NCIS has aired over 400 episodes over the course of its seasons, with many of them being standouts and memorable. The best NCIS episodes are not only about the complex cases, but also about the emotional moments and character development. Here are some of the most beloved and critically acclaimed episodes in NCIS history:
1. “Kill Ari” (Season 3, Episodes 1-2)
This episode kicks off the third season and is one of the most important episodes in the series, as it resolves one of the most intense love triangles between Ziva David, Tony DiNozzo, and a formidable enemy. “Kill Ari” also marks the end of a major phase in Ziva’s story as she comes to terms with the death of her father and joins NCIS. It’s an emotional and action-packed episode.
2. “Twilight” (Season 5, Episode 1)
In this episode, Gibbs and his team are faced with a complicated case involving forgery and money laundering in the military. However, “Twilight” stands out not only because of its compelling plot but also because of the deep development of the characters, especially Gibbs. This episode shows that Gibbs is a team leader who is not only intelligent but also very compassionate when having to make difficult decisions related to a case related to a friend’s past.
3. “Requiem” (Season 5, Episode 11)
This is an extremely touching episode, especially for those who love the character Caitlin Todd (played by Sasha Alexander). This episode is an emotional farewell to Caitlin after she sacrificed herself in a tense confrontation with terrorists. “Requiem” is not only a thrilling episode but also a lesson in friendship, sacrifice and loyalty.
4. “Shalom” (Season 6, Episode 1)
The season 6 opener is one of the most important episodes of NCIS, as Ziva David returns after the death of her brother. This episode not only provides new details about Ziva but also takes viewers on an emotional and tense story, as Ziva faces family members and old enemies. The relationship between Ziva and Gibbs also continues to develop, and this is one of the most profound episodes about team relationships.
5. “Hiatus” (Season 3, Episodes 23-24)
This episode witnessed one of the most memorable events in NCIS: Gibbs is seriously injured in a clash with the enemy and has to go through a long recovery period. This is one of the more dramatic episodes, with a lot of tension as the team works without Gibbs’ direct direction. This episode shows the power of unity and teamwork, and is also an important milestone in the development of the relationship between Gibbs and the team members.
6. “Judgment Day” (Season 7, Episode 24)
One of the most thrilling and dramatic episodes of NCIS, “Judgment Day” features an extremely tense case where the NCIS team faces an organized crime group. This episode not only stands out for its thrilling action but also for the surprising twists on some of the characters, especially the decisions that the characters have to make in difficult situations.
7. “Aliyah” (Season 7, Episode 4)
This episode is a major milestone in Ziva David’s story. “Aliyah” sees Ziva confront her painful past as she is thrust into a dangerous situation involving dark forces of Israel. This episode delves into the relationships between Ziva and the other members of the team, especially Gibbs, and is one of the most emotional episodes yet.
8. “Last Man Standing” (Season 13, Episode 24)
The season 13 finale is one of the most important episodes in the NCIS series. The story in this episode not only resolves the details of a case but also brings about major changes within the NCIS team, especially the relationship between Gibbs and his teammates. This episode sees the tension reach its peak as Gibbs faces life-or-death challenges and decisions.
9. “The Last One” (Season 9, Episode 24)
This was a particularly emotional episode as one of the old NCIS characters had to say goodbye. This episode brought tears to viewers not only because of the departure of a character but also because of the touching details and messages about friendship, loss and transition in life.
10. “We Build, We Fight” (Season 10, Episode 24)
This season 10 finale had a lot of thrilling situations, as the team faced a series of threats from dangerous enemies. At the same time, this episode also witnessed the developing relationships between the characters, especially between Gibbs and his teammates. The thrilling situations and some surprising twists made this episode one of the most memorable.
NCIS always maintains its appeal with good episodes, full of drama and emotion. From thrilling cases to pivotal moments in the characters’ lives, each episode offers something special for the viewers. The episodes listed above are not only notable for their action-packed situations engaging action but also with deep relationships, creating a strong emotional connection with the audience.
