NCIS: Origins Episode 5 Explained – Discovering Ana’s Burial Location

Exploring the Intriguing Plot of NCIS: Origins

NCIS: Origins is a captivating investigative drama aired on CBS, nestled within the broader universe of the NCIS franchise. This series, a direct spinoff from the iconic NCIS, is headlined by the character Leroy Jethro Gibbs, portrayed by Mark Harmon.

Setting the Scene in 1991

Set in the early 1990s, the narrative revolves around Leroy Gibbs, a newly appointed agent in the Naval Investigative Service (NIS). Under the mentorship of Mike Franks, Gibbs embarks on his journey from a grieving Marine, haunted by the tragic loss of his wife and daughter, to becoming a skilled investigative agent.

Episode Highlights: The Case of Ana Larsen

In the gripping fifth episode titled Last Rites, the storyline intensifies as it delves into the case surrounding the mysterious disappearance of Ana Larsen. Alongside her lover, Captain Jonathan Rice, Ana is murdered by her husband, Albert Hope—a theology professor.

Mike Franks spearheads the investigation, successfully apprehending Hope, who admits to the murders yet refuses to disclose the location where Ana’s body is concealed. As the clock ticks, anticipation builds around the impending execution of the killer, and Franks is determined to uncover Ana’s burial site before it’s too late.

A Race Against Time

During a tense visit, Hope proposes a deal: he will reveal Ana’s burial site if her twin sister Julie comes to see him. Despite his skepticism regarding Hope’s intentions, Franks agrees, prioritizing Julie’s need for closure. Hope leads the NIS team to the site, but in a shocking twist, they discover the body he unveiled is not Ana’s but that of an eyewitness he had murdered on the same fateful night.

Unearthing Clues About Ana’s Beliefs

Back at the precinct, the team races to connect the dots. Realizing that Hope buried his victims based on their religious beliefs opens a new avenue for investigation. However, they learn that Ana did not adhere to any religion, leading Franks to the epiphany that she was likely buried in a vineyard—because Hope was convinced that wine represented her God.

Vera’s Profile Program Funding

In NCIS: Origins, the dynamic between Vera Strickland and Mike Franks illustrates the complexities of their former partnership. After a strained split, they still maintain a bond of mutual respect and concern.

In a pivotal scene, Vera presents a proposal for a profiling program during a meeting with Wheeler, only to be interrupted by Franks delivering news about the ongoing investigation. Although initially frustrated, Vera eventually learns that Franks played a crucial role in securing preliminary approval for her project, demonstrating his unwavering support.

Establishing Bonds: Gibbs and Lala

The character Lala Dominigues emerges as a key figure in NCIS: Origins, increasingly intertwined with Gibbs’s unfolding story. Initially met with resistance from Lala regarding Gibbs’s hiring, their relationship starts to evolve in this episode.

Amidst the investigation, Gibbs faces a tense encounter with Spanish-speaking civilians, nearly escalating the situation when he draws his weapon. Lala, leveraging her language skills, de-escalates the conflict. Though Gibbs apologizes, Lala decides not to report the incident to Franks, showcasing her growing trust in him.

Later, a heartfelt exchange occurs where Gibbs reflects on the loss of his beloved dog and memories of fishing with his father. Lala’s encouragement for Gibbs to go fishing signifies her desire for him to find solace and purpose again.

Conclusion and Availability

Episode 5 of NCIS: Origins intricately weaves personal struggles and professional investigations, highlighting how characters evolve through harrowing circumstances. Viewers can catch this episode now available on CBS.

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