Ep 4. Heartland

After the team returns home from a high-stakes mission in Los Angeles, NCIS agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs (played by Mark Harmon) receives devastating news about his father, Jackson Gibbs (played by Ralph Waite). Jackson has been in a hospital in Stillwater, Pennsylvania, suffering from a severe medical condition. Gibbs rushes to his father's side, leaving his team in the capable hands of NCIS Special Agent Tony DiNozzo (played by Michael Weatherly).

Meanwhile, in Stillwater, Gibbs discovers that his father has been living a secret life. Always a practical and disciplined man, Jackson Gibbs was a devoted Marine and a tough, no-nonsense father. But after his wife died, Jackson began to reinvent himself. Gibbs soon learns that his father has been hanging out with a group of old friends, including a woman named Joanna Teague (played by Lindsay Wagner).

Gibbs is initially suspicious of Joanna, who had an affair with his father years ago. However, he soon learns that Joanna is a kind and wise woman who has helped Jackson adjust to life after his wife's death. She and Jackson belong to a book club that meets at a local café, and Joanna encourages Jackson to explore his artistic side by painting watercolors. Gibbs is surprised and moved to see his father taking joy in something other than soldiering and discipline.

As Gibbs spends time with his father, he begins to realize that he never really knew him at all. Jackson tells him about his life before he joined the Marines, and Gibbs is shocked to learn that his father had been a jazz musician in New Orleans. Jackson had given up music to become a Marine, and had never picked up an instrument again.

Gibbs also learns that his father has been keeping secrets about his medical condition. Jackson has been diagnosed with a life-threatening aneurysm, but he has refused to have surgery. Gibbs is furious, but his father insists that he wants to die on his own terms. Gibbs struggles with the knowledge that his father is dying, and that he never really knew him.

Back in Washington, NCIS Special Agent Ziva David (played by Cote de Pablo) and NCIS Director Leon Vance (played by Rocky Carroll) investigate a double homicide in Stillwater. The victims are two men who had run afoul of a local gang. Ziva and Vance suspect that the gang might be connected to a larger criminal network, and they work to find the source of their power.

As the investigation continues, Tony reveals to Ziva that Gibbs's father is dying. Ziva encourages Tony to reach out to Gibbs, but Tony is hesitant. He worries that his boss will see his concern as pity or weakness. Ziva reminds him that Gibbs is a good man who cares deeply for his team. Tony ultimately decides to call Gibbs, and they have a heart-to-heart about family and loyalty.

As the case unfolds, Vance and Ziva discover that the gang's leader is a notorious arms dealer who has been operating under the radar. The dealer has been selling weapons to terrorist groups, and Vance orders a full-scale investigation. Meanwhile, Gibbs finally convinces his father to have surgery. The operation is risky, but Jackson survives.

Gibbs returns to Washington, and the team welcomes him back with open arms. In the last scene of the episode, the team gathers at a local bar to celebrate Gibbs's father's recovery. Gibbs is grateful to have a second chance to know his father, and he reflects on the importance of family and forgiveness.

Overall, "Heartland" is a poignant and emotional episode that explores the complex relationships between fathers and sons. The episode is notable for the exceptional performances of Harmon and Waite, who convey a lifetime of shared history and unspoken regrets. The episode also highlights the strength and loyalty of the NCIS team, who support each other through hard times.