Nancy Travis’ NCIS debut as Harriet Parker introduced a major twist, putting a key character’s life in jeopardy while Harriet holds the key to their survival.
Note: Spoilers ahead for NCIS season 23, episode 1.
In the season 23 premiere, aired on Tuesday, October 14, viewers got a peek into the past of Special Agent in Charge Alden Parker (Gary Cole) as he navigates the emotional aftermath of their father’s murder alongside his sister Harriet (Travis), both dealing with the trauma in their unique ways.
While Alden is characterized as a rebellious teen whose actions strained their father, Harriet adhered to the rules and worried about the influences on their dad’s well-being from Alden’s troubles.
Despite Alden having shared a strong bond with their father before his tragic demise, Harriet remained skeptical of any change in her brother’s character.
After avoiding Harriet’s attempts to reach him and facing scrutiny from Director Leon Vance (Rocky Carroll) due to the investigation into their father’s murder, Harriet confronted Alden at NCIS headquarters in D.C. The high-ranking admiral exuded authority and was clearly displeased with her brother as she collected their father’s personal belongings from Chief Medical Examiner Jimmy Palmer (Brian Dietzen).
“He must’ve been proud to see both his kids in service,” Jimmy remarked to Harriet while she searched for their dad’s mug adorned with naval decorations among his personal effects.
Harriet retorted, “My brother wouldn’t have been able to don the uniform even if he wished to,” alluding to Alden’s troubled past that was even more severe than what his NCIS team knew.
“People can evolve,” Jimmy replied, to which Harriet countered, “Some do, while others remain trapped in their cycles.”
Throughout the episode, Alden remained focused on bringing down Nexus cartel leader Carla Morino (Rebecca De Mornay), who had previously killed his dad after abducting Alden in the season 22 finale. Yet, the tension between him and Harriet lingered heavily on his mind.
“She adhered to the protocols, sacrificed so much, and donned the uniform,” Alden shared with Special Agent Jessica Knight (Katrina Law) in reference to Harriet.
Reacting, Knight noted, “And you carry a badge,” but Alden clarified, “that doesn’t equate to the same. Not for her.”
He articulated that losing their father makes it simpler to assign blame for the murder—even if neither sibling was to truly blame.
As the episode culminated, Alden found himself hidden aboard a carrier ship, which Carla intended to use to leave the country. While the team strategized ways to rescue Alden and neutralize Carla without mishap, Harriet and her crew assumed command of the operation.
“NCIS personnel, comply with my team’s directives and exit the area immediately,” she asserted as the Navy Special Operations team took over.
As the episode drew to a close, Harriet received orders to take down the ship in order to obliterate Carla along with the arsenal and personnel associated with active threat syndicates that the Navy had been monitoring.
“My directive is unambiguous: disable or eliminate it before it exits U.S. waters. Carla Morino attempted to deploy a dirty bomb on U.S. territory; command is not affording her another chance to try,” Harriet informed her team as Alden’s crew endeavored to dissuade her from executing the order.
“Present me with another option,” Harriet pleaded with Vance as she scrutinized the command board. “Yankee 1 and 2, you are clear to engage. Fire!”
The episode concluded with a disquieting “To be continued” message.
NCIS airs Tuesday evenings at 8 p.m. ET on CBS, followed by NCIS: Origins at 9 p.m. ET and NCIS: Sydney at 10 p.m. ET.
