Ep 22. In the Dark

NCIS is a popular American action procedural television series that follows the investigators of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service. The fourth season of NCIS features the 22nd episode called "In the Dark." The episode opens with the murder of Lt. Loren Singer, who was a member of the Judge Advocate General's Corps. Singer was a recurring character on the show, and her death sends shockwaves through the NCIS team.

The episode starts with the discovery of Singer’s body in her apartment by her neighbor. The NCIS team quickly arrives at the crime scene and takes charge of the investigation. The team soon learns that the case is complicated as Singer was not just an officer but also an attorney. The NCIS team has to tread carefully since the victim is part of the JAG Corps, and this could affect their investigation.

The victim's apartment is located in a posh neighborhood, and the investigators are quick to realize that the killer had to have been someone known to Singer. As the investigation progresses, the team discovers that Singer might have been a victim of stalking. That leads the investigators to focus on her ex-boyfriend, who had been stalking her before they broke up.

That is not the only lead they have, as they discover that Singer had also been dating a man who had a shady past. The team initially assumes that he is the culprit but eventually eliminate him as a suspect after scrutinizing his alibi and cross-examining his moves leading up to Singer's death.

The NCIS team also discovers that Singer had been receiving threats and was involved in several recent cases, including one involving a sailor who had gone AWOL. The team quickly identifies the sailor as another potential suspect but is unable to locate him as he is out of town.

The investigation takes an unexpected turn when the NCIS team realizes that Singer's computer has been tampered with. They manage to recover some deleted files that lead them to an unknown third party who might have been exploiting Singer's position as an officer and attorney to sell secrets. The team soon discovers that this unknown person could have had a hand in Singer's murder.

The investigation comes to a head when the team finally identifies the AWOL sailor as the killer. The NCIS team deduces that he was on Singer's trail, and after breaking into her apartment, he attacked and stabbed her. The sailor is eventually apprehended and sentenced to life imprisonment.

The episode ends with the NCIS team mourning the loss of yet another colleague and friend. Agent Gibbs, who had a fatherly relationship with Singer, delivers a touching eulogy at her funeral, reflecting on the valuable life lessons she taught him.

"In the Dark" is a thrilling episode that features twists and turns that keep viewers at the edge of their seat. The episode showcases the NCIS team's tenacity and attention to detail, and how they leave no stone unturned to solve a case. The fact that the victim was a character that viewers had grown to love and appreciate makes the episode all the more emotional and engaging. Overall, NCIS season 4 episode 22 is an unforgettable episode that is worth watching for fans of the show and new viewers alike.