NCIS Season 18, Episode 12: Who is Nick Torres’s father?

After an unexpected break, NCIS Season 18, Episode 12 introduced us to a new face. This time in the form of Miguel Torres, the estranged father of our favorite Agent Nick Torres. Having abandoned his family 30 years ago, Nick has not seen his father since and believes him to be dead. This all changes when his father is a suspect in a murder.

During the investigation into the stabbing of Marine Staff Sgt. Richard Larson, the team recovers DNA that is a familial match for Nick. At first, he doesn’t know who it could be as his family is in various parts of the country. Eventually, security footage of the suspect’s car leads them to a hotel.

It is here Nick discovers his father is very much alive. Hurt and angry, he can only watch as McGee interrogates the man. Without even speaking a word, it is clear from Nick’s facial expressions that there is years worth of pain as he struggles with the knowledge his father is alive.

As it turns out, Miguel has been working as an operative for the CIA and is looking for another Marine who is responsible for Larson’s death. The investigation heats up as Nick is also trying to handle the emotional toll his father’s appearance has on him.

NCIS Season 18, Episode 12 finds Nick confronting his father

Throughout the episode, Ellie is the one who manages to get through to Nick, either with a look or staying by his side, encouraging him to give things a shot with his dad. Even though Nick gets an explanation for why his father left, that his work created more enemies and he was trying to keep the family safe, it doesn’t take away what he did in the past.

After their suspect abducts a bank manager, the team is able to track them to the manager’s cabin. Nick and Miguel find out that their suspect was actually framed by CIA Officer Walsh, who hired Miguel in an effort to find the man she was framing. When they are attacked by her hitmen, Miguel manages to save Nick’s life.

It does seem like there is a chance for them to bond. But unfortunately, Nick is left disappointed once again. But who does he turn to? No one else but Gibbs, who at this point, is practically the team’s dad.

NCIS Season 18, Episode 12 allowed us to see another side to Nick that really spoke to who he is as a person. We’ve seen him grow in the last five years, just like the team, and his background really defined who he is today. Wilmer Valderrama did really good work with the material he was given.

In addition to Nick’s story, we also got to see Gibbs at home, trying to curb the boredom brought on by not working. He doesn’t seem to be in any rush to go back to work. But is he ready to retire? It’s still a question they have left unanswered.

What did you think of Nick’s father? Let us know in the comments below your thoughts on NCIS Season 18, Episode 12.

Watch NCIS every Tuesday on CBS. Catch up the next day on Paramount+.