NCIS season 17 episode 7 Recap and FAQ

Episode Summary

In a dramatic turn of events, NCIS uncovers a hidden surveillance operation at a motel where they find a Marine's body in a pig pen. The investigation reveals a complex web involving a blackmailed congressman, espionage, and a Russian spy. Master Gunnery Sergeant Aaron Shaw, the victim, was investigating the blackmail case, only to be killed after uncovering a congressman's treasonous affair with the spy. The episode weaves through personal tensions among the NCIS team, culminating in Congressman Riley's arrest and unresolved issues within the team.

Full Episode S17E07 Recap

### Family Road Trip - The episode opens with a family on a road trip. The mother, trying to maintain peace between her bickering children, encourages them to enjoy the scenery. - The children, bored, are unimpressed with the trip, comparing it to their friend’s Disneyland vacation. ### At the Pig Pen - The family stops at a farm with a pig pen, reminiscent of "Charlotte's Web." - The kids, initially reluctant, go to see the pigs, only to discover a horrifying scene. ### NCIS Office - The scene shifts to the NCIS office. Nick Torres arrives late, explaining he was shopping for Elena's son. - Discussion about Nick's relationship with Elena, revealing she has a child, Ricky, who is returning from camp. ### Murder Investigation Begins - NCIS team heads to the farm after two kids found a body in the pig pen. - The team learns the victim has a Marine tattoo but lacks identification due to missing fingers. ### Autopsy Van and Pig Pen Investigation - The team speaks with the farm owner, who claims ignorance about the body. - Jimmy Palmer, the medical examiner, is afraid of pigs and stays in the van. - The victim is estimated to be in his late 30s to early 40s, with time of death less than 12 hours ago. - Fresh tire tracks are found near the pen, suggesting the body might have been dropped off. ### Discovering the Surveillance Operation - Investigation leads to the Monarch Motel, where the team discovers hidden cameras in the attic, indicating a surveillance operation. ### Motel Owner Interrogation - The motel owner denies knowledge of the surveillance setup but admits to allowing prostitution in his establishment. ### NCIS Office: Meeting Ricky - Back at the office, Nick meets Elena's son, Ricky, who turns out to be an adult and a Marine, contrary to Nick's expectations. ### Further Investigation and Autopsy Results - The victim is identified as Master Gunnery Sergeant Aaron Shaw. - Shaw's autopsy reveals he was beaten to death with a wooden object. - Investigation reveals Shaw may have been involved in a surveillance operation. ### Shaw's Wife's Interview - Shaw's wife is interviewed, expressing disbelief about her husband's potential involvement in illicit activities. ### Congressional Connection - The team learns Shaw was investigating a blackmail case involving Congressman Eric Riley, who admits to an affair and being blackmailed. ### NCIS Office: Dinner Plans and Relationship Tensions - Nick plans a dinner date with Elena to discuss her son. - Tensions arise between Bishop and Torres over their personal lives. ### Investigation Progress: Finding the Blackmailer - The blackmailer, HVAC technician Daniel Mulgrew, is found dead, initially suspected of suicide. - Mulgrew was working for someone else, leading to a deeper conspiracy. ### Confrontation with Congressman Riley - Evidence reveals Riley's involvement with a Russian spy, Marinka Bazarov, leading to his arrest for treason. - The episode concludes with personal tensions among the NCIS team and Gibbs spending time with a young neighbor, Phineas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the victim found in the pig pen?

Master Gunnery Sergeant Aaron Shaw.

What was discovered at the Monarch Motel?

A hidden surveillance operation with cameras in the attic.

Who is Elena's son?

Richard "Ricky" Devol, an adult Marine.

What was Congressman Eric Riley's involvement in the case?

He was being blackmailed for having an affair and later revealed to be trading government secrets with a Russian spy.

Who was the Russian spy involved with Congressman Riley?

Marinka Bazarov.

How did Shaw die?

He was beaten to death with a wooden object.

What did Shaw's autopsy reveal?

He had been beaten to death and had fiberglass particles in his lungs.

What led NCIS to Daniel Mulgrew?

Fiberglass particles in Shaw's lungs matched the insulation from the motel attic.

Was Daniel Mulgrew the blackmailer?

No, he was working for someone else and was later found dead.

Who was the mastermind behind the blackmailing operation?

Patrick Norian, an NSA employee.

Did Patrick Norian kill Shaw and Mulgrew?

No, he was in Arizona during the murders.

What was the motive behind Shaw's murder?

Shaw discovered Congressman Riley's involvement with the Russian spy and was killed to keep it secret.

How does the episode end?

With Congressman Riley arrested for treason and personal tensions among the NCIS team members.

What is the significance of the pig pen scene?

It's where the children on a road trip discover Shaw's body, initiating the murder investigation.

What personal issue does Nick Torres face in this episode?

His surprise and adjustment to Elena's adult son, and the subsequent end of his relationship with Elena.

NCIS season 17 episode 7

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