NCIS: Origins (2024) s03e02 Episode Script
My Own Worst Enemy
1
LALA: 12 hours ago, I was leaving
to go be with Manny, and suddenly,
I'm hooking up with Gibbs?
VERA:
Does Gibbs know how you feel?
Girl, I don't even know how I feel.
GIBBS: I know what I want now, Lala.
I want you.
I need to know I'm
not just the next one.
No, you're not the next one.
- You're the one.
- Wait for me.
With everything that's happened,
I just need some time.
Then I'll wait as long as it takes.
(GUNSHOT)
(GROANS SOFTLY)
SHOOTER: One down, one to go.
(GASPS)
OLDER GIBBS:
Just when I thought I was out
they pull me back in.
Time to get to work.
OLDER GIBBS:
You don't think, you just go.
You get on a plane
you don't want to get on.
MAN: Selfie! Let's do it.
- Ah
- (PHONE CAMERA CLICKS)
Walk back into a place
you swore you were done with.
Because somewhere along the line,
- you got bonded to somebody
- (CROWD EXCLAIMS)
WOMAN: Don't you dare post that!
(LAUGHTER)
OLDER GIBBS: and that bond
doesn't really give a damn
what you want.
What the hell?
That's the whole job
of a teammate.
Especially when everything in you
is saying to turn around
and run like hell back home.
WOODY: My God.
You're still stunning.
Woody.
Well, this can't be good.
Okay, I'm 83 years old
and I'm heavily medicated,
mostly just for fun,
so let me just run this back,
make sure there's nothing I'm missing.
Someone went all the way
to Alaska to kill you?
Yep.
And you don't know who the bad guys are?
No.
Hey! That's a bouclé couch, okay?
And you brought half of Alaska
back on those paws.
Show some respect.
Down.
I don't like your dog.
So, you came back to the Lower 48
because their next target
is someone close to you?
Wait, am I in danger?
No, I-I think you're good.
Huh, well, that's a relief.
(SIGHS) As far as this fingerprint goes,
kudos to you for pulling it with
only some Scotch tape and dirt.
That's very Michael Franksian
of you, but
it's pretty faint.
You'd have better luck with someone
who has equipment built this century.
Well, they think I'm dead.
I'd like to keep it that way.
Oh, so, you just came to me
because I'm an old retired guy
and you need this done off the books?
(LAUGHS): No, I came to you
because you owe me a favor.
("MY OWN WORST ENEMY" BY LIT PLAYING)
(SIGHS)
(SIREN WAILING)
Can we forget about
the things ♪
- I said when I was drunk? ♪
- (SIREN CHIRPS)
I didn't mean
to call you that ♪
Ay, Dios mío.
(SIREN WAILING)
¡Manos arriba!
- Manos arriba.
- This can't be good.
♪
I'm capable, I'm competent
and this is not the day
that it all falls apart.
I'm capable, I'm competent,
- this is not the
- (FRANKS CLEARS THROAT)
You're kind of freaking me out, Cliff.
And with Woodrow getting pinched
for boozing and battering
in El México,
it's a bad day
for you to be acting weird.
Not weird, centered.
And all thanks to my therapist
and the new mantra she gave me.
I am capable,
- I'm competent
- Look, look, look, I-I get it.
We only got our new C a couple weeks ago
and there's already been some doings
"Doings," Mike?
One of our agents got abducted,
we lost classified secrets
and now this latest embarrassment?
Oh.
- I'm capable, I'm competent
- There's worse things
in the world than a drunken bar brawl.
The Federales had guns to Woody's head.
And Gibbs is down in TJ
scooping up our boy as we speak.
- Ain't no problemo.
- The problemo is, Mike,
in order to get Woody released,
I now owe a personal favor to
a Federale who goes by "Nacho."
No last name.
- And your point being?
- Ugh.
(CLEARS THROAT) My point is,
these little backroom deals,
they make us look horrible.
Other than you, me and Gibbs,
no one else should know about this.
- Understood?
- Of course. It's in the vault.
Rough morning for Woody, huh?
That's just Dominguez.
She don't talk to nobody.
RANDY: "No te muevas, Americano."
How many Federales were there?
I heard 33.
(SIGHS)
You're centered, Cliff!
(MUSIC PLAYING FAINTLY OVER RADIO)
GIBBS: Woody.
(LAUGHS SOFTLY)
I know you're not sleeping.
You were snoring when you were asleep.
(GROANS) Just let me sulk.
I have.
It's time to talk.
Am I gonna get fired?
Yeah, I don't think so.
Wheeler seemed oddly calm.
- Heard he's in therapy.
- It's about time.
It's not like you
to get in a bar fight, Woody.
- What happened?
- Last thing I remember
was these guys were flirting
with this girl.
She wasn't into them,
asked them to stop,
they didn't, I stepped in.
- How many?
- Four.
To eight. I don't know.
I was really drunk.
GIBBS: Hey, what were you doing
down in TJ?
Celebrating after carrying
my bowling team
to yet another glorious victory.
Hey, the speed limit's 50, not 42, man.
I'd like to get home and purge
as quickly as possible.
I didn't know you bowled.
I bowl a little, too.
Not like me you don't.
I'm basically phenomenal.
Wow, just no seat belt, huh? Bold.
Why wasn't your team
celebrating with you?
They don't like me
because they're jealous of me.
When I said "phenomenal,"
I guess I really meant
"generational talent."
I would've gone pro
if it wasn't for a wrist injury.
Cool.
WOODY: Appreciate the lift, handsome.
Sorry if I hijacked your morning.
GIBBS: Mind if I hit the head?
Sure, j-just scoot up a little bit.
You're gonna block my walkway
petunias from the sun.
- All right.
- All right.
They call themselves
"The Chalk Outlines."
- Hmm?
- My bowling team.
We're all forensic analysts.
And those so-called geniuses
thought it would be a cute name.
Hmm. It's not bad.
I find it distasteful.
Sorry, lock's been sticking lately.
Been meaning to put it on my to-do list,
but who remembers?
If you're not gonna make it,
there's bushes over there.
I'll make it.
Bathroom's on the left.
You know, the worst part
of this whole thing
is I'm gonna have
to apologize to Wheeler.
God, that guy gives me the creeps.
That's the worst part?
I mean, the rifles in my face
were unsettling, sure,
but Wheeler and those eyes?
He's like a demented owl
staring into my s
(GASPS) Oh, my God!
- (CAMERA SHUTTER CLICKS)
- DALTON: Woody.
- Woody.
- Huh?
Turn to the left.
Um
- (CAMERA SHUTTER CLICKS)
- Okay, now
I got to print you, pal.
Am I being charged with murder?
Woody, I already told you,
you're not being charged,
you're being detained.
FBI orders.
Understand?
Cliff!
Been looking for you. FBI stormed in,
took over the scene,
they won't tell us squat.
- Who's the victim?
- GIBBS: Sheila Hoffman.
She bowls in the same
amateur league Woody does.
So, he knew her?
That adds an unfortunate wrinkle.
Woody went into shock,
but before he did,
he told Gibbs he barely knew the lady.
WHEELER: From the bruising on her neck,
she was strangled, no question.
We don't know how
she got into Woody's house,
let alone who killed her Cliff,
- why are you showering?
- My therapist said
that if my new mantra isn't cutting it,
that I should take a shower
to restart my day.
I'm restarting. Where is Woody now?
GIBBS: Dalton Basement's booking him,
then taking him to holding.
Look, I know you're gonna say
"conflict of interest,"
but if I could just talk
- to Woody for two minutes
- Not happening, Mike.
Oh, come on, Cliff! We both know
Woody didn't do this.
He feeds sea lions down at the pier.
He gives them cute little names
and everything.
I don't think that he did it,
either, okay?
But we have to let the FBI handle this.
We cannot interrupt an investigation
into one of our own.
It's tough for us to help him
if we can't talk to him.
We all know the Bureau's about as sharp
- as Woody's bowling ball.
- I am asking Agent Swanson
to run lead on this.
- She's a good agent.
- Yeah, she's a great one.
Okay. Look, if I could just get
two minutes with Woody,
- I could figure
- Damn it, Mike, stop!
This is an FBI case.
No one from NCIS talks to Woody.
- Understood?
- (FOOTSTEPS APPROACHING)
LALA: ¿Más o menos
como a qué hora fue eso?
Okay. Muchas gracias.
Bartender in Tijuana said Woody
got there around 11:30.
Well, the bowling tournament
ended at 9:00.
He couldn't have driven home,
committed murder
and then made it to the bar
- that fast, right?
- That late at night?
Woody's place is only, like,
a half hour away from TJ.
FBI ain't here yet?
- Mary Jo!
- What did Wheeler say?
No talking to Woody.
He's putting his life
in the hands of the FBI.
LALA: Conflict of interest, Gibbs.
Wheeler's making the right call.
Sometimes you got to break the rules.
Woody is our friend.
If our friend ends up charged,
and we questioned him,
the prosecution
will eat him and us alive.
Try thinking more than
five minutes ahead for once.
What?
Good talk, you two. Mary Jo!
(FOOTSTEPS APPROACHING)
Franks, you just walked past my desk.
I know you saw me on the phone.
What's the holdup with Swanson?
The FBI is finishing up
at the crime scene now,
- then heading to us.
- When Swanson gets here,
we need a theory that says Woody
ain't a cold-blooded killer!
- What do we got?
- He could've been framed.
Woody testifies
for a ton of court cases.
A lot of criminals would benefit
from him being locked up.
What cases he got coming up?
Get me Phil on the horn.
Gail said she heard from JJ
that Mary Jo told Nadia,
Phil is in San Francisco
at the big anime expo.
The hell's an anime? Mary Jo!
It's like a Japanese
storytelling style
Mary Jo! I need Phil.
MARY JO: I'm trying to get ahold of him,
but he's in San Francisco
watching cartoons.
- Rumor verified.
- FRANKS: Get his ass back here.
FBI's moving slow as molasses.
I am done waiting.
- Mike.
- I ain't taking opinions, Dominguez.
- Gibbs, with me.
- (PILLS RATTLE)
FRANKS: Follow my lead, Gibbs.
Wheeler said FBI only.
We ain't here to question him.
Giving his blood pressure meds.
- Come on, Franks.
- Move, Bob.
Make it quick, guys.
FBI will be here any minute.
Thank God.
- I need a notebook.
- (DOOR CLOSES)
- What's this?
- Your blood pressure meds.
Ivermectin? This is Gary Callahan's
heartworm medication.
Forget the pills.
FBI's on their way here.
We ain't got much time.
I swear, I didn't do this.
Okay, I never even saw Sheila
at the bowling alley last night.
We believe you, Woody.
You got any court cases coming up?
You think someone's trying
to frame me for murder
just to stop me from testifying?
- That's insane.
- Do you have a better theory?
No. But it really concerns me
that's yours.
I need a notebook.
What's with you and this damn notebook?
(KNOCKING ON DOOR)
FBI Swanson's here. Come on.
We're not gonna be able
to talk to you again, Woody.
Anything you can tell us,
now is the time.
- (POUNDING ON DOOR)
- (GRUNTS SOFTLY)
Notebook.
(LOCK CLACKS)
Hey. Agent Franks.
Been looking for you.
Wanted to introduce myself.
Who the hell are you? Where's Swanson?
Josephine is tied up on another case.
I'm her partner. Casey Bloom.
Swanson ain't never mentioned a partner.
I've been undercover the past year.
Biker gang up in Barstow.
Beautiful people, honestly.
Just carrying a lot of pain.
- You two wouldn't be
- (CLEARS THROAT)
questioning my suspect
down here, would you?
Course not.
No, we just came down
to wish Bob a happy birthday.
- Ain't that right, Gibbs?
- Oh, that's right.
Happy birthday, eh, Bob?
- Every year's a gift, brother.
- Thanks.
FRANKS: Listen, Plume, I-I know
you're running point on this thing,
but we're here to help however we can.
It's "Bloom," like the flowers
in the spring.
Whatever. Can we get a look
at what you got so far?
Crime scene photos, forensics, whatnot?
Uh, I'm afraid that's just
not gonna be possible.
Listen, our boy in there,
he didn't do this.
- He was in Mexico.
- He feeds sea lions.
Ocean needs people like that.
We think he was framed.
So, your theory is that
someone else murdered Sheila,
then dragged her body
into Woodrow's house?
Don't act like you ain't seen
that kind of thing before.
BLOOM: You know what
I haven't seen before?
Is the fingerprints of an innocent man
on the necklace
of a strangulation victim.
I'm sorry, friends, but that
one's gonna be tough to explain.
I'm just saying,
when the Bureau shows up,
- they're not here to mingle.
- Yeah, I know.
I'm afraid Woody's screwed.
Randy's on his way back
from the airport with Phil.
Franks has been in there for a while.
You think this Bloom guy
is charging Woody with murder?
We charge people for a lot less.
What did you mean
when you said I should think
more than five minutes ahead?
That you should think more
than five minutes ahead.
You know, as a sniper,
I used to lay in wait
for months sometimes, right?
I'm not someone
who doesn't think big picture.
Okay.
(DOOR OPENS)
GAIL: Does Wheeler think Woody did it?
Is it true he called in the FBI
because Woody told him
he looks like a demented owl?
MARY JO: Enough!
Everyone, back to work, now.
Bloom ain't charging him yet.
He wants motive.
We need to find out how Woody's
print got on that necklace.
Woody says he bowls with
a bunch of forensics experts
who can't stand him.
Maybe one of them planted it.
Is that even possible?
Here comes someone
who can hopefully tell us.
Phil, Rando catch you up?
- Our boy Woody's in trouble.
- (STAMMERS)
He's fighting off
a panic attack right now.
Uh, no, it's fully here.
I just need 12 seconds
to reset my amygdala.
(TAKES DEEP BREATH)
Franks, you didn't say Swanson's
partner was Casey Bloom.
Didn't say he smelled like a girl
candle, either. What's your point?
He's the inspiration for
Johnny Utah from Point Break.
GIBBS: The bank robber?
- That's Swayze.
- RANDY: No. Utah's Keanu.
Kid from Bill & Ted?
I don't see it.
- Hey, you normal yet?
- Uh
Could somebody have planted
Woody's prints
on that lady's necklace?
I don't know.
I'm an expert in almost everything, but
fingerprints are Woody's specialty.
I told you, we can't talk to Woody.
FRANKS: Should've left him
at the airport.
You can't talk to Woody, but I can.
We have pending lab work,
case notes I need access to,
hard deadlines.
It's called bureaucratic momentum.
He hasn't been charged yet,
so legally, I can still
get access to my partner.
Still think you should've
left me at the airport?
Before we go in, there's
something you should know.
Uh, Woody will have asked
for a notebook.
He'll be writing in it
the whole time we're in there.
Why?
When Woody was little, his dad died.
He wanted to talk about it,
but his mom didn't.
One day, she gave him a notebook,
told him to write it all down instead.
Now, that's the only place
those feelings go.
- That's heartbreaking.
- I know.
It's why I put up
with so much of his crap.
Sorry, MJ. Wheeler says no.
I need to talk to my partner
about super cool forensics stuff
that is unrelated to his detainment.
And I'm his escort.
Signed off by Wheeler.
Happy birthday, Bob.
- Oh, Phil.
- (DOOR CLOSES)
I didn't want you to see me like this.
Why? I'm-I'm-I'm fine.
Okay, pal. Buddy, um
I need you to activate that
big beautiful brain of yours.
In a situation like this,
is latent print transposition possible?
- W-Woody.
- Huh?
It has to be.
I never touched the necklace,
so there's no other explanation.
We think one of your bowling teammates
- might be trying to set you up.
- (WOODY SCOFFS)
I mean, they all resent me plenty,
but I don't think any of them
are capable of doing this.
If someone dislikes you enough, then
No, I mean mentally capable
of doing this.
What kind of necklace was she wearing?
I was too busy screaming to notice.
- Gibbs said gold.
- WOODY: Okay, well, polished,
smooth.
Connoisseur's choice
for a job like this,
but I still can't see them
pulling it off.
Let's hope you're wrong.
Didn't you tell me one of them
majored in pattern analysis?
Woody, I
I know you're trying to get
your feelings out right now,
but I need you to help us help you.
I don't use this to get my feelings out.
I use it to find answers.
I'm trying to break down
forensic evidence to help me.
We don't have access to that.
It's with the FBI.
Which teammate am I thinking of?
- It's irrelevant.
- Woody!
Answer Phil's question.
- Melissa.
- Melissa.
If anyone would have a prayer
which they don't
- it would be Melissa.
- Sounds good to me.
Let's go tell Franks.
(KNOCK ON DOOR)
(DOOR OPENS)
(DOOR CLOSES)
- (BOWLING PINS CLATTER)
- (CHEERING)
(GRUNTS)
- You Ray Calhoun?
- You must be Agent Franks.
Welcome to Kingpin Lanes.
Wish it was under
different circumstances.
Melissa here yet?
Like I said, I called her for y'all.
She's gonna be here in a minute.
(LAUGHTER SOUND EFFECT PLAYING)
See that?
He sucks at bowling, and
the pins are laughing at him.
Seriously, Ray?
I ain't never seen one of those before.
As much as I'd like to take credit,
them screens is all Sheila's doing.
Still can't believe she's gone.
- You two were close?
- RAY: I'd say so.
She was a tough cookie,
which is a nice way of saying
a pain in the ass, but
she sure cared about this place.
That ring's a real beaut.
Semper fi, Marine.
- Were you in the Corps?
- RAY: Was, indeed.
Mine's tucked in a safe.
Wear this one, though.
High school bowling state champs.
FRANKS: Damn.
That's a real panty-dropper.
- Sheila have a locker?
- RAY: Sure.
Happy to show you. I just
got to look and see which one's hers.
MELISSA: Number 17.
Melissa Jenkins, meet NCIS.
Uh, sorry, got so many damn keys.
Sheila's in here somewhere.
Hey.
I do think long-term.
We're still on this?
Well, this can't just be about Woody,
- so what's it really about?
- (SIGHS)
I knew this was gonna happen.
- You knew what was gonna happen?
- RAY: Got it.
(FLY BUZZING)
(WHISTLES)
Looks like she took leftovers seriously.
She meal-prepped. Prime
athletes, they need their fuel.
Didn't I see a restaurant out there?
Yeah, unfortunately,
it-it's been closed a while.
EMPLOYEE (OVER RADIO): Ray,
that guy with the mullet's
trying to steal shoes again.
Y'all mind?
Handle your business, Ray.
Here's Woody's locker.
Who's on the roster
for the Chalk Outlines?
- Hmm?
- Just there.
Uh, Woody, Melissa Jenkins,
Terry Lemon, and an Enrique Reyes.
So who's Graham Taylor?
What time did you leave
the bowling alley last night?
Why? Am I a suspect?
(SIGHS) I was here until, like,
2:00 in the morning with the team,
celebrating
our big win, like we always do.
I mean, except for Woody.
Who's this Graham Taylor?
Graham used to be on our team,
but he quit three,
- four months ago.
- Why?
Woody. Graham wrote this paper
about fingerprint transfers
Wait, you're saying Graham
is a fingerprint expert, too?
MELISSA: Not according to Woody.
He eviscerated the paper,
detail by detail.
Told him every single thing
he did wrong.
So Woody basically taught
this guy how to plant a print?
If you can call complete
public humiliation "teaching,"
then, yeah, he did.
(DOORBELL RINGS)
(POUNDING ON DOOR)
FRANKS: Graham Taylor! NCIS. Open up.
GIBBS: Graham Taylor?
Hey, we just want to ask you a few qu
FRANKS: Stop! Federal agents!
GIBBS: Randy! Lala!
Stop! I said stop!
- I'm going left to cut him off.
- RANDY: I'm swinging a right.
LALA: I'm going left!
(GRUNTING)
FRANKS: Come here. Come here!
I got him.
Stop!
- (DOG BARKING)
- (EXCLAIMS)
(GRUNTING)
(DOG BARKING)
Johnny freaking Utah.
- (DOG BARKING)
- (GRUNTING)
Where the hell'd you come from?
- Were you following us?
- Yes.
I went to Kingpin
to conduct my interviews.
I saw you guys racing out.
My curiosity piqued. I tailed you here.
I don't know how I feel about that.
Noted, Michael. Can I call you Michael?
You're giving me
the heebie-jeebies, boy,
and if you think I'm gonna
let you hang Woodrow out
for this, for something that
he didn't do, then I'm gonna
Boss, boss, boss. Hey.
I bear no ill will towards your friend.
All I want is the truth.
And in pursuit of that,
I think your team should be
the one to question him.
You're gonna let us do it?
I don't even know who he is, Michael.
I didn't do nothing!
Ah, shut up, Graham.
We both know you killed Sheila Hoffman.
Woody tore your paper apart,
humiliated you.
So, you killed Sheila
and framed him for it.
Wait. Sheila's dead? When?
- Last night.
- (GRAHAM STAMMERS)
I've been in San Francisco
for the last two days at an anime expo.
I just got back a couple of hours ago.
Dozens of people will vouch for me.
Do all you forensic freaks
got a fetish for cartoons?
Lots of us, yeah.
Why'd you run?
Because of what's in his house.
(GROANS)
LALA: I heard a bang from inside,
so I came in to check it out.
Tank over there blew.
- (BUBBLING)
- Well, cooking crank is one use
for a forensics degree.
What if I told you something
about Sheila you don't know?
If I told you,
- could you cut me a break?
- Depends what you know.
I used to work part-time
at the bowling alley.
Sheila told me never to put her
and Woody in lanes next to each other.
Why?
I don't know exactly why,
but it's pretty clear
they hated each other.
- GIBBS: Move, Bob.
- (DOOR OPENS)
Did you and Sheila have beef?
Because you told us
you barely knew her.
I said we haven't spoken
in over a decade.
True. Said we didn't
cross paths last night.
Also true. Every word
- I have said
- Was a lawyer's truth!
Somebody put her body in my house!
I've been working
all the entry points one by one.
I just need more time.
Everyone out there is risking
their badges for you, and you're
- in here holding out on us?
- Do you have a lead?
That's what I thought.
When you got nothing,
you still have forensics.
We're on the same team here, Woodrow.
Look, I know you all care,
and you're great at your jobs,
but at the end of the night,
you guys will drive home
and sleep in your own beds,
and I'll sleep here.
If you don't solve this,
you guys will feel terrible,
- but I'll do the time.
- (KNOCK ON DOOR)
Listen to me, there's
an Agent Bloom on his way here.
He's gonna take you to interrogation.
He's gonna bow. He might hug you.
It's all a trick to get you talking.
- (POUNDING ON DOOR)
- So, you are gonna say
one thing, "Lawyer."
Do you hear me, Woodrow?
If I can finish working this out,
then we won't have to worry
Forget about the damn notebook!
You're trying to solve a case
with make-believe forensics
we ain't even got access to.
Then I should talk to the guy
who does have it.
There he is.
- (DOOR CLOSES)
- Hey, man.
I'm Special Agent Bloom,
but you can just call me Casey.
Great. Look, I know it's unorthodox,
but I have some questions for you, too.
Love that. May I ask mine first?
- Of course.
- Cool.
(SIGHS) Do you prefer Woodrow or Woody?
Mr. Browne.
Wow.
You've got really kind eyes, man.
- Anyone told you that before?
- Literally everyone.
- I'm not surprised.
- I see what you're doing,
and I don't care for it,
so if it's okay,
let's just get to your questions.
Did you murder Sheila Hoffman?
Wow, you really went right for it.
I did not.
- At least that was the right answer.
- (SIGHS)
- He's in over his head.
- He'll be fine,
as long as he doesn't try
to interrogate Bloom.
Well, how do you not see that
he's about to do that?
All he's got to do
is ask for a damn lawyer.
(SCOFFS) He's definitely not doing that.
If I were to murder her,
I would've been
much, much smarter about it.
(LALA SIGHS)
How do you mean?
I wouldn't have strangled her.
It's pedestrian.
- Sloppy.
- How would you have done it?
Nicotine poisoning.
Everyone knew she smoked
two packs a day,
so if her heart gave out,
I don't see anyone asking any questions.
I mean, you've clearly
given Ms. Hoffman's death
- a lot of thought.
- Yeah.
It deserves a lot of thought.
May I ask my questions now?
Please.
How did the killer get her body
into my house?
I assume you checked
for metal shavings on the floor.
You'd have to pull the cylinder,
look at the pins under comparison,
swab the keyway.
Anyone picking a lock
would've left lubricant behind.
- Graphite. Silicone.
- Teflon?
All three.
We pulled the cylinders this morning.
Results came back an hour ago.
No lubricant in either keyway.
No tool marks on the pins.
No impact damage on the housing.
Locks are flawless. Good as new.
No one broke into your house,
Mr. Browne, so
how'd she get in there?
Maybe you invited her?
There is no way in hell I invited
that woman into my house.
(LALA SIGHS)
Oh, no.
BLOOM: Surprising reaction.
See, I thought you barely knew her.
We had a fight. It was a long time ago.
We went our separate ways ever since.
- What happened?
- We used to bowl on the same team.
She was big into practical jokes.
At practice one day,
she oiled up the finger holes
of my bowling ball. My grip slipped.
I tore every ligament in my wrist.
I don't bowl the same anymore.
(FRANKS SCOFFS)
Thank you for your time, Mr. Browne.
- That's it? It's over?
- Yeah.
You just gave me the last thing
I needed, your motive.
Can I see the file now?
Just the crime scene photographs
and the print you pulled
from the necklace.
I-I can read it through
the glass. Y-You can look
- over my shoulder.
- Mr. Browne
You have a print
that says I killed a woman
that I haven't been within
ten feet of in over a decade.
That's not evidence,
that's an impossibility.
And I'm the only person who can
tell you how someone did it.
Two hours.
Just give me two hours
with what you got,
and I will find the person
that actually did this.
I'm afraid I'm looking at him.
LALA: Oh, my God.
What the hell was he thinking?
How hard is it to say "lawyer," damn it?
Let me talk to him.
(DOOR OPENS)
- (DOOR CLOSES)
- That went well.
Why are you making it so hard
for us to help you?
I guess my teams
have always let me down.
Debate team, junior year,
my partner got wasted
the night before, ended up
arguing against our side.
Four-man team,
Missile Command regionals.
During my high score run,
they take a pizza break.
No one's guarding the plug,
machine goes dark 10,000 points shy
of me breaking the record.
And then, I found bowling.
(CHUCKLES) And I was great at it.
And then, Sheila. (CHUCKLES)
Woody, do you know why
wolves run in packs?
- No. Why?
- Wildebeest goes down,
the herd keeps moving. Can't stop.
Wolf goes down, the pack stays.
The pack fights.
So, hear me.
I don't care what just happened
in that room.
You are one of us,
and this pack is not giving up on you.
Not now, not ever.
It's not all forensics in here.
Just stuff that came into my mind.
I don't even remember
writing some of it.
I don't even know if it's useful,
but if it is, you'll find it.
I trust you to find it.
There may also be some
deeply emotional material.
- (DOOR OPENS)
- Personal reflections,
possibly some poetry.
Maybe skip that.
No promises.
(LOCK CLACKS)
MARY JO: Okay, here we go.
Thought scientists
were supposed to be organized?
Woody's writing was upside down
half the time.
Ooh, I got an enemies list right here.
- Good, start rattling it off.
- It's pretty long.
Going back to fifth grade
when a Susie Watkins
beat him in a spelling bee
at Camp Hop-a-long.
RANDY: Oh, ooh, this could be good.
It's a list of grievances
Woody's, uh, teammate Enrique
had against Sheila.
She double-parks
her ginormous Astro van.
She reported vermin in the kitchen,
got the restaurant shut down.
And the pièce de résistance,
she repeatedly ashed her cigarettes
on the freshly waxed lanes.
Sounds like this Enrique had
himself quite the axe to grind.
Yeah, on my page, Woody realizes
it couldn't have been Enrique
because he missed the match
that night to go to the
Do not say that cartoon thing.
- Okay, moving on.
- FRANKS: Damn it.
Gibbs, you're awfully quiet.
That's because all I got so far
is five pages of his high scores
in bowling broken down by frames.
Ah, make that six.
Will somebody please give me
something I can use.
RANDY: I got a to-do list,
but it's, um, actually
all just crossed off
and replaced with "go to jail forever."
FRANKS: That's just damn depressing.
- RANDY: Yeah.
- The to-do list.
His lock. When I dropped Woody off,
he said he needed to add
"replace the lock"
to his to-do list. It was sticking.
Bloom said the FBI
took apart all the locks
- and they were good as new.
- GIBBS: If it wasn't the lock,
maybe it was the key.
At my dad's shop, we had a key cutter.
Sometimes, when I copied keys
for people,
they would come back and say
that the original was sticking.
So you were bad at it?
I was 12. I etched into the grooves.
What if somebody made a copy
of Woody's key fast
and did the same thing?
Maybe that's how they got
into Woody's house.
We still have Woody's keys
from when Basement booked him.
Call Phil. Tell him we're on our way in.
No issue with the etching, but
there's residue in the ridges
and the grooves.
- (PRINTER WHIRRING)
- LALA: Okay.
Running it through the mass spec now.
Oh, no.
- FRANKS AND LALA: What?
- It's bowling wax.
Woody basically lives at Kingpin.
Probably just got some on
his hands and touched his key.
Or that wax made a mold.
- Someone cast Woody's key.
- To cut a duplicate.
How would they get
their hands on the original?
Does Woody bowl with his keys on him?
Does Jordan hoop with his keys on?
- No, of course not.
- His locker.
And other than Woody,
only one person had access.
Ray, the bowling alley owner.
(CHEERING)
(LAUGHTER SOUND EFFECT PLAYING)
(SIGHS)
See that? Them pins are laughing at him.
BOWLER: What?
(HANDCUFFS CLICKING)
Hey!
♪
How long have you been in here?
Long enough to cop a buzz.
Made you a Rob Roy.
- Thank you.
- Your hair's wet.
What are you showering for?
You got no reason to restart your day.
We got the guy. Woodrow's being freed.
I know. I went for a run.
Okay.
So, Mary Jo said that it was, uh, Ray,
the bowling alley owner?
Oh, yeah, the prick was acting like
he and Sheila were best buds.
Truth is, he lost 30% of his income
when she got his restaurant shut down.
- Why'd she do that?
- She just liked to complain.
How did he do the, uh,
fingerprint transfer thing?
He was banging some broad named Melissa
- from his bowling team.
- Mm.
She showed him how to do it.
- She wasn't in cahoots, though.
- Mm-hmm.
So I guess the FBI has all they need?
Yep. Found the duplicate key
in Ray's trash.
They even found a little emerald
from Ray's bowling ring
tangled up in her hair.
The piece of resistance.
Mm
- (KNOCK ON DOOR)
- Yep.
Well, happily, it appears
the universe has course-corrected.
- Told you.
- BLOOM: Yes, you did, Michael.
Thank you for staying open
when I couldn't.
Okay.
Swanson said you were
one hell of an agent.
- She talks about me?
- Okay, um,
well, Agent Bloom, I'm sure
- that we will see you soon.
- Yes, sir.
Hey, Bloom, you really the inspo
for that Keanu fella
in Point Break?
Like to think there's
a little Keanu in all of us.
That boy gives me
the heebie-jeebies, Cliff.
I love Point Break.
- (BILLIARD BALLS CLATTER)
- BARTENDER: Here you go.
- Thank you.
- How drunk are you?
Not at all.
Should we talk later then?
I'm just kidding.
(SIGHS) You were right, Gibbs.
It wasn't just about Woody.
It was about us
and your tendency to not
always think things through.
Hmm.
Diane again?
Yeah. I mean, that one's
gonna stick around for a minute.
You had a gut reaction, and you
followed it to a Vegas church.
That wasn't my gut, it was bourbon.
And we both knew we made a mistake.
And, if I remember right,
I think your gut almost led you
on a road trip of your own.
(CHUCKLES)
- Can't remember.
- You got me.
Not how I want.
(LALA SCOFFS)
What did you mean when you said
you knew this was gonna happen?
That was about me.
We said we weren't gonna let
what happened affect our work,
and right out the gate, I did.
- I can't keep doing that.
- Then stop.
How do you turn it off so easily?
Who said it was easy?
- (MICROPHONE FEEDBACK SQUEALING)
- PHIL: Hi.
- Oh.
- GIBBS: Wow.
(OTHERS GROANING)
PHIL: Hello.
I know that today's been hard
on everyone, especially me.
I'd like to thank everyone
that helped Woody get free.
Uh, over the last six hours,
I have experienced
every single human emotion,
and I would like to never do that again.
- (LAUGHTER)
- PHIL: Without further ado,
the man, the myth, the legend,
back from his iron vacation,
Woodrow freaking Browne!
("MY OWN WORST ENEMY" BY LIT PLAYING)
(CHEERING)
(LAUGHTER)
- (WHOOPING)
- Hey!
(LAUGHTER)
Okay, okay. Hey, hey, hey!
My people. My team.
My beautiful people team.
I was once a wildebeest,
but now, I am a wolf.
(HOWLING)
(ALL HOWLING)
- I'm a wolf now, man.
- Yeah, you are, baby!
- (LAUGHS)
- Hey.
Thank you, handsome.
You're welcome, Woody.
No, really, I owe you one, man.
(HOWLING)
(WOODY LAUGHS)
Look at this, you bring me a smudge,
and I turn it into a latent masterpiece.
You ever hear of Steve Jobs?
Big brain energy over here, handsome.
- (LAUGHS) I still got it.
- You done?
Yes, I am.
- Whose print is it?
- I ran it through AFIS.
He's in the system,
but his profile's locked up
beyond my reach.
To figure out who that is,
you're gonna need someone
with serious access.
I know just who to take it to.
So we can finally call it even?
(CHUCKLES)
Well, that wasn't the favor.
You watch him until I get back.
WOODY: He got a name?
Blue.
Yeah, that tracks.
OLDER GIBBS: You don't think,
you just go.
- (DOOR CLOSES)
- (SIGHS)
OLDER GIBBS: You get on a
plane you don't want to get on.
(ELEVATOR DINGS)
Walk back into a place
you swore you were done with.
But when you get there,
you're home.
DUCKY: Welcome home, Jethro.
MCGEE: It's good
to have you back, boss.
ZIVA: Hello, Gibbs.
Well, aren't you
gonna say something?
(CHUCKLES)
OLDER GIBBS:
And home means family.
♪
And whether it's been ten minutes
or ten years
(SIGHS)
when you need them
family's always there.
LALA: 12 hours ago, I was leaving
to go be with Manny, and suddenly,
I'm hooking up with Gibbs?
VERA:
Does Gibbs know how you feel?
Girl, I don't even know how I feel.
GIBBS: I know what I want now, Lala.
I want you.
I need to know I'm
not just the next one.
No, you're not the next one.
- You're the one.
- Wait for me.
With everything that's happened,
I just need some time.
Then I'll wait as long as it takes.
(GUNSHOT)
(GROANS SOFTLY)
SHOOTER: One down, one to go.
(GASPS)
OLDER GIBBS:
Just when I thought I was out
they pull me back in.
Time to get to work.
OLDER GIBBS:
You don't think, you just go.
You get on a plane
you don't want to get on.
MAN: Selfie! Let's do it.
- Ah
- (PHONE CAMERA CLICKS)
Walk back into a place
you swore you were done with.
Because somewhere along the line,
- you got bonded to somebody
- (CROWD EXCLAIMS)
WOMAN: Don't you dare post that!
(LAUGHTER)
OLDER GIBBS: and that bond
doesn't really give a damn
what you want.
What the hell?
That's the whole job
of a teammate.
Especially when everything in you
is saying to turn around
and run like hell back home.
WOODY: My God.
You're still stunning.
Woody.
Well, this can't be good.
Okay, I'm 83 years old
and I'm heavily medicated,
mostly just for fun,
so let me just run this back,
make sure there's nothing I'm missing.
Someone went all the way
to Alaska to kill you?
Yep.
And you don't know who the bad guys are?
No.
Hey! That's a bouclé couch, okay?
And you brought half of Alaska
back on those paws.
Show some respect.
Down.
I don't like your dog.
So, you came back to the Lower 48
because their next target
is someone close to you?
Wait, am I in danger?
No, I-I think you're good.
Huh, well, that's a relief.
(SIGHS) As far as this fingerprint goes,
kudos to you for pulling it with
only some Scotch tape and dirt.
That's very Michael Franksian
of you, but
it's pretty faint.
You'd have better luck with someone
who has equipment built this century.
Well, they think I'm dead.
I'd like to keep it that way.
Oh, so, you just came to me
because I'm an old retired guy
and you need this done off the books?
(LAUGHS): No, I came to you
because you owe me a favor.
("MY OWN WORST ENEMY" BY LIT PLAYING)
(SIGHS)
(SIREN WAILING)
Can we forget about
the things ♪
- I said when I was drunk? ♪
- (SIREN CHIRPS)
I didn't mean
to call you that ♪
Ay, Dios mío.
(SIREN WAILING)
¡Manos arriba!
- Manos arriba.
- This can't be good.
♪
I'm capable, I'm competent
and this is not the day
that it all falls apart.
I'm capable, I'm competent,
- this is not the
- (FRANKS CLEARS THROAT)
You're kind of freaking me out, Cliff.
And with Woodrow getting pinched
for boozing and battering
in El México,
it's a bad day
for you to be acting weird.
Not weird, centered.
And all thanks to my therapist
and the new mantra she gave me.
I am capable,
- I'm competent
- Look, look, look, I-I get it.
We only got our new C a couple weeks ago
and there's already been some doings
"Doings," Mike?
One of our agents got abducted,
we lost classified secrets
and now this latest embarrassment?
Oh.
- I'm capable, I'm competent
- There's worse things
in the world than a drunken bar brawl.
The Federales had guns to Woody's head.
And Gibbs is down in TJ
scooping up our boy as we speak.
- Ain't no problemo.
- The problemo is, Mike,
in order to get Woody released,
I now owe a personal favor to
a Federale who goes by "Nacho."
No last name.
- And your point being?
- Ugh.
(CLEARS THROAT) My point is,
these little backroom deals,
they make us look horrible.
Other than you, me and Gibbs,
no one else should know about this.
- Understood?
- Of course. It's in the vault.
Rough morning for Woody, huh?
That's just Dominguez.
She don't talk to nobody.
RANDY: "No te muevas, Americano."
How many Federales were there?
I heard 33.
(SIGHS)
You're centered, Cliff!
(MUSIC PLAYING FAINTLY OVER RADIO)
GIBBS: Woody.
(LAUGHS SOFTLY)
I know you're not sleeping.
You were snoring when you were asleep.
(GROANS) Just let me sulk.
I have.
It's time to talk.
Am I gonna get fired?
Yeah, I don't think so.
Wheeler seemed oddly calm.
- Heard he's in therapy.
- It's about time.
It's not like you
to get in a bar fight, Woody.
- What happened?
- Last thing I remember
was these guys were flirting
with this girl.
She wasn't into them,
asked them to stop,
they didn't, I stepped in.
- How many?
- Four.
To eight. I don't know.
I was really drunk.
GIBBS: Hey, what were you doing
down in TJ?
Celebrating after carrying
my bowling team
to yet another glorious victory.
Hey, the speed limit's 50, not 42, man.
I'd like to get home and purge
as quickly as possible.
I didn't know you bowled.
I bowl a little, too.
Not like me you don't.
I'm basically phenomenal.
Wow, just no seat belt, huh? Bold.
Why wasn't your team
celebrating with you?
They don't like me
because they're jealous of me.
When I said "phenomenal,"
I guess I really meant
"generational talent."
I would've gone pro
if it wasn't for a wrist injury.
Cool.
WOODY: Appreciate the lift, handsome.
Sorry if I hijacked your morning.
GIBBS: Mind if I hit the head?
Sure, j-just scoot up a little bit.
You're gonna block my walkway
petunias from the sun.
- All right.
- All right.
They call themselves
"The Chalk Outlines."
- Hmm?
- My bowling team.
We're all forensic analysts.
And those so-called geniuses
thought it would be a cute name.
Hmm. It's not bad.
I find it distasteful.
Sorry, lock's been sticking lately.
Been meaning to put it on my to-do list,
but who remembers?
If you're not gonna make it,
there's bushes over there.
I'll make it.
Bathroom's on the left.
You know, the worst part
of this whole thing
is I'm gonna have
to apologize to Wheeler.
God, that guy gives me the creeps.
That's the worst part?
I mean, the rifles in my face
were unsettling, sure,
but Wheeler and those eyes?
He's like a demented owl
staring into my s
(GASPS) Oh, my God!
- (CAMERA SHUTTER CLICKS)
- DALTON: Woody.
- Woody.
- Huh?
Turn to the left.
Um
- (CAMERA SHUTTER CLICKS)
- Okay, now
I got to print you, pal.
Am I being charged with murder?
Woody, I already told you,
you're not being charged,
you're being detained.
FBI orders.
Understand?
Cliff!
Been looking for you. FBI stormed in,
took over the scene,
they won't tell us squat.
- Who's the victim?
- GIBBS: Sheila Hoffman.
She bowls in the same
amateur league Woody does.
So, he knew her?
That adds an unfortunate wrinkle.
Woody went into shock,
but before he did,
he told Gibbs he barely knew the lady.
WHEELER: From the bruising on her neck,
she was strangled, no question.
We don't know how
she got into Woody's house,
let alone who killed her Cliff,
- why are you showering?
- My therapist said
that if my new mantra isn't cutting it,
that I should take a shower
to restart my day.
I'm restarting. Where is Woody now?
GIBBS: Dalton Basement's booking him,
then taking him to holding.
Look, I know you're gonna say
"conflict of interest,"
but if I could just talk
- to Woody for two minutes
- Not happening, Mike.
Oh, come on, Cliff! We both know
Woody didn't do this.
He feeds sea lions down at the pier.
He gives them cute little names
and everything.
I don't think that he did it,
either, okay?
But we have to let the FBI handle this.
We cannot interrupt an investigation
into one of our own.
It's tough for us to help him
if we can't talk to him.
We all know the Bureau's about as sharp
- as Woody's bowling ball.
- I am asking Agent Swanson
to run lead on this.
- She's a good agent.
- Yeah, she's a great one.
Okay. Look, if I could just get
two minutes with Woody,
- I could figure
- Damn it, Mike, stop!
This is an FBI case.
No one from NCIS talks to Woody.
- Understood?
- (FOOTSTEPS APPROACHING)
LALA: ¿Más o menos
como a qué hora fue eso?
Okay. Muchas gracias.
Bartender in Tijuana said Woody
got there around 11:30.
Well, the bowling tournament
ended at 9:00.
He couldn't have driven home,
committed murder
and then made it to the bar
- that fast, right?
- That late at night?
Woody's place is only, like,
a half hour away from TJ.
FBI ain't here yet?
- Mary Jo!
- What did Wheeler say?
No talking to Woody.
He's putting his life
in the hands of the FBI.
LALA: Conflict of interest, Gibbs.
Wheeler's making the right call.
Sometimes you got to break the rules.
Woody is our friend.
If our friend ends up charged,
and we questioned him,
the prosecution
will eat him and us alive.
Try thinking more than
five minutes ahead for once.
What?
Good talk, you two. Mary Jo!
(FOOTSTEPS APPROACHING)
Franks, you just walked past my desk.
I know you saw me on the phone.
What's the holdup with Swanson?
The FBI is finishing up
at the crime scene now,
- then heading to us.
- When Swanson gets here,
we need a theory that says Woody
ain't a cold-blooded killer!
- What do we got?
- He could've been framed.
Woody testifies
for a ton of court cases.
A lot of criminals would benefit
from him being locked up.
What cases he got coming up?
Get me Phil on the horn.
Gail said she heard from JJ
that Mary Jo told Nadia,
Phil is in San Francisco
at the big anime expo.
The hell's an anime? Mary Jo!
It's like a Japanese
storytelling style
Mary Jo! I need Phil.
MARY JO: I'm trying to get ahold of him,
but he's in San Francisco
watching cartoons.
- Rumor verified.
- FRANKS: Get his ass back here.
FBI's moving slow as molasses.
I am done waiting.
- Mike.
- I ain't taking opinions, Dominguez.
- Gibbs, with me.
- (PILLS RATTLE)
FRANKS: Follow my lead, Gibbs.
Wheeler said FBI only.
We ain't here to question him.
Giving his blood pressure meds.
- Come on, Franks.
- Move, Bob.
Make it quick, guys.
FBI will be here any minute.
Thank God.
- I need a notebook.
- (DOOR CLOSES)
- What's this?
- Your blood pressure meds.
Ivermectin? This is Gary Callahan's
heartworm medication.
Forget the pills.
FBI's on their way here.
We ain't got much time.
I swear, I didn't do this.
Okay, I never even saw Sheila
at the bowling alley last night.
We believe you, Woody.
You got any court cases coming up?
You think someone's trying
to frame me for murder
just to stop me from testifying?
- That's insane.
- Do you have a better theory?
No. But it really concerns me
that's yours.
I need a notebook.
What's with you and this damn notebook?
(KNOCKING ON DOOR)
FBI Swanson's here. Come on.
We're not gonna be able
to talk to you again, Woody.
Anything you can tell us,
now is the time.
- (POUNDING ON DOOR)
- (GRUNTS SOFTLY)
Notebook.
(LOCK CLACKS)
Hey. Agent Franks.
Been looking for you.
Wanted to introduce myself.
Who the hell are you? Where's Swanson?
Josephine is tied up on another case.
I'm her partner. Casey Bloom.
Swanson ain't never mentioned a partner.
I've been undercover the past year.
Biker gang up in Barstow.
Beautiful people, honestly.
Just carrying a lot of pain.
- You two wouldn't be
- (CLEARS THROAT)
questioning my suspect
down here, would you?
Course not.
No, we just came down
to wish Bob a happy birthday.
- Ain't that right, Gibbs?
- Oh, that's right.
Happy birthday, eh, Bob?
- Every year's a gift, brother.
- Thanks.
FRANKS: Listen, Plume, I-I know
you're running point on this thing,
but we're here to help however we can.
It's "Bloom," like the flowers
in the spring.
Whatever. Can we get a look
at what you got so far?
Crime scene photos, forensics, whatnot?
Uh, I'm afraid that's just
not gonna be possible.
Listen, our boy in there,
he didn't do this.
- He was in Mexico.
- He feeds sea lions.
Ocean needs people like that.
We think he was framed.
So, your theory is that
someone else murdered Sheila,
then dragged her body
into Woodrow's house?
Don't act like you ain't seen
that kind of thing before.
BLOOM: You know what
I haven't seen before?
Is the fingerprints of an innocent man
on the necklace
of a strangulation victim.
I'm sorry, friends, but that
one's gonna be tough to explain.
I'm just saying,
when the Bureau shows up,
- they're not here to mingle.
- Yeah, I know.
I'm afraid Woody's screwed.
Randy's on his way back
from the airport with Phil.
Franks has been in there for a while.
You think this Bloom guy
is charging Woody with murder?
We charge people for a lot less.
What did you mean
when you said I should think
more than five minutes ahead?
That you should think more
than five minutes ahead.
You know, as a sniper,
I used to lay in wait
for months sometimes, right?
I'm not someone
who doesn't think big picture.
Okay.
(DOOR OPENS)
GAIL: Does Wheeler think Woody did it?
Is it true he called in the FBI
because Woody told him
he looks like a demented owl?
MARY JO: Enough!
Everyone, back to work, now.
Bloom ain't charging him yet.
He wants motive.
We need to find out how Woody's
print got on that necklace.
Woody says he bowls with
a bunch of forensics experts
who can't stand him.
Maybe one of them planted it.
Is that even possible?
Here comes someone
who can hopefully tell us.
Phil, Rando catch you up?
- Our boy Woody's in trouble.
- (STAMMERS)
He's fighting off
a panic attack right now.
Uh, no, it's fully here.
I just need 12 seconds
to reset my amygdala.
(TAKES DEEP BREATH)
Franks, you didn't say Swanson's
partner was Casey Bloom.
Didn't say he smelled like a girl
candle, either. What's your point?
He's the inspiration for
Johnny Utah from Point Break.
GIBBS: The bank robber?
- That's Swayze.
- RANDY: No. Utah's Keanu.
Kid from Bill & Ted?
I don't see it.
- Hey, you normal yet?
- Uh
Could somebody have planted
Woody's prints
on that lady's necklace?
I don't know.
I'm an expert in almost everything, but
fingerprints are Woody's specialty.
I told you, we can't talk to Woody.
FRANKS: Should've left him
at the airport.
You can't talk to Woody, but I can.
We have pending lab work,
case notes I need access to,
hard deadlines.
It's called bureaucratic momentum.
He hasn't been charged yet,
so legally, I can still
get access to my partner.
Still think you should've
left me at the airport?
Before we go in, there's
something you should know.
Uh, Woody will have asked
for a notebook.
He'll be writing in it
the whole time we're in there.
Why?
When Woody was little, his dad died.
He wanted to talk about it,
but his mom didn't.
One day, she gave him a notebook,
told him to write it all down instead.
Now, that's the only place
those feelings go.
- That's heartbreaking.
- I know.
It's why I put up
with so much of his crap.
Sorry, MJ. Wheeler says no.
I need to talk to my partner
about super cool forensics stuff
that is unrelated to his detainment.
And I'm his escort.
Signed off by Wheeler.
Happy birthday, Bob.
- Oh, Phil.
- (DOOR CLOSES)
I didn't want you to see me like this.
Why? I'm-I'm-I'm fine.
Okay, pal. Buddy, um
I need you to activate that
big beautiful brain of yours.
In a situation like this,
is latent print transposition possible?
- W-Woody.
- Huh?
It has to be.
I never touched the necklace,
so there's no other explanation.
We think one of your bowling teammates
- might be trying to set you up.
- (WOODY SCOFFS)
I mean, they all resent me plenty,
but I don't think any of them
are capable of doing this.
If someone dislikes you enough, then
No, I mean mentally capable
of doing this.
What kind of necklace was she wearing?
I was too busy screaming to notice.
- Gibbs said gold.
- WOODY: Okay, well, polished,
smooth.
Connoisseur's choice
for a job like this,
but I still can't see them
pulling it off.
Let's hope you're wrong.
Didn't you tell me one of them
majored in pattern analysis?
Woody, I
I know you're trying to get
your feelings out right now,
but I need you to help us help you.
I don't use this to get my feelings out.
I use it to find answers.
I'm trying to break down
forensic evidence to help me.
We don't have access to that.
It's with the FBI.
Which teammate am I thinking of?
- It's irrelevant.
- Woody!
Answer Phil's question.
- Melissa.
- Melissa.
If anyone would have a prayer
which they don't
- it would be Melissa.
- Sounds good to me.
Let's go tell Franks.
(KNOCK ON DOOR)
(DOOR OPENS)
(DOOR CLOSES)
- (BOWLING PINS CLATTER)
- (CHEERING)
(GRUNTS)
- You Ray Calhoun?
- You must be Agent Franks.
Welcome to Kingpin Lanes.
Wish it was under
different circumstances.
Melissa here yet?
Like I said, I called her for y'all.
She's gonna be here in a minute.
(LAUGHTER SOUND EFFECT PLAYING)
See that?
He sucks at bowling, and
the pins are laughing at him.
Seriously, Ray?
I ain't never seen one of those before.
As much as I'd like to take credit,
them screens is all Sheila's doing.
Still can't believe she's gone.
- You two were close?
- RAY: I'd say so.
She was a tough cookie,
which is a nice way of saying
a pain in the ass, but
she sure cared about this place.
That ring's a real beaut.
Semper fi, Marine.
- Were you in the Corps?
- RAY: Was, indeed.
Mine's tucked in a safe.
Wear this one, though.
High school bowling state champs.
FRANKS: Damn.
That's a real panty-dropper.
- Sheila have a locker?
- RAY: Sure.
Happy to show you. I just
got to look and see which one's hers.
MELISSA: Number 17.
Melissa Jenkins, meet NCIS.
Uh, sorry, got so many damn keys.
Sheila's in here somewhere.
Hey.
I do think long-term.
We're still on this?
Well, this can't just be about Woody,
- so what's it really about?
- (SIGHS)
I knew this was gonna happen.
- You knew what was gonna happen?
- RAY: Got it.
(FLY BUZZING)
(WHISTLES)
Looks like she took leftovers seriously.
She meal-prepped. Prime
athletes, they need their fuel.
Didn't I see a restaurant out there?
Yeah, unfortunately,
it-it's been closed a while.
EMPLOYEE (OVER RADIO): Ray,
that guy with the mullet's
trying to steal shoes again.
Y'all mind?
Handle your business, Ray.
Here's Woody's locker.
Who's on the roster
for the Chalk Outlines?
- Hmm?
- Just there.
Uh, Woody, Melissa Jenkins,
Terry Lemon, and an Enrique Reyes.
So who's Graham Taylor?
What time did you leave
the bowling alley last night?
Why? Am I a suspect?
(SIGHS) I was here until, like,
2:00 in the morning with the team,
celebrating
our big win, like we always do.
I mean, except for Woody.
Who's this Graham Taylor?
Graham used to be on our team,
but he quit three,
- four months ago.
- Why?
Woody. Graham wrote this paper
about fingerprint transfers
Wait, you're saying Graham
is a fingerprint expert, too?
MELISSA: Not according to Woody.
He eviscerated the paper,
detail by detail.
Told him every single thing
he did wrong.
So Woody basically taught
this guy how to plant a print?
If you can call complete
public humiliation "teaching,"
then, yeah, he did.
(DOORBELL RINGS)
(POUNDING ON DOOR)
FRANKS: Graham Taylor! NCIS. Open up.
GIBBS: Graham Taylor?
Hey, we just want to ask you a few qu
FRANKS: Stop! Federal agents!
GIBBS: Randy! Lala!
Stop! I said stop!
- I'm going left to cut him off.
- RANDY: I'm swinging a right.
LALA: I'm going left!
(GRUNTING)
FRANKS: Come here. Come here!
I got him.
Stop!
- (DOG BARKING)
- (EXCLAIMS)
(GRUNTING)
(DOG BARKING)
Johnny freaking Utah.
- (DOG BARKING)
- (GRUNTING)
Where the hell'd you come from?
- Were you following us?
- Yes.
I went to Kingpin
to conduct my interviews.
I saw you guys racing out.
My curiosity piqued. I tailed you here.
I don't know how I feel about that.
Noted, Michael. Can I call you Michael?
You're giving me
the heebie-jeebies, boy,
and if you think I'm gonna
let you hang Woodrow out
for this, for something that
he didn't do, then I'm gonna
Boss, boss, boss. Hey.
I bear no ill will towards your friend.
All I want is the truth.
And in pursuit of that,
I think your team should be
the one to question him.
You're gonna let us do it?
I don't even know who he is, Michael.
I didn't do nothing!
Ah, shut up, Graham.
We both know you killed Sheila Hoffman.
Woody tore your paper apart,
humiliated you.
So, you killed Sheila
and framed him for it.
Wait. Sheila's dead? When?
- Last night.
- (GRAHAM STAMMERS)
I've been in San Francisco
for the last two days at an anime expo.
I just got back a couple of hours ago.
Dozens of people will vouch for me.
Do all you forensic freaks
got a fetish for cartoons?
Lots of us, yeah.
Why'd you run?
Because of what's in his house.
(GROANS)
LALA: I heard a bang from inside,
so I came in to check it out.
Tank over there blew.
- (BUBBLING)
- Well, cooking crank is one use
for a forensics degree.
What if I told you something
about Sheila you don't know?
If I told you,
- could you cut me a break?
- Depends what you know.
I used to work part-time
at the bowling alley.
Sheila told me never to put her
and Woody in lanes next to each other.
Why?
I don't know exactly why,
but it's pretty clear
they hated each other.
- GIBBS: Move, Bob.
- (DOOR OPENS)
Did you and Sheila have beef?
Because you told us
you barely knew her.
I said we haven't spoken
in over a decade.
True. Said we didn't
cross paths last night.
Also true. Every word
- I have said
- Was a lawyer's truth!
Somebody put her body in my house!
I've been working
all the entry points one by one.
I just need more time.
Everyone out there is risking
their badges for you, and you're
- in here holding out on us?
- Do you have a lead?
That's what I thought.
When you got nothing,
you still have forensics.
We're on the same team here, Woodrow.
Look, I know you all care,
and you're great at your jobs,
but at the end of the night,
you guys will drive home
and sleep in your own beds,
and I'll sleep here.
If you don't solve this,
you guys will feel terrible,
- but I'll do the time.
- (KNOCK ON DOOR)
Listen to me, there's
an Agent Bloom on his way here.
He's gonna take you to interrogation.
He's gonna bow. He might hug you.
It's all a trick to get you talking.
- (POUNDING ON DOOR)
- So, you are gonna say
one thing, "Lawyer."
Do you hear me, Woodrow?
If I can finish working this out,
then we won't have to worry
Forget about the damn notebook!
You're trying to solve a case
with make-believe forensics
we ain't even got access to.
Then I should talk to the guy
who does have it.
There he is.
- (DOOR CLOSES)
- Hey, man.
I'm Special Agent Bloom,
but you can just call me Casey.
Great. Look, I know it's unorthodox,
but I have some questions for you, too.
Love that. May I ask mine first?
- Of course.
- Cool.
(SIGHS) Do you prefer Woodrow or Woody?
Mr. Browne.
Wow.
You've got really kind eyes, man.
- Anyone told you that before?
- Literally everyone.
- I'm not surprised.
- I see what you're doing,
and I don't care for it,
so if it's okay,
let's just get to your questions.
Did you murder Sheila Hoffman?
Wow, you really went right for it.
I did not.
- At least that was the right answer.
- (SIGHS)
- He's in over his head.
- He'll be fine,
as long as he doesn't try
to interrogate Bloom.
Well, how do you not see that
he's about to do that?
All he's got to do
is ask for a damn lawyer.
(SCOFFS) He's definitely not doing that.
If I were to murder her,
I would've been
much, much smarter about it.
(LALA SIGHS)
How do you mean?
I wouldn't have strangled her.
It's pedestrian.
- Sloppy.
- How would you have done it?
Nicotine poisoning.
Everyone knew she smoked
two packs a day,
so if her heart gave out,
I don't see anyone asking any questions.
I mean, you've clearly
given Ms. Hoffman's death
- a lot of thought.
- Yeah.
It deserves a lot of thought.
May I ask my questions now?
Please.
How did the killer get her body
into my house?
I assume you checked
for metal shavings on the floor.
You'd have to pull the cylinder,
look at the pins under comparison,
swab the keyway.
Anyone picking a lock
would've left lubricant behind.
- Graphite. Silicone.
- Teflon?
All three.
We pulled the cylinders this morning.
Results came back an hour ago.
No lubricant in either keyway.
No tool marks on the pins.
No impact damage on the housing.
Locks are flawless. Good as new.
No one broke into your house,
Mr. Browne, so
how'd she get in there?
Maybe you invited her?
There is no way in hell I invited
that woman into my house.
(LALA SIGHS)
Oh, no.
BLOOM: Surprising reaction.
See, I thought you barely knew her.
We had a fight. It was a long time ago.
We went our separate ways ever since.
- What happened?
- We used to bowl on the same team.
She was big into practical jokes.
At practice one day,
she oiled up the finger holes
of my bowling ball. My grip slipped.
I tore every ligament in my wrist.
I don't bowl the same anymore.
(FRANKS SCOFFS)
Thank you for your time, Mr. Browne.
- That's it? It's over?
- Yeah.
You just gave me the last thing
I needed, your motive.
Can I see the file now?
Just the crime scene photographs
and the print you pulled
from the necklace.
I-I can read it through
the glass. Y-You can look
- over my shoulder.
- Mr. Browne
You have a print
that says I killed a woman
that I haven't been within
ten feet of in over a decade.
That's not evidence,
that's an impossibility.
And I'm the only person who can
tell you how someone did it.
Two hours.
Just give me two hours
with what you got,
and I will find the person
that actually did this.
I'm afraid I'm looking at him.
LALA: Oh, my God.
What the hell was he thinking?
How hard is it to say "lawyer," damn it?
Let me talk to him.
(DOOR OPENS)
- (DOOR CLOSES)
- That went well.
Why are you making it so hard
for us to help you?
I guess my teams
have always let me down.
Debate team, junior year,
my partner got wasted
the night before, ended up
arguing against our side.
Four-man team,
Missile Command regionals.
During my high score run,
they take a pizza break.
No one's guarding the plug,
machine goes dark 10,000 points shy
of me breaking the record.
And then, I found bowling.
(CHUCKLES) And I was great at it.
And then, Sheila. (CHUCKLES)
Woody, do you know why
wolves run in packs?
- No. Why?
- Wildebeest goes down,
the herd keeps moving. Can't stop.
Wolf goes down, the pack stays.
The pack fights.
So, hear me.
I don't care what just happened
in that room.
You are one of us,
and this pack is not giving up on you.
Not now, not ever.
It's not all forensics in here.
Just stuff that came into my mind.
I don't even remember
writing some of it.
I don't even know if it's useful,
but if it is, you'll find it.
I trust you to find it.
There may also be some
deeply emotional material.
- (DOOR OPENS)
- Personal reflections,
possibly some poetry.
Maybe skip that.
No promises.
(LOCK CLACKS)
MARY JO: Okay, here we go.
Thought scientists
were supposed to be organized?
Woody's writing was upside down
half the time.
Ooh, I got an enemies list right here.
- Good, start rattling it off.
- It's pretty long.
Going back to fifth grade
when a Susie Watkins
beat him in a spelling bee
at Camp Hop-a-long.
RANDY: Oh, ooh, this could be good.
It's a list of grievances
Woody's, uh, teammate Enrique
had against Sheila.
She double-parks
her ginormous Astro van.
She reported vermin in the kitchen,
got the restaurant shut down.
And the pièce de résistance,
she repeatedly ashed her cigarettes
on the freshly waxed lanes.
Sounds like this Enrique had
himself quite the axe to grind.
Yeah, on my page, Woody realizes
it couldn't have been Enrique
because he missed the match
that night to go to the
Do not say that cartoon thing.
- Okay, moving on.
- FRANKS: Damn it.
Gibbs, you're awfully quiet.
That's because all I got so far
is five pages of his high scores
in bowling broken down by frames.
Ah, make that six.
Will somebody please give me
something I can use.
RANDY: I got a to-do list,
but it's, um, actually
all just crossed off
and replaced with "go to jail forever."
FRANKS: That's just damn depressing.
- RANDY: Yeah.
- The to-do list.
His lock. When I dropped Woody off,
he said he needed to add
"replace the lock"
to his to-do list. It was sticking.
Bloom said the FBI
took apart all the locks
- and they were good as new.
- GIBBS: If it wasn't the lock,
maybe it was the key.
At my dad's shop, we had a key cutter.
Sometimes, when I copied keys
for people,
they would come back and say
that the original was sticking.
So you were bad at it?
I was 12. I etched into the grooves.
What if somebody made a copy
of Woody's key fast
and did the same thing?
Maybe that's how they got
into Woody's house.
We still have Woody's keys
from when Basement booked him.
Call Phil. Tell him we're on our way in.
No issue with the etching, but
there's residue in the ridges
and the grooves.
- (PRINTER WHIRRING)
- LALA: Okay.
Running it through the mass spec now.
Oh, no.
- FRANKS AND LALA: What?
- It's bowling wax.
Woody basically lives at Kingpin.
Probably just got some on
his hands and touched his key.
Or that wax made a mold.
- Someone cast Woody's key.
- To cut a duplicate.
How would they get
their hands on the original?
Does Woody bowl with his keys on him?
Does Jordan hoop with his keys on?
- No, of course not.
- His locker.
And other than Woody,
only one person had access.
Ray, the bowling alley owner.
(CHEERING)
(LAUGHTER SOUND EFFECT PLAYING)
(SIGHS)
See that? Them pins are laughing at him.
BOWLER: What?
(HANDCUFFS CLICKING)
Hey!
♪
How long have you been in here?
Long enough to cop a buzz.
Made you a Rob Roy.
- Thank you.
- Your hair's wet.
What are you showering for?
You got no reason to restart your day.
We got the guy. Woodrow's being freed.
I know. I went for a run.
Okay.
So, Mary Jo said that it was, uh, Ray,
the bowling alley owner?
Oh, yeah, the prick was acting like
he and Sheila were best buds.
Truth is, he lost 30% of his income
when she got his restaurant shut down.
- Why'd she do that?
- She just liked to complain.
How did he do the, uh,
fingerprint transfer thing?
He was banging some broad named Melissa
- from his bowling team.
- Mm.
She showed him how to do it.
- She wasn't in cahoots, though.
- Mm-hmm.
So I guess the FBI has all they need?
Yep. Found the duplicate key
in Ray's trash.
They even found a little emerald
from Ray's bowling ring
tangled up in her hair.
The piece of resistance.
Mm
- (KNOCK ON DOOR)
- Yep.
Well, happily, it appears
the universe has course-corrected.
- Told you.
- BLOOM: Yes, you did, Michael.
Thank you for staying open
when I couldn't.
Okay.
Swanson said you were
one hell of an agent.
- She talks about me?
- Okay, um,
well, Agent Bloom, I'm sure
- that we will see you soon.
- Yes, sir.
Hey, Bloom, you really the inspo
for that Keanu fella
in Point Break?
Like to think there's
a little Keanu in all of us.
That boy gives me
the heebie-jeebies, Cliff.
I love Point Break.
- (BILLIARD BALLS CLATTER)
- BARTENDER: Here you go.
- Thank you.
- How drunk are you?
Not at all.
Should we talk later then?
I'm just kidding.
(SIGHS) You were right, Gibbs.
It wasn't just about Woody.
It was about us
and your tendency to not
always think things through.
Hmm.
Diane again?
Yeah. I mean, that one's
gonna stick around for a minute.
You had a gut reaction, and you
followed it to a Vegas church.
That wasn't my gut, it was bourbon.
And we both knew we made a mistake.
And, if I remember right,
I think your gut almost led you
on a road trip of your own.
(CHUCKLES)
- Can't remember.
- You got me.
Not how I want.
(LALA SCOFFS)
What did you mean when you said
you knew this was gonna happen?
That was about me.
We said we weren't gonna let
what happened affect our work,
and right out the gate, I did.
- I can't keep doing that.
- Then stop.
How do you turn it off so easily?
Who said it was easy?
- (MICROPHONE FEEDBACK SQUEALING)
- PHIL: Hi.
- Oh.
- GIBBS: Wow.
(OTHERS GROANING)
PHIL: Hello.
I know that today's been hard
on everyone, especially me.
I'd like to thank everyone
that helped Woody get free.
Uh, over the last six hours,
I have experienced
every single human emotion,
and I would like to never do that again.
- (LAUGHTER)
- PHIL: Without further ado,
the man, the myth, the legend,
back from his iron vacation,
Woodrow freaking Browne!
("MY OWN WORST ENEMY" BY LIT PLAYING)
(CHEERING)
(LAUGHTER)
- (WHOOPING)
- Hey!
(LAUGHTER)
Okay, okay. Hey, hey, hey!
My people. My team.
My beautiful people team.
I was once a wildebeest,
but now, I am a wolf.
(HOWLING)
(ALL HOWLING)
- I'm a wolf now, man.
- Yeah, you are, baby!
- (LAUGHS)
- Hey.
Thank you, handsome.
You're welcome, Woody.
No, really, I owe you one, man.
(HOWLING)
(WOODY LAUGHS)
Look at this, you bring me a smudge,
and I turn it into a latent masterpiece.
You ever hear of Steve Jobs?
Big brain energy over here, handsome.
- (LAUGHS) I still got it.
- You done?
Yes, I am.
- Whose print is it?
- I ran it through AFIS.
He's in the system,
but his profile's locked up
beyond my reach.
To figure out who that is,
you're gonna need someone
with serious access.
I know just who to take it to.
So we can finally call it even?
(CHUCKLES)
Well, that wasn't the favor.
You watch him until I get back.
WOODY: He got a name?
Blue.
Yeah, that tracks.
OLDER GIBBS: You don't think,
you just go.
- (DOOR CLOSES)
- (SIGHS)
OLDER GIBBS: You get on a
plane you don't want to get on.
(ELEVATOR DINGS)
Walk back into a place
you swore you were done with.
But when you get there,
you're home.
DUCKY: Welcome home, Jethro.
MCGEE: It's good
to have you back, boss.
ZIVA: Hello, Gibbs.
Well, aren't you
gonna say something?
(CHUCKLES)
OLDER GIBBS:
And home means family.
♪
And whether it's been ten minutes
or ten years
(SIGHS)
when you need them
family's always there.