NCIS season 15#ep339
{{Use American English|date=May 2025}}
{{short description|Season of television series}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=September 2017}}
{{Infobox television season
| season_number = 15
| bgcolour = #FF6243
| image = NCIS,_The_Fifteenth_Season.jpg
| caption = Season 15 U.S. DVD cover
| starring = {{Plainlist|
- Mark Harmon
- Pauley Perrette
- Sean Murray
- Wilmer Valderrama
- Maria Bello
- Emily Wickersham
- Brian Dietzen
- Duane Henry
- Rocky Carroll
- David McCallum
}}
| num_episodes = 24
| network = CBS
| first_aired = {{Start date|2017|9|26}}
| last_aired = {{End date|2018|5|22}}
| episode_list = List of NCIS episodes
}}
The fifteenth season of the American police procedural drama NCIS premiered on September 26, 2017, in the same time slot as in the previous seasons, Tuesdays at 8 PM. The season premiere was watched by 17.42 million viewers,{{cite web|url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/dvr-ratings/broadcast-live-7-ratings-sept-25-oct-1-2017/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171013220040/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/dvr-ratings/broadcast-live-7-ratings-sept-25-oct-1-2017/|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 13, 2017|title='This Is Us' and 'The Good Doctor' score big in premiere week broadcast Live +7 ratings|first=Rick|last=Porter|date=October 13, 2017}} picking up two months after Gibbs and McGee were last seen fighting a group of rebels in Paraguay and focused on the aftermath of those events. The season concluded on May 22, 2018 and contained 24 episodes.
NCIS revolves around a fictional team of special agents from the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, which conducts criminal investigations involving the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. Jennifer Esposito, who portrayed Special Agent Alexandra Quinn, did not return as a series regular this season. Maria Bello joined the cast as Dr. Jacqueline "Jack" Sloane, NCIS Senior Resident Agent and operational psychologist (episodes 4–24). After 15 years of playing Abby Sciuto, Pauley Perrette left the show in episode 22 "Two Steps Back." Duane Henry, who plays Clayton Reeves, also left the show as he was killed off in the same episode. CBS renewed NCIS for both seasons fourteen and fifteen on Monday, February 29, 2016.
Cast
=Main=
- Mark Harmon as Leroy Jethro Gibbs, NCIS Supervisory Special Agent (SSA) of the Major Case Response Team (MCRT) assigned to Washington's Navy Yard
- Pauley Perrette as Abby Sciuto, Forensic Specialist for NCIS (episodes 1–22)
- Sean Murray as Timothy McGee, NCIS Senior Special Agent, Second in Command of MCRT
- Wilmer Valderrama as Nick Torres, NCIS Special Agent
- Maria Bello as Dr. Jacqueline "Jack" Sloane, NCIS Senior Resident Agent and Operational Psychologist (episodes 5–24; special guest episode 4)
- Emily Wickersham as Eleanor "Ellie" Bishop, NCIS Special Agent
- Brian Dietzen as Dr. Jimmy Palmer, Assistant Medical Examiner for NCIS
- Duane Henry as Clayton Reeves, MI6 intelligence operative (episodes 1–22)
- Rocky Carroll as Leon Vance, NCIS Director
- David McCallum as Dr. Donald "Ducky" Mallard, Chief Medical Examiner for NCIS
=Recurring=
- Joe Spano as Tobias Fornell, former FBI Senior Special Agent
- Robert Wagner as Anthony DiNozzo, Sr., father of former NCIS Special Agent Anthony DiNozzo
- Jack Conley as Danny Sportelli, Metro P.D. Detective Sergeant
- Margo Harshman as Delilah Fielding-McGee, DoD Intelligence Analyst and McGee's wife
- Patrick Labyorteaux as Bud Roberts, JAG Captain from Falls Church
- French Stewart as Paul Triff, incarcerated serial killer
- Laura San Giacomo as Dr. Grace Confalone, psychotherapist
- Marco Sanchez as Alejandro Rivera, incarcerated former official in the Mexican Justice Department and enemy of Gibbs
- Pej Vahdat as Nigel Hakim, British Humanitarian
- Kent Shocknek as Guy Ross, ZNN News Anchor
- Sumalee Montano as Nicole Taggart, NCIS Special Agent
- Diona Reasonover as Kasie Hines, Forensic Specialist for NCIS and temporary replacement for Abby after she resigns
- Naomi Grace as Kayla Vance, Leon Vance's daughter
- Hilary Ward as Jessica Shaeffer, Defense Attorney
- Don Lake as Phillip Brooks, Navy Captain
- Peter Jason as Robert King, Biological Weapons Specialist
=Guest appearances=
- Muse Watson as Mike Franks, deceased retired Senior Special Agent for NCIS and Gibbs' former boss
- Drew Carey as John Ross, retired Marine Sergeant
- Kevin Pollak as Albert Hathaway, convicted Investment Advisor
- Dan Lauria as Morgan Cade, Emergency Room Guard
- Trevor Donovan as Thomas Buckner, Navy Commander
- Susan Blakely as Cadence Darwin, Ducky's friend
- Gwendoline Yeo as Joanna Wright, NCIS Special Agent
- Jake Busey as Whit Dexter, Radio Host
- Mike Wolfe as himself
- Amanda Payton as Misty Boxlarter
Production
File:MariaBelloSept2013TIFF.jpg's first season as a regular]]
The series was renewed for fourteenth and fifteenth seasons by CBS on Monday, February 29, 2016. It was announced that Jennifer Esposito, who portrayed NCIS agent Alexandra Quinn, had departed{{cite web |url=https://deadline.com/2017/06/jennifer-esposito-leaving-ncis-cbs-john-travolta-feature-speed-kills-1202110429/ |title=Jennifer Esposito Leaving 'NCIS' After One Season | Deadline |date=June 9, 2017 |access-date=2017-07-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170728075812/http://deadline.com/2017/06/jennifer-esposito-leaving-ncis-cbs-john-travolta-feature-speed-kills-1202110429/ |archive-date=July 28, 2017 |url-status=live}} and would be replaced by Maria Bello as Agent Jackie Sloane — a new series regular, beginning with episode 15:5.{{cite web |url=http://tvline.com/2017/07/27/maria-bello-ncis-season-15-cast/ |title=Maria Bello Joins 'NCIS' Season 15 as Series Regular | TVLine |date=July 27, 2017 |access-date=2017-07-28 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170727234217/http://tvline.com/2017/07/27/maria-bello-ncis-season-15-cast/ |archive-date=July 27, 2017 |df=mdy-all }} Bello inked a three-year deal to remain with the show through until the end of its seventeenth season.{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/maria-bello-joins-ncis-as-series-regular-season-15-1024761|title=Maria Bello Joins 'NCIS' as Series Regular for Season 15|website=The Hollywood Reporter|date=July 27, 2017 |access-date=March 17, 2023|archive-date=November 25, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201125145056/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/maria-bello-joins-ncis-as-series-regular-season-15-1024761|url-status=live}} Production began in July 2017 with the rest of cast members returning.
Showrunners Frank Cardea and George Schenck (in their first full season at the helm) wanted to focus Season 15 around a "good mystery and more stand-alone episodes than two or three-parters."{{cite web|url=https://parade.com/571335/paulettecohn/ncis-bosses-frank-cardea-and-george-schenck-on-the-season-14-finale-and-what-lies-ahead/|title=NCIS Bosses Frank Cardea and George Schenck on the Season 14 Finale and What Lies Ahead|first=Paulette|last=Cohn|date=May 15, 2017 |access-date=March 17, 2023|archive-date=December 27, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221227104722/https://parade.com/571335/paulettecohn/ncis-bosses-frank-cardea-and-george-schenck-on-the-season-14-finale-and-what-lies-ahead/|url-status=live}} However, they noted that they wouldn't shy away from multi-part episodes if the story was deemed worth it. This season included a three-episode arc revolving around serial killer Gabriel Hicks, the episodes being: "Burden of Proof", "Keep Your Friends Close", and "Keep Your Enemies Closer".
As to Quinn's departure, Special Agent Torres (Wilmer Valderrama) stated in 15:1 ("House Divided") that Quinn is now on leave taking care of her mother; this coincides with a running story-arc her character had maintained for some time. The specific turnover point between Quinn & Sloane's characters occurs at the end of 15:4, when Bello's character premieres. In another central casting announcement, TV Line reported on October 4, 2017, that founding NCIS actress Pauley Perrette would be leaving the role of "Abby Sciuto" after the conclusion of season fifteen.{{cite web|url=http://tvline.com/2017/10/04/ncis-pauley-perrette-leaving-after-season-15-abby-sciuto/|title=NCIS: Yes, Pauley Perrette Is Truly Leaving — Find Out When|first=Ryan|last=Schwartz|date=October 4, 2017|publisher=TV Line|access-date=March 17, 2023|archive-date=February 21, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180221100849/https://tvline.com/2017/10/04/ncis-pauley-perrette-leaving-after-season-15-abby-sciuto/|url-status=live}} Perrette's final episode was episode 22, which aired on May 8, 2018.{{cite web|url=http://tvline.com/2018/04/06/ncis-pauley-perrette-leaving-season-15-photos-final-episode/|title=NCIS' Pauley Perrette Wraps 15-Year Run, Shares Photos From Set|first=Matt Webb|last=Mitovich|date=April 7, 2018|access-date=March 17, 2023|archive-date=December 27, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221227104718/https://tvline.com/2018/04/06/ncis-pauley-perrette-leaving-season-15-photos-final-episode/|url-status=live}} Also, in this episode, Duane Henry (Clayton Reeves) was written off the show.
NCIS was renewed for a sixteenth season on April 13, 2018, following a deal with Mark Harmon to return for an additional two years.{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2018/tv/news/ncis-season-16-renewed-cbs-1202752712/|title=CBS Renews 'NCIS' For Season 16|first=Danielle|last=Turchiano|date=April 13, 2018|access-date=March 17, 2023|archive-date=December 27, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221227104722/https://variety.com/2018/tv/news/ncis-season-16-renewed-cbs-1202752712/|url-status=live}}
Episodes
{{see also|List of NCIS episodes}}
{{#invoke:Episode list|sublist|NCIS season 15
|EpisodeNumber = 331
|EpisodeNumber2 = 1
|Title = House Divided
|DirectedBy = Tony Wharmby
|WrittenBy = Steven D. Binder
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2017|9|26}}
|ProdCode = 1501
|Viewers = 13.29{{#invoke:Cite|web|url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/daily-ratings/tuesday-final-ratings-sept-26-2017/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170928012235/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/daily-ratings/tuesday-final-ratings-sept-26-2017/|url-status=dead|archive-date=September 28, 2017|title=Bull, Voice, This Is Us adjust up, L&O True Crime and Brooklyn Nine-Nine down: Tuesday final ratings|work=TV by the Numbers|last=Porter|first=Rick|date=September 27, 2017|access-date=September 27, 2017}}
|ShortSummary = The team continues their search for Gibbs and McGee two months after they went missing fighting rebels in Paraguay. Vance and Torres are summoned to a congressional hearing regarding the fallout from said mission.
|LineColor = #FF6243
}}
{{#invoke:Episode list|sublist|NCIS season 15
|EpisodeNumber = 332
|EpisodeNumber2 = 2
|Title = Twofer
|DirectedBy = James Whitmore Jr.
|WrittenBy = Scott Williams
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2017|10|3}}
|ProdCode = 1502
|ShortSummary = NCIS investigate the body of a murdered Navy lieutenant, who disappeared over a year ago. Gibbs and McGee must pass a psych evaluation to official resume working.
|LineColor = #FF6243
}}
{{#invoke:Episode list|sublist|NCIS season 15
|EpisodeNumber = 333
|EpisodeNumber2 = 3
|Title = Exit Strategy
|DirectedBy = Terrence O'Hara
|WrittenBy = Christopher J. Waild
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2017|10|10}}
|ProdCode = 1503
|ShortSummary = When an undercover cop suddenly reappears after faking their death 10 years earlier, chaos ensues.
|LineColor = #FF6243
}}
{{#invoke:Episode list|sublist|NCIS season 15
|EpisodeNumber = 334
|EpisodeNumber2 = 4
|Title = Skeleton Crew
|DirectedBy = Rocky Carroll
|WrittenBy = Jennifer Corbett
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2017|10|17}}
|ProdCode = 1504
|ShortSummary = In the midst of a storm that has shut down Washington, DC and knocked out power, the NCIS team investigates the kidnapping of a sailor, which sends Torres and Bishop out to sea to track evidence.
Note: First appearance of Maria Bello as Jacqueline Sloane. She is credited as a "Special Guest Star."
|LineColor = #FF6243
}}
{{#invoke:Episode list|sublist|NCIS season 15
|EpisodeNumber = 335
|EpisodeNumber2 = 5
|Title = Fake It 'Til You Make It
|DirectedBy = Thomas J. Wright
|WrittenBy = David J. North
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2017|10|24}}
|ProdCode = 1506
|ShortSummary = After Reeves sees his friend get kidnapped, the NCIS team discovers the primary suspect disappeared two days ago with confidential military information. Meanwhile, a photo from McGee's teenage years becomes a popular meme.
Note: Maria Bello (Jacqueline Sloane) is added to the opening credits.
|LineColor = #FF6243
}}
{{#invoke:Episode list|sublist|NCIS season 15
|EpisodeNumber = 336
|EpisodeNumber2 = 6
|Title = Trapped
|DirectedBy = Bethany Rooney
|WrittenBy = Brendan Fehily
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2017|10|31}}
|ProdCode = 1505
|ShortSummary = After a petty officer is found murdered, McGee spends hours on a victim's ham radio trying to locate a key witness. Meanwhile, Palmer asks co-workers to donate to a charity that builds playgrounds for kids of all abilities.
|LineColor = #FF6243
}}
{{#invoke:Episode list|sublist|NCIS season 15
|EpisodeNumber = 337
|EpisodeNumber2 = 7
|Title = Burden of Proof
|DirectedBy = Dennis Smith
|WrittenBy = Gina Lucita Monreal
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2017|11|7}}
|ProdCode = 1507
|ShortSummary = Convicted felon Gabriel Hicks swears that NCIS framed him for murder a decade ago, so Gibbs begins his own investigation starting with a new autopsy by Ducky. They quickly determine two serious issues: the killer was left-handed while Hicks is right-handed, and there was a mysterious witness who was never found. Senior FBI Agent Fornell (Joe Spano) joins the team, since he was the lead investigator in the original joint FBI and NCIS case, but only to convince Gibbs that Hicks is lying. When the witness is found, Gibbs learns that not only was Hicks not the person they saw, but Fornell found her at the time and buried this evidence to convict Hicks. Forced to choose between destroying his friend's career or keeping an innocent man imprisoned, Gibbs reveals the evidence and Hicks is released. Gibbs later discovers that Hicks is in fact ambidextrous, meaning he played them all.
|LineColor = #FF6243
}}
{{#invoke:Episode list|sublist|NCIS season 15
|EpisodeNumber = 338
|EpisodeNumber2 = 8
|Title = Voices
|DirectedBy = Tony Wharmby
|WrittenBy = Steven D. Binder
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2017|11|14}}
|ProdCode = 1508
|ShortSummary = After voices inside a woman's head lead her to the body of a contractor suspected of corruption, the team is requested to use her to figure out what happened only to find she may be hiding more than she realizes. Meanwhile, McGee and Delilah disagree about finding out their child's gender.
|LineColor = #FF6243
}}
{{#invoke:Episode list|sublist|NCIS season 15
|EpisodeNumber = 339
|EpisodeNumber2 = 9
|Title = Ready or Not
|DirectedBy = Terrence O'Hara
|WrittenBy = Scott Williams
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2017|11|21}}
|ProdCode = 1509
|ShortSummary = While preparing for Thanksgiving, the team hunts for international arms dealer Andre Yorka, who recently murdered an MI5 officer who was Sloane's close friend. Things gets more complicated when the arms dealer shows up at the same hospital Delilah and McGee are in, and its up to McGee and Emergency Room Guard Morgan Cade (Dan Lauria) to keep everyone safe.
|LineColor = #FF6243
}}
{{#invoke:Episode list|sublist|NCIS season 15
|EpisodeNumber = 340
|EpisodeNumber2 = 10
|Title = Double Down
|DirectedBy = Alrick Riley
|WrittenBy = Christopher J. Waild
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2017|12|12}}
|ProdCode = 1510
|ShortSummary = Sloane and Torres are on assignment protecting a senator (and one of Gibbs' friends) in Afghanistan, but it is called off early when his son suffers a damaging fall. Sloane and Torres attempt to get the senator back to the U.S. as safely as possible, but due to the congressman’s continual interference in the hope of getting there faster, the group end up stranded in the desert after driving through a minefield on the wrong route, with insurgents in the area and life-threatening injuries. Now they must try to survive long enough to find a way to reach help while trying to get back before the son dies.
|LineColor = #FF6243
}}
{{#invoke:Episode list|sublist|NCIS season 15
|EpisodeNumber = 341
|EpisodeNumber2 = 11
|Title = High Tide
|DirectedBy = Tony Wharmby
|WrittenBy = David J. North & Steven D. Binder
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2018|1|2}}
|ProdCode = 1512
|ShortSummary = An investigation into a drug ring sends Torres and Bishop undercover as a criminal couple.
|LineColor = #FF6243
}}
{{#invoke:Episode list|sublist|NCIS season 15
|EpisodeNumber = 342
|EpisodeNumber2 = 12
|Title = Dark Secrets
|DirectedBy = Bethany Rooney
|WrittenBy = George Schenck & Frank Cardea
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2018|1|9}}
|ProdCode = 1511
|ShortSummary = A Navy Lieutenant JAG lawyer that appeared to have a happy life is found dead by her parents in an apparent suicide. Capt. Bud Roberts (Patrick Labyorteaux) helps in the investigation.
|LineColor = #FF6243
}}
{{#invoke:Episode list|sublist|NCIS season 15
|EpisodeNumber = 343
|EpisodeNumber2 = 13
|Title = Family Ties
|DirectedBy = Rocky Carroll
|WrittenBy = Brendan Fehily
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2018|1|23}}
|ProdCode = 1513
|ShortSummary = After McGee and Torres visit the home of a high schooler who witnessed a hit and run, her parents flee with their daughter, leaving NCIS in the lurch.
|LineColor = #FF6243
}}
{{#invoke:Episode list|sublist|NCIS season 15
|EpisodeNumber = 344
|EpisodeNumber2 = 14
|Title = Keep Your Friends Close
|DirectedBy = Mark Horowitz
|WrittenBy = Gina Lucita Monreal
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2018|2|6}}
|ProdCode = 1514
|ShortSummary = Sloane continues NCIS' investigation into serial killer Gabriel Hicks. The episode ends in a cliffhanger, as Hicks' lawyer’s car is blown up, leaving Sloane in the middle of the road, unconscious.
|LineColor = #FF6243
}}
{{#invoke:Episode list|sublist|NCIS season 15
|EpisodeNumber = 345
|EpisodeNumber2 = 15
|Title = Keep Your Enemies Closer
|DirectedBy = Thomas J. Wright
|WrittenBy = Jennifer Corbett
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2018|2|27}}
|ProdCode = 1515
|ShortSummary = Sloane determines that Gabriel Hicks killed his lawyer because she uncovered something that proves his guilt. Much to McGee’s ire, NCIS strikes a deal with Hicks' former cellmate, convicted murderer Paul Triff (French Stewart), giving him a 48-hour furlough at his former residence (now McGee's home) because in exchange, Triff would provide information that can convict Hicks.
|LineColor = #FF6243
}}
{{#invoke:Episode list|sublist|NCIS season 15
|EpisodeNumber = 346
|EpisodeNumber2 = 16
|Title = Handle with Care
|DirectedBy = Alrick Riley
|WrittenBy = Scott J. Jarrett & Matthew R. Jarrett
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2018|3|6}}
|ProdCode = 1516
|ShortSummary = The team works to clear the name of a retired Marine sergeant, who famously was held prisoner by insurgents for five years, when cyanide is found in one of the packages he sends to active-duty Marines.
|LineColor = #FF6243
}}
{{#invoke:Episode list|sublist|NCIS season 15
|EpisodeNumber = 347
|EpisodeNumber2 = 17
|Title = One Man's Trash
|DirectedBy = Michael Zinberg
|WrittenBy = Scott Williams
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2018|3|13}}
|ProdCode = 1517
|ShortSummary = Gibbs and Ducky see an antique war stick on television that could be the missing murder weapon to a 16-year-old cold case. Features a guest appearance from Mike Wolfe of American Pickers.
|LineColor = #FF6243
}}
{{#invoke:Episode list|sublist|NCIS season 15
|EpisodeNumber = 348
|EpisodeNumber2 = 18
|Title = Death from Above
|DirectedBy = Rocky Carroll
|WrittenBy = Christopher J. Waild
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2018|3|27}}
|ProdCode = 1518
|ShortSummary = The headquarters are evacuated when the team finds a body and bomb materials on the roof of the squad room.
|LineColor = #FF6243
}}
{{#invoke:Episode list|sublist|NCIS season 15
|EpisodeNumber = 349
|EpisodeNumber2 = 19
|Title = The Numerical Limit
|DirectedBy = Leslie Libman
|WrittenBy = David J. North & Steven D. Binder
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2018|4|3}}
|ProdCode = 1519
|ShortSummary = Gibbs is granted protective custody of a 10-year-old orphaned refugee when a case reveals she is the target of a violent gang.
|LineColor = #FF6243
}}
{{#invoke:Episode list|sublist|NCIS season 15
|EpisodeNumber = 350
|EpisodeNumber2 = 20
|Title = Sight Unseen
|DirectedBy = Bethany Rooney
|WrittenBy = Brendan Fehily
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2018|4|17}}
|ProdCode = 1520
|ShortSummary = NCIS searches for a petty officer suspected of assault who escapes when the sheriff transporting him crashes into a lake. Torres works closely with Annie Barth, a key blind witness who heard vital evidence needed to solve the case.
At the end of the episode, Torres takes Annie to lunch, which seems to annoy Bishop.
|LineColor = #FF6243
}}
{{#invoke:Episode list|sublist|NCIS season 15
|EpisodeNumber = 351
|EpisodeNumber2 = 21
|Title = One Step Forward
|DirectedBy = James Whitmore Jr.
|WrittenBy = Gina Lucita Monreal
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2018|5|1}}
|ProdCode = 1521
|ShortSummary = A daughter begs Gibbs to investigate her mother's murder because she believes the police convicted the wrong man. Abby receives a hard-to-get reservation at a new restaurant that is cold like an igloo. The reservation is for two people, so Abby contemplates which of her colleagues to take with her. She eventually decides to bring Reeves after seeing his charity work with homeless veterans. The episode ends in a cliffhanger, with a mugger cornering Abby and Reeves in an alley, pulling a gun and demanding money. Reeves hands over his wallet, but Abby offers to help instead of giving up her purse. A single gunshot sounds.
|LineColor = #FF6243
}}
{{#invoke:Episode list|sublist|NCIS season 15
|EpisodeNumber = 352
|EpisodeNumber2 = 22
|Title = Two Steps Back
|DirectedBy = Michael Zinberg
|WrittenBy = Jennifer Corbett
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2018|5|8}}
|ProdCode = 1522
|ShortSummary = Reeves dies from injuries sustained in the gunfight with the mugger leaving Abby in the hospital. The mugger was hired by Robert King (see episode 6x21 "Toxic"), who held a grudge against Abby since his arrest, and Abby privately brings him to justice. Looking over Reeves' dead body in the autopsy room, Abby vows to carry on his wish to start a charity in his native London, deciding to leave NCIS to do so.
'Note: This is the final appearance by Pauley Perrette & Duane Henry as NCIS series regulars. They remain in the opening credits for the rest of the season.
|LineColor = #FF6243
}}
{{#invoke:Episode list|sublist|NCIS season 15
|EpisodeNumber = 353
|EpisodeNumber2 = 23
|Title = Fallout
|DirectedBy = Terrence O'Hara
|WrittenBy = {{WritingCredits|t=David J. North & Christopher J. Waild|s=Christopher J. Waild|order=t}}
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2018|5|15}}
|ProdCode = 1523
|ShortSummary = While Gibbs attends the memorial service for a friend who was lost at sea, he discovers that the deceased has been hiding in a fallout shelter after his boat was attacked and he swam to shore. Meanwhile, the NCIS team has to come to terms with the reality of losing Abby and Reeves.
|LineColor = #FF6243
}}
{{#invoke:Episode list|sublist|NCIS season 15
|EpisodeNumber = 354
|EpisodeNumber2 = 24
|Title = Date with Destiny
|DirectedBy = Tony Wharmby
|WrittenBy = Scott Williams & George Schenck & Frank Cardea
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2018|5|22}}
|ProdCode = 1524
|ShortSummary = While on a blind date set up by McGee and Delilah, Sloane encounters a random man who she recognizes as one of her captors from her deployment in Afghanistan and gets arrested for attacking him. Vance, Sloane, and McGee investigate the identity of Sloane’s captor, and learn that the unidentified man is Nigel Hakim (Pej Vahdat), a British humanitarian worker attached to the British embassy. After replaying an audio recording for a Marine officer who was captured with Sloane, they properly identify Hakim as the captor. While Sloane attempts to assassinate Hakim, Gibbs intervenes and offers his assistance in apprehending him. Sloane’s efforts are proven to be futile when the team learns that Hakim had already left the country on another plane. The episode ends in a cliffhanger when, unknown to the team, Hakim has already kidnapped Vance. Meanwhile, the NCIS team investigates a naval destroyer for a potential bomb threat, which is later revealed to be a false report given by the captain’s son in order to spend more time with his father.
|LineColor = #FF6243
}}
{{End|Episode table|html=y}}
Reception
Season 15 was praised for its sharp cases and bringing new life into characters and series,{{cite web|url=https://cartermatt.com/296488/ncis-absentia-tv-madness-2018-round-1/|title=NCIS and Absentia face off in TV Madness 2018 round 1|date=March 11, 2018|access-date=March 17, 2023|archive-date=February 11, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210211211603/https://cartermatt.com/296488/ncis-absentia-tv-madness-2018-round-1/|url-status=live}} with Matt Carter of CarterMatt.com citing "the arrival of Maria Bello and the creative direction of the new showrunners; this has been the best season overall since season 10"{{cite web|url=http://tvline.com/2016/11/04/ncis-season-14-new-showrunners-replace-late-gary-glasberg/|title=NCIS Vets Named New Showrunners|last=Mitovich|first=Matt Webb|work=TVLine|date=November 4, 2016|access-date=March 17, 2023|archive-date=May 16, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220516194425/https://tvline.com/2016/11/04/ncis-season-14-new-showrunners-replace-late-gary-glasberg/|url-status=live}} as chief reasons for this revival. Sara Netzley of Entertainment Weekly said, in reference to the positive changes, "now here's the show we’ve enjoyed for years", noting that it was "dark and twisty", giving it an 'A' rating.{{cite magazine|url=https://ew.com/recap/ncis-season-15-episode-7/|title=NCIS recap: 'Burden of Proof'|last=Netzley|first=Sara|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|date=November 7, 2017|access-date=March 17, 2023|archive-date=February 11, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210211195202/https://ew.com/recap/ncis-season-15-episode-7/|url-status=live}}
Season 15 of NCIS was CBS's most watched and highest rated drama on their network for another year.{{cite web|url=https://tvseriesfinale.com/tv-show/cbs-2017-18-season-ratings/|title=CBS 2017-18 Season Ratings (updated 9/27/18)|website=TV Series Finale|date=September 27, 2018|access-date=March 17, 2023|archive-date=March 17, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230317220230/https://tvseriesfinale.com/tv-show/cbs-2017-18-season-ratings/|url-status=live}} While being the most watched drama nationally,{{cite web|url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/more-tv-news/final-same-day-total-viewer-averages-for-2017-18-sunday-night-football-no-1-for-7th-straight-year/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180602083731/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/more-tv-news/final-same-day-total-viewer-averages-for-2017-18-sunday-night-football-no-1-for-7th-straight-year/|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 2, 2018|title=Final same-day total viewer averages for 2017-18: Sunday Night Football No. 1 for 7th straight year|last=Porter|first=Rick|work=TV by the Numbers|date=May 29, 2018}} beating NBC's megahit This Is Us and ABC's The Good Doctor, it also finished as the sixth most watched television program overall for 2017–2018 season.
Home media
A DVD and Blu-ray of the fifteenth season of NCIS was announced for August 21, 2018.{{cite web|url=https://www.amazon.com/NCIS-Criminal-Investigative-Service-Fifteenth/dp/B07D515635/|title=Amazon.com: NCIS: Naval Criminal Investigative Service: The Fifteenth Season: Maria Bello, Rocky Carroll, Mark Harmon, David McCallum: Movies & TV|website=amazon.com|date=August 21, 2018 |access-date=March 17, 2023|archive-date=March 17, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230317220227/https://www.amazon.com/NCIS-Criminal-Investigative-Service-Fifteenth/dp/B07D515635/|url-status=live}}
Ratings
{{Television episode ratings
| width = 99
| fontsize = 90
| title1 = House Divided
| date1 = September 26, 2017
| rs1 = 1.6/6
| dvr1 = 0.9
| dvrv1 = 4.13
| total1 = 2.5
| title2 = Twofer
| date2 = October 3, 2017
| rs2 = 1.4/5
| dvr2 = 0.8
| dvrv2 = 3.89
| total2 = 2.2
| title3 = Exit Strategy
| date3 = October 10, 2017
| rs3 = 1.4/6
| dvr3 = 0.8
| dvrv3 = 3.79
| total3 = 2.2
| title4 = Skeleton Crew
| date4 = October 17, 2017
| rs4 = 1.4/5
| dvr4 = 0.8
| dvrv4 = 4.13
| total4 = 2.2
| title5 = Fake It 'til You Make It
| date5 = October 24, 2017
| rs5 = 1.4/5
| dvr5 = 0.7
| dvrv5 = 3.83
| total5 = 2.1
| title6 = Trapped
| date6 = October 31, 2017
| rs6 = 1.2/5
| dvr6 = 0.8
| dvrv6 = 3.85
| total6 = 2.0
| title7 = Burden of Proof
| date7 = November 7, 2017
| rs7 = 1.5/6
| dvr7 = 0.7
| dvrv7 = 3.98
| total7 = 2.2
| title8 = Voices
| date8 = November 14, 2017
| rs8 = 1.5/6
| dvr8 = n/a
| dvrv8 = 3.65
| total8 = n/a
| title9 = Ready or Not
| date9 = November 21, 2017
| rs9 = 1.4/5
| dvr9 = 0.6
| dvrv9 = 3.54
| total9 = 2.0
| title10 = Double Down
| date10 = December 12, 2017
| rs10 = 1.4/5
| dvr10 = n/a
| dvrv10 = n/a
| total10 = n/a
| totalv10 = n/a
| title11 = High Tide
| date11 = January 2, 2018
| rs11 = 1.5/6
| dvr11 = 0.8
| dvrv11 = 3.87
| total11 = 2.3
| totalv11 = 17.98{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2018/tv/news/delayed-viewing-ratings-big-bang-theory-1202672447/|title=Delayed Viewing Ratings: Big Bang Theory Winter Premiere Starts 2018 Strong|last=Otterson|first=Joe|work=Variety|date=January 22, 2018|access-date=March 29, 2018|archive-date=February 11, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180211190039/https://variety.com/2018/tv/news/delayed-viewing-ratings-big-bang-theory-1202672447/|url-status=live}}
| title12 = Dark Secrets
| date12 = January 9, 2018
| rs12 = 1.5/6
| dvr12 = 0.8
| dvrv12 = 3.89
| total12 = 2.3
| title13 = Family Ties
| date13 = January 23, 2018
| rs13 = 1.5/6
| dvr13 = 0.8
| dvrv13 = 4.20
| total13 = 2.3
| title14 = Keep Your Friends Close
| date14 = February 6, 2018
| rs14 = 1.5/6
| dvr14 = 0.8
| dvrv14 = 4.11
| total14 = 2.3
| title15 = Keep Your Enemies Closer
| date15 = February 27, 2018
| rs15 = 1.2/5
| dvr15 = 0.9
| dvrv15 = 4.26
| total15 = 2.1
| title16 = Handle with Care
| date16 = March 6, 2018
| rs16 = 1.4/6
| dvr16 = 0.8
| dvrv16 = 4.43
| total16 = 2.2
| title17 = One Man's Trash
| date17 = March 13, 2018
| rs17 = 1.5/6
| dvr17 = 0.7
| dvrv17 = 4.02
| total17 = 2.2
| title18 = Death From Above
| date18 = March 27, 2018
| rs18 = 1.3/5
| dvr18 = 0.8
| dvrv18 = 4.35
| total18 = 2.1
| title19 = The Numerical Limit
| date19 = April 3, 2018
| rs19 = 1.3/5
| dvr19 = 0.7
| dvrv19 = 3.73
| total19 = 2.0
| title20 = Sight Unseen
| date20 = April 17, 2018
| rs20 = 1.2/4
| dvr20 = 0.8
| dvrv20 = 3.70
| total20 = 1.9
| title21 = One Step Forward
| date21 = May 1, 2018
| rs21 = 1.2/5
| dvr21 = 0.8
| dvrv21 = 4.38
| total21 = 2.0
| title22 = Two Steps Back
| date22 = May 8, 2018
| rs22 = 1.6/7
| dvr22 = 0.9
| dvrv22 = 4.32
| total22 = 2.5
| title23 = Fallout
| date23 = May 15, 2018
| rs23 = 1.3/5
| dvr23 = 0.7
| dvrv23 = 3.80
| total23 = 1.9
| title24 = Date with Destiny
| date24 = May 22, 2018
| rs24 = 1.3/5
| dvr24 = 0.7
| dvrv24 = 3.83
| total24 = 2.0
}}
References
{{reflist}}
External links
{{Wikiquote|NCIS (season 15)}}
- {{IMDb episodes|0364845||season 15}}
{{NCIS (franchise)}}
Category:2017 American television seasons