NCIS season 17 episode 20 Recap and FAQ

Episode Summary

Captain returns home to his wife Gloria, but a break-in at Admiral Caplinger's house leads to the theft of a Purple Heart awarded to his deceased daughter. Joseph Smith, a 95-year-old man, confesses to the theft, demanding a guarantee his ashes be interred on the USS Arizona as proof of his service during Pearl Harbor. Despite suffering from early dementia, Smith's story is confirmed through evidence, fulfilling his wish. Gibbs shares his own war experiences, emphasizing the enduring impact of war on soldiers.

Full Episode S17E20 Recap

### Scene: Captain Returns Home - The Captain returns home, excited about Gloria's lasagna and cherry pie. - He calls someone back, indicating he's just arrived. ### Scene: Phone Call Chaos - A character is overwhelmed with calls due to a misdialed RSVP number for Uncle Roland's birthday fiesta. - He vents frustration about incessant family calls, indicating a mix-up in contact information. ### Scene: NCIS Team Called to Action - The team receives an urgent call, possibly about a dead body or an uncertain situation. - They prepare to leave, hinting at a new case. ### Scene: Admiral's Wife Abducted - Admiral Michael Caplinger reports his wife Gloria missing after a speaking engagement. - The scene indicates a break-in at their home, with signs of struggle and an open back door. ### Scene: Gloria Found Safe - Gloria is located safe with a friend, unaware her phone was off. - Confusion arises about whose blood was at the crime scene. ### Scene: Intruder Leaves a Note - A note left by the intruder mentions stealing a Purple Heart, causing confusion. - Admiral reveals the stolen Purple Heart belonged to his daughter, Julia, a deceased Marine. ### Scene: Joseph Smith's Confession - Joseph Smith, aged 95, confesses to the break-in and theft, demanding a root beer before cooperating. - The team apprehends him, but he's reluctant to reveal the Purple Heart's location. ### Scene: Smith's Demands and War Story - Smith demands a written guarantee for his ashes to be interred on USS Arizona. - He shares his harrowing experience on the Arizona during Pearl Harbor, seeking acknowledgment of his service. ### Scene: Smith's Condition and the Missing Medal - It's revealed Smith lives in a nursing home and suffers from early dementia. - The Purple Heart's location remains a mystery, as Smith's recollections are unclear. ### Scene: Gibbs's Personal Connection and Resolution - Gibbs empathizes with Smith, understanding the impact of war on soldiers. - Smith passes away, but evidence confirms his presence on the Arizona, fulfilling his wish to be interred there. ### Scene: McGee's Personal Reflection - McGee reflects on his interactions with Smith and plans to attend the fiesta. - Gibbs shares a personal war story with McGee, highlighting the lasting effects of combat on soldiers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the Captain excited to see upon returning home?

Gloria, his wife, who has made lasagna and cherry pie.

Why is a character receiving numerous unwanted phone calls?

Due to a misdialed RSVP number for Uncle Roland's birthday fiesta.

Who is Admiral Michael Caplinger?

The head of the Fleet Forces Command, reporting his wife Gloria missing.

What indicates a break-in at the Admiral's house?

Signs of struggle, an open back door, and Gloria's missing purse and keys.

How is Gloria found?

Safe with a friend, unaware her phone was off.

What item did the intruder steal from the Admiral's house?

A Purple Heart belonging to the Admiral's deceased daughter, Julia.

Who confesses to the break-in and theft?

Joseph Smith, a 95-year-old man.

What is Joseph Smith's condition?

He lives in a nursing home and has early dementia.

What does Joseph Smith demand in exchange for the Purple Heart?

A written guarantee for his ashes to be interred on the USS Arizona.

How does the story of Joseph Smith conclude?

He passes away, but evidence confirms his service on the USS Arizona, fulfilling his wish for interment there.

What personal story does Gibbs share with McGee?

Gibbs shares his experiences from Kuwait and the impact of war on soldiers.

What event does McGee plan to attend?

Uncle Roland's birthday fiesta.

What is significant about the Purple Heart?

It was awarded to Admiral Caplinger's daughter, a Marine who died in service.

How does the team prove Joseph Smith's service on the USS Arizona?

By finding shrapnel from the USS Arizona embedded in Smith's skin.

What does the story reveal about the impact of war on soldiers?

It highlights the lasting emotional and psychological effects of combat experiences.

NCIS season 17 episode 20

The Arizona