Ep 7. A Thousand Words

Tony DiNozzo is back! Well, not quite. But close enough. In A Thousand Words, the seventh episode of NCIS season 16, we get the next best thing to having Michael Weatherly back on the show: a guest appearance by his character's father, Anthony DiNozzo Sr.

The episode centers around the murder of a Navy lieutenant who was also a successful writer. The team initially suspects it might be a case of mistaken identity and the target was actually the lieutenant's editor, but as they delve deeper into the victim's personal life, they discover that the motive may have been more personal than professional. And they also discover that the victim had a connection to DiNozzo Sr.

Meanwhile, Gibbs is dealing with his own personal crisis as he struggles to cope with the fact that his father is dying. The team rallies around him, with McGee taking over some of Gibbs' responsibilities and Kasie lending a sympathetic ear. And, of course, we get to see some classic Gibbs moments as he works through his grief in his own no-nonsense way.

As with any good NCIS episode, there are plenty of twists and turns along the way. The team tracks down several leads, only to hit dead ends and have to start over. And just when they think they've solved the case, a new piece of evidence comes to light that throws everything into question. The tension and suspense build steadily throughout the hour, culminating in a surprising conclusion that will leave viewers on the edge of their seats.

But perhaps the real highlight of this episode is the return of Robert Wagner as DiNozzo Sr. He's as charming and witty as ever, delivering quips and one-liners with perfect comedic timing. But there's also a depth to his character that we haven't seen before, as he opens up to Gibbs about his regrets and his relationship with his son. It's a touching and heartfelt moment between two characters who have always had a bit of a love-hate dynamic.

Overall, A Thousand Words is a classic NCIS episode. It's got a compelling case, strong performances from the cast, and just the right amount of humor and heart. And for fans of the show's early seasons, it's a particularly satisfying hour of television, as we get to see some beloved characters return and continue to evolve. Whether you're a longtime fan or a recent convert, this episode is not to be missed.