Ep 18. Harm's Way

In NCIS: Los Angeles season 2 episode 18 titled "Harm's Way," the team investigates a deadly explosion on a Navy ship that serves as a home to a number of families. The team struggles to navigate through the complexities of military family dynamics as they try to identify the culprit behind the tragic event. As the investigation progresses, they discover a web of deceit and betrayal that could tear the Navy apart.

The episode starts with the explosion that sets the ship on fire, trapping many sailors and their families in the inferno. The NCIS team, led by G. Callen (played by Chris O'Donnell) and Sam Hanna (played by LL Cool J), quickly arrives at the scene of the tragedy to investigate. They are joined by the JAG (Judge Advocate General) officers, who are responsible for investigating crimes against military personnel.

The team quickly realizes that this is not a simple accident, but rather a deliberate act of sabotage. They sift through the wreckage and interview the survivors, trying to identify any leads that might help them uncover the culprit. Along the way, they encounter a number of obstacles, including hostile family members who are unwilling to cooperate with the investigators.

One of the key suspects in the case is a sailor named Tom Olsen, who had a heated argument with his wife just before the explosion occurred. The team is initially skeptical of his involvement in the incident, but as they dig deeper, they discover that Tom's wife was having an affair with another sailor. This revelation puts Tom's motive into question, as he could have taken revenge on his wife's lover by causing the explosion.

At the same time, the team is also dealing with the emotional fallout of the tragedy. They interact with the families of the affected sailors, trying to console them and offer support in any way they can. This proves to be a challenging task, especially when they discover that some of the family members are hiding secrets of their own.

As the investigation continues, the team faces mounting pressure from the JAG officers, who are eager to find a suspect and close the case as quickly as possible. This leads to tension between the two agencies, as the NCIS team insists on pursuing every lead, even if it means going against the JAG's wishes.

In the end, the team manages to identify the person responsible for the explosion and brings them to justice. However, they also learn some hard truths about the corrosive effects of secrets and lies, even among those who have sworn to defend their country. The episode ends with the NCIS team reflecting on the tragedy and its impact on the families involved.

Overall, "Harm's Way" is a tense and emotional episode that explores the complex themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the sacrifices that go into serving in the military. It showcases the talents of the NCIS: Los Angeles cast, who bring depth and nuance to their roles.