NCIS: New Orleans season 3 episode 20 Recap and FAQ

Episode Summary

In "NCIS: New Orleans 3x20," an undercover drug operation goes awry, leading to Officer Richard Marino's injury. The NCIS team investigates, uncovering a complex drug smuggling operation involving Navy contractor Nathan Kelly. Rita and Dwayne discuss Clearwater's housing issues and Mayor Hamilton's suspected involvement. Suspicion falls on Marino, who is arrested for murder and drug theft. However, doubts about his guilt emerge. The real corrupt cop, Jordan Spencer, is revealed but dies before exposing Hamilton. Rita decides to move to Washington D.C., leaving her relationship with Dwayne in limbo.

Full Episode S03E20 Recap

### Opening Scene: Undercover Deal Gone Wrong - **Location:** A music club - **Characters:** Spencer (Officer), Richard (Undercover Officer), Unidentified Dealer - Richard is involved in a drug deal while undercover. - A sudden noise causes tension, leading to a shootout. - Richard is injured, and Spencer calls for backup, declaring an officer down. ### Rita and Dwayne's Dinner - **Location:** Dwayne's place - **Characters:** Rita, Dwayne - Rita prepares a meal, discussing city matters with Dwayne. - They speculate about Mayor Hamilton's involvement in Clearwater's housing issues. - Rita reveals a job offer in Washington D.C., causing personal conflict for both. ### Crime Scene Investigation - **Location:** Crime Scene - **Characters:** NCIS team, NOPD Vice team - Nathan Kelly, a Navy contractor and drug dealer, is found dead. - Kelly was involved in a deal with fentanyl, leading to his death during a bust. - The NCIS team suspects a Navy connection in the drug operation. ### Dwayne and Rita's Discussion about Clearwater - **Location:** Dwayne's place - **Characters:** Dwayne, Rita - Rita investigates a company, Audubon Industries, buying properties in Clearwater. - They suspect Hamilton's involvement and decide to investigate together. ### Discovering the Drug's Origin - **Location:** NCIS Lab and NOPD Vice Office - **Characters:** NCIS team, Richard Marino, NOPD Vice - The team learns the fentanyl is from a local drug lab busted by NOPD Vice. - Marino, now part of NOPD Vice, becomes a suspect due to his involvement in the drug bust. ### Confrontation and Investigation at NOPD - **Location:** NOPD Incinerator Site - **Characters:** NCIS team, Brian Cooper (Incinerator Operator) - The team confronts Cooper about the missing drugs, but find him dead, leading to new suspicions. ### Rita's Car Accident - **Location:** Roadside - **Characters:** Rita, Dwayne - Rita's car is run off the road, hinting at a connection to her Clearwater investigation. ### Uncovering the Smuggling Operation - **Location:** USNS Tacoma (Cargo Ship) - **Characters:** NCIS team, Ship Crew - Drugs are found in garbage containers on the ship, revealing a sophisticated smuggling operation. ### The Fall of Marino - **Location:** NCIS Headquarters and Various Locations - **Characters:** NCIS team, Richard Marino - Marino is arrested for murder and drug theft, but questions about his guilt arise. - Dwayne starts to doubt Marino's involvement in the corruption. ### The Takedown of Spencer - **Location:** Highway and Various Locations - **Characters:** NCIS team, Jordan Spencer (NOPD Vice Head), Richard Marino - Spencer, revealed as the corrupt cop, attempts to kill Marino but is stopped by NCIS. - Spencer dies before revealing information about Hamilton's involvement. ### Dwayne and Rita's Decision - **Location:** Dwayne's place - **Characters:** Dwayne, Rita - Rita decides to take the job in Washington, leaving Dwayne to focus on Hamilton. - Their relationship is left unresolved as Rita moves to D.C.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Richard Marino in NCIS: New Orleans 3x20?

Richard Marino is an undercover officer in NOPD Vice.

What was the undercover operation involving Richard Marino?

Marino was involved in a drug deal that escalated into a shootout.

Who is Rita, and what is her connection to Dwayne?

Rita is a character who has a personal and professional connection with Dwayne.

What issue are Rita and Dwayne discussing at dinner?

They discuss housing developments in Clearwater and Mayor Hamilton's suspected involvement.

Who is Nathan Kelly, and what is his role?

Nathan Kelly is a Navy contractor and drug dealer, found dead during a bust.

What leads the NCIS team to suspect a Navy connection in the drug operation?

Kelly's role as a Navy contractor and the nature of the drugs involved lead to this suspicion.

What is Audubon Industries, and why is it significant?

Audubon Industries is a company buying properties in Clearwater, suspected of illegal activities.

How is Richard Marino connected to the drug operation?

Marino is suspected due to his involvement in a previous drug bust and his connection to missing drugs.

What happens to Rita on the road?

Rita's car is run off the road, hinting at danger related to her investigation.

Where are drugs found on the USNS Tacoma?

Drugs are discovered in garbage containers, indicating a smuggling operation.

What are the suspicions about Marino's guilt?

Doubts arise about Marino's involvement in murder and drug theft.

Who is Jordan Spencer, and what is his role?

Jordan Spencer is the head of NOPD Vice, revealed to be corrupt and involved in the drug ring.

How is Spencer stopped by the NCIS team?

Spencer is stopped during an attempt to kill Marino and is subsequently killed himself.

Does Spencer reveal anything about Hamilton's involvement?

No, Spencer dies before he can reveal any information about Hamilton.

What decision does Rita make regarding her job?

Rita decides to take a job in Washington, D.C., leaving her relationship with Dwayne unresolved.

NCIS: New Orleans season 3 episode 20

NOLA Confidential