Ep 22. Playing with Fire

The season 9 episode 22 of NCIS titled "Playing with Fire" follows the team as they investigate the death of a sailor in a mysterious fire aboard a ship. The episode begins with the team trying to track down a suspect in a separate case, when they receive a call from the commanding officer of the USS Brewer, reporting a fire on board. Agent Gibbs and his team rush to the scene to find that the fire has already been extinguished, but the body of a young sailor has been discovered in the charred remains.

As the investigation proceeds, the team discovers that the sailor, named Kyle, had been working on a secret project involving new technology for a missile system. Kyle's coworkers and friends all speak highly of him and none of them believe that he would do anything to jeopardize such an important project. Agent Gibbs and agent Torres start to suspect that someone on board the ship might be responsible for the fire and Kyle's death.

The team delves deeper into the case, and their investigation leads them to suspect that the fire was started intentionally by someone who wanted to steal the technology Kyle had been working on. Meanwhile, agent Torres has a personal connection to the case, as he used to serve on the Brewer and has trouble keeping his emotions in check.

As more evidence is uncovered, the team discovers that the perpetrator of the crime might be closer than they thought. They begin to suspect one of the sailors on the ship, and with Torres' help, they are able to uncover their motive. The episode culminates in a tense standoff on the ship as the team attempts to apprehend the suspect and bring them to justice.

"Playing with Fire" is an intense and gripping episode that showcases the skills and talents of the NCIS team. The plot is intricate and well-developed, and the mystery is intriguing and keeps the viewer guessing until the very end. The themes of loyalty, duty, and sacrifice are explored throughout the episode, adding depth and emotion to the already compelling story. The character development in this episode is also noteworthy, particularly with agent Torres, who is able to confront his emotional demons and find closure in a difficult situation. Overall, "Playing with Fire" is a thrilling addition to the NCIS series, and is a must-see for fans of the show.