NCIS season 17 episode 5 Recap and FAQ

Episode Summary

In this episode, NCIS investigates a complex murder case involving Laney, a woman bewildered by a gun found in her fridge and drugs for multiple mental health issues. The victim, Joe Cortez, is linked to her through a murder weapon, but the team uncovers a hypnosis angle, suggesting Laney might have been hypnotized into committing the crime. Suspicion falls on Dr. Pershing, her hypnotherapist, but the real culprit is revealed to be Roger Ponziak, who framed Laney to cover his own tracks. The episode concludes with Laney receiving a fair discharge and Gibbs bonding with a neighborhood kid, Phineas, over baseball.

Full Episode S17E05 Recap

### Opening Scene: Dr. Pershing's Phone Call - **Caller's relief**: The caller expresses immense gratitude to Dr. Pershing for helping them sleep through the night, a significant change in their life. ### Jethro Gibbs and Phineas - **Encounter with Phineas**: Jethro Gibbs meets a young boy, Phineas, who has recently moved in across the street. - **Window Incident**: Gibbs learns that Phineas accidentally broke his window and offers to pay for it. ### Crime Scene Investigation - **Discovery of the Gun**: NCIS team, including Gibbs and McGee, investigates a crime scene involving a gun with a suppressor and blood on it. - **Laney's Dilemma**: They question Laney, who is bewildered about how the gun ended up in her fridge. - **Drugs and Prescriptions**: The team finds numerous medications for depression, anxiety, and insomnia in Laney's possession. - **Joe Cortez's Death**: The investigation leads them to Joe Cortez's home, where they find his dead body. ### NCIS Team's Investigation Progress - **Exploring Leads**: The team follows various leads, including running the serial number of the gun and investigating Cortez's social media channel, "The Low Joe Crow Show." - **Uncovering Connections**: They struggle to find a connection between Corporal Alimonte and the victim, Joe Cortez. - **Hypnosis Angle**: Laney suggests she might have been hypnotized to commit the murder, leading the team to explore the possibility of hypno-homicide. ### Dr. Pershing's Interrogation - **Skepticism about Hypnosis**: Gibbs and his team are skeptical about the idea of someone being hypnotized to commit murder. - **Dr. Pershing's Defense**: Dr. Pershing denies any wrongdoing, insisting hypnosis can't force someone to commit a crime. ### Confronting the Truth - **Breakthrough in the Case**: The team discovers evidence that points to Roger Ponziak, who was having an affair with Joe Cortez, as the murderer. - **Unraveling the Plan**: They deduce that Ponziak framed Laney for the murder, exploiting her therapy sessions and medical conditions. - **Ponziak's Confession**: Under interrogation, Ponziak eventually confesses to the crime. ### Closing Scenes - **Resolution for Laney**: Laney's discharge from the Marines is upgraded to general, allowing her to receive proper medical care. - **Gibbs and Phineas**: The episode closes with a heartwarming scene of Gibbs teaching Phineas how to play baseball.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Dr. Pershing?

Dr. Pershing is a therapist mentioned in the episode, associated with helping a patient sleep through the night.

Who is Jethro Gibbs?

Jethro Gibbs is a main character in the show, an NCIS Special Agent.

What is the significance of the nine millimeter gun with a suppressor?

The gun is a key piece of evidence in a murder investigation.

Who is Laney?

Laney is a character under investigation for the possibility of her involvement in the murder, found with the gun in her fridge.

What medications are found in Laney's possession?

Laney has several prescriptions for depression, anxiety, and insomnia.

Who is Joe Cortez?

Joe Cortez is a victim in the murder case, found dead in his home.

What is "The Low Joe Crow Show"?

It's a social media channel hosted by Joe Cortez.

What is the theory of hypno-homicide in the episode?

The theory suggests that someone could be hypnotized to commit a murder.

Is Dr. Pershing accused of hypnotizing someone to commit murder?

Yes, Dr. Pershing is suspected of using hypnosis to compel someone to commit murder.

Who is Roger Ponziak?

Roger Ponziak is a character who eventually confesses to murdering Joe Cortez.

How was Laney framed for the murder?

Laney was framed by having her fingerprints planted on the murder weapon.

What led to the suspicion of Roger Ponziak?

The team discovers his affair with Cortez's girlfriend and his motive for murder.

What is the outcome for Laney?

Laney's discharge from the Marines is upgraded to general, allowing her access to medical care.

What does Gibbs do at the end of the episode?

Gibbs teaches Phineas, a young boy, how to play baseball.

Is hypnosis proven to be a tool for murder in the episode?

The episode explores the concept but leaves it ambiguous whether hypnosis can be used to compel murder.

NCIS season 17 episode 5

Wide Awake