 10 Moments and Key Reveals

Spoiler Alert: NCIS: Origins Episode 12 – “Touchstone”

The twelfth episode of NCIS: Origins delves into the emotional struggles of an overlooked character, presenting an impactful narrative. While the series has explored the backstory of Leroy Jethro Gibbs, portrayed by Austin Stowell, it also introduces new faces with significant narratives of their own. The premise revolves around Gibbs’ early days at the Naval Investigative Service (NIS), yet the richness of the story lies in the journeys of the supporting cast.

The series opener featured narration from Mark Harmon, who voices the older version of Gibbs and hinted that the show’s focus would be on Lala (Mariel Molino), although her character development has been limited. Episode 12, “Touchstone, ”pivots to illuminate further details about Dick Kowalski (Michael Harney) as the plot unfolds.

10 Discovery of a Breach in the Evidence Room

Someone Stole $41, 000 from NIS

Gibbs through a broken screen in NCIS: Origins

The episode opens with older Gibbs’ narration recounting a tale from his childhood about a field mouse. Meanwhile, Kowalski, the NIS Evidence Custodian, starts his morning by baking sourdough bread but soon faces a shocking situation upon arriving at the office—an unfortunate break-in at the NIS evidence room has occurred.

Fortunately, Gibbs is also present, conducting a sweep of the premises. Mary Jo expresses her surprise upon discovering the scene of crime, where Lala and Franks are already investigating. The unwarranted intrusion deeply affects Kowalski, who struggles to maintain order amidst the chaos that the other agents inadvertently contribute to, all while they speculate that the break-in was linked to the theft of $41, 000 from the safe.

9 Exploring Kowalski’s Past in Korea

Insights into Kowalski’s Origins

As the team investigates the scene, Kowalski’s assistant, Herm (Daniel Bellomy), arrives and promptly assesses the situation’s gravity. His insistence on restoring order highlights the chaos while Kowalski experiences a moment of crisis, triggered by a flashback to his time as a war prisoner in Korea.

Flashbacks reveal young Kowalski grappling with his confinement, clutching a stone that represents his resilience amidst adversity. His experiences as a prisoner serve as poignant reminders of his past’s impact on the present.

8 Kowalski’s Resignation Following the Break-In

The Break-In Distresses Kowalski

The disarray in the evidence room escalates as NIS K-9, Gary Callahan, inadvertently adds to the mess. Kowalski, overwhelmed, requests solitude as he grapples with the weight of the failure. This culminates in Kowalski drafting a detailed resignation letter filled with years of institutional knowledge, leaving his colleagues concerned about the future of the evidence room without his expertise.

Despite Mike Franks’ pleas for Kowalski to reconsider, he remains home, tormented by memories of his past.

7 Romantic Complications: Lala’s Past Surface

Gibbs and Lala Navigate Romantic Tensions

Amid the investigation, Lala and Gibbs explore the possibility that the dealers might be reclaiming the stolen money. Their inquiries lead them to Flaco (Scotty Tovar), where Lala candidly admits that she and an ex-boyfriend, Eddie, are no longer together. This tension becomes palpable when a familiar face from Lala’s past jogs by, complicating their operation.

6 Breakthrough Evidence Alters Series of Events

Lala Uncovers Key Evidence

Lala and Gibbs connect the earlier case involving the missing NIS money to the current investigation, realizing that the break-in might have an internal culprit. During a maintenance visit, Lala’s keen observation of strange scuff marks brings about a revelation that could change the direction of the investigation. It hints that the suspect may have exploited a flaw in NIS rather than conducting an external heist.

5 Franks Utilizes K-9 to Identify the Culprit

NIS K-9 Assists in the Investigation

With suspicions pointing towards internal theft, Franks mobilizes the agency’s K-9, Gary Callahan, to sniff out the missing cash. The dog leads them to a filing cabinet, where the drug bust money is discovered, implicating Roger (Eric Normington) as the primary suspect in the evidence room’s disturbance.

4 Franks Questions Roger about Millie’s Betrayal

Roger Exposes His Dark Secrets

During the interrogation, Roger admits to Franks that his gambling addiction led him to make questionable choices, including betraying Millie’s location in exchange for money. Roger’s actions shake the entire team, highlighting the moral dilemmas that arise in high-stake situations within NIS.

3 Mary Jo’s Protective Instincts Surface

Mary Jo Confronts Roger Over Betrayal

Mary Jo’s fury is palpable when she discovers Roger’s role in jeopardizing Millie’s safety. This shows a different side of her character, driven by her emotional connection to Millie, whom she has taken under her wing. Mary Jo’s subsequent confrontation hints at her deep investment in protecting those she cares about.

2 Lala Reaches Out to Eddie

Gibbs Supports Lala in Taking a Step forward

Gibbs encourages Lala to reconnect with Eddie post-breakup. This prompts Lala to reflect on her feelings and the impact of their past relationship, contemplating whether to rekindle that connection.

1 Kowalski Makes Peace with His Past

Herm Aides Kowalski in Moving Forward

In the episode’s concluding moments, Kowalski returns to NIS and symbolically gifts Herm his keepsake stone from Korea. This act signifies his acceptance of companionship and personal growth, underscoring the transformative arcs within the narrative.

Catch up on NCIS: Origins Season 1 exclusively on Paramount+ for more thrilling story developments!

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