NCIS season 19 episode 3: Who ordered the hits?

NCIS season 19 episode 3 was definitely one of those episodes that left us scratching our heads. There was quite a bit going on here and we’re interested in seeing where they take things. The last episode left off with Gibbs shooting LeMere to save Kacie after she was held hostage at letter opener point.

In this episode, LeMere is taking Gibbs and Agent Park on a road trip to find his first victim. It’s clear that there is a reason behind this trip, but they are unaware of what that is at the moment. The rest of the team continue diving into who was paying LeMere to murder innocent people.

They eventually discover that a company called Sonova Industries, led by Sonia Eberhart, is responsible for the payments. However, the woman in question denies knowing who it could be, considering her company employs thousands of individuals.

The journey to find this supposed “first victim” is a long one and LeMere spends it basically laying out Gibbs’ history as though it is his own. We do have to wonder how he would know any of these things? Especially later once they abandon Agent Park and LeMere brings up McGee’s shooting. Somehow, this is the one that pushes Gibbs over the edge.

NCIS season 19 episode 3 focuses on finding out who ordered the hit

It’s clear Gibbs has always struggled over the decision he made in saving McGee. But to see just how affected he was and how the events over the course of his life have affected his work is also telling. Will this be a catalyst to Gibbs saying goodbye to the job for good?

After doing research into one aspect of the company known as Skylark, the team and Kacie learn that the company was watching four of their victims. One of whom is the actual first victim that LeMere is supposedly leading Gibbs to.

Can we just stop for a moment and appreciate Jimmy? At one point down in autopsy with the victim, Agent Park comes in and asks “What is that?” Jimmy immediately retorts back, emphasizing that the person on his table is a “she.” He put a voice to the victim, something that he has done before and something he learned from watching Ducky over the years. He stood up for the victim and it was a moment that was seriously so wonderful and impressive.

The team eventually discovers that Sonova is attempting to build a copper mine in Alaska, but it would be harmful to the environment. Four of the victims were involved in various aspects of work that would deter the mine from being built. The rest of the victims were basically red herrings to hide the true reasons behind the murders.

Overall, this episode left more questions than answers. But it looks like Gibbs and McGee are ready to go to Alaska and find out what is going on. So we just need to sit back and see where NCIS wants to go from here.

What did you think of NCIS season 19 episode 3? Let us know in the comments below.

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