Critic’s Rating: 3 / 5.0
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We’ve got an aging spy with secrets on NCIS Season 22 Episode 5. Is that really surprising?
Captain Butler’s story reminds me of David Cartwright’s story from the ultimate spy show, Slow Horses.
Like Cartwright, Captain Butler is suffering from early-onset dementia, causing him to “time shift” from the present day back to his old days as an active spy.
And just like David Cartwright, Butler’s memories come with a twist — but here, it’s a Russian twist.
And what a twist it is — Butler turns out to be a double agent, a decorated spy who helped end the Cold War. A hero.
But what I don’t understand is why NCIS was called to investigate in the first place.
Sure, Butler tried to take his nurse hostage, but he has dementia, so wouldn’t that behavior be expected to a degree?
And why did the nurse feel the need to take down the numbers he was saying? How did she know they were important?
I mean, she even mentioned that Butler’s stage of dementia causes erratic behavior, so it seems strange she’d be taking it all seriously.
The secrets Butler was holding were obviously big ones to someone or some agency.
When the team tried to pull up his file, the CIA stepped in, making it crystal clear that someone really didn’t want those details dug up.
Apparently, Butler’s missions were so classified that even a hint of them resurfacing had the CIA in a tailspin.
And let’s talk about that CIA and NCIS clash.
NCIS doesn’t have anywhere near the power of the CIA, so why is there always a showdown between the agencies?
Wouldn’t it be nice if they could just cooperate and share information? You’d think all these agencies would’ve learned something after 9/11 about the importance of collaboration.
So when Parker and Vance started lecturing the CIA guy, it feels out of place — even if Butler had a Navy connection.
The fact that the CIA actually caves and shares information? That’s out of place, too.
We know the CIA doesn’t just hand over intel unless they have an angle to play.
So, yes, I asked why they don’t share information, but let’s be real: NCIS isn’t the ultimate authority here and shouldn’t be giving orders.
Then there’s Kasie cracking a secret code that the CIA supposedly missed. Really? As if the CIA wouldn’t know that Butler swiped a secret file. It’s laughable.
As Parker said, “Are we the CIA clean-up crew?” — and yeah, at that point, it sure felt like it.
While I can suspend disbelief about a lot on TV, this episode is a stretch.
Last week on NCIS Season 22 Episode 4, the team saved the world from nuclear disaster.
But now, with spies, dementia, and the CIA all jumbled together, it’s feeling a little over the top.
I didn’t even need to watch the entire episode to know that NCIS would catch Butler, save the day, and uncover the truth.
Why? Because they always do.
And while I love a feel-good win, sometimes they push fantasy a bit too far — especially with this one.
That said, I have to admit it was fun watching the team throw on ‘70s outfits to try to jog Butler’s memories.
They fit the part perfectly. Jess rocked her retro look, and McGee somehow managed to look more like a drug dealer than an agent, but hey, they went all in.
But here’s another head-scratcher: Butler’s dressed for the modern day but doesn’t realize it.
Somehow, he sits down with McGee, who’s decked out in his throwback gear and doesn’t question it. I know Butler’s “time-shifting,” but the logic feels flimsy.
And again, why would the CIA let NCIS handle something this sensitive rather than taking care of it in-house?
It’s hard to buy into this storyline, especially since NCIS already figured out the CIA agent was the bad guy.
And honestly, the idea that the team thinks they can outwit a seasoned spy? Also pretty ridiculous — but those costumes were worth it!
On the romance front, things are getting interesting.
Torres has jumped fully into the dating scene, and as I’ve mentioned before (and yes, I know some of you disagree), I still think he’s interested in Jess.
It might not have been his style in the past, but people change, and it wouldn’t be surprising if he sees Jess as his ideal match. She’s beautiful, fun, and feisty — what’s not to like?
Jimmy’s already moved on, and in the real world, relationships shift. But truthfully? It’s not going to work, especially not with Torres.
And while I have my own ideas on who Jess might work with if romance is in her future, the bigger question is: why does she need a love interest at all?
Why can’t she just be an independent woman focused on her career without getting tangled in a messy work romance?
Ultimately, I have to say it — this was a dud of an episode.
The storyline felt contrived, and the suspension of disbelief required was too much, even for NCIS. It’s rare for this show to miss the mark, but when it does, it’s hard to ignore.
As a reminder, in case you missed it, NCIS will return on Monday, November 25 — Thanksgiving week! So set your calendars!
Over to you, TV Fanatics! What did you think of this NCIS espionage episode? Did it hit the mark, or was it off base?
Did you enjoy the team’s ‘70s wardrobe throwbacks? Hit the comments and let us know!
