In NCIS Season 22, Episode 3, “The Trouble with Hal,” the team encounters a bizarre case alongside significant personal developments and office debates. Here are the ten biggest moments:
- Haunted Lodge and Unusual Guests: The team investigates a creepy Halloween-themed mansion, where a man named Hal is discovered with a hammer lodged in his skull. The house, apparently haunted, leads the team to eccentric characters like Wanda Prescott, heiress to a fortune, and her suspicious assistant Leonard, who rented out her home without her knowledge
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- Ducky’s Office Debate: Torres wants to convert Ducky’s old office into a gym, sparking discussions among team members. Palmer eventually proposes a compromise, transforming it into a multi-use memorial space. It’s a touching tribute, with each member contributing ideas that reflect Ducky’s impact on their lives
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- Knight and Palmer’s Relationship Tension: The awkwardness continues between Knight and Palmer following their breakup, as they try to maintain professionalism. This episode subtly addresses their unresolved feelings, especially as they work closely together on the case
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- Parker’s Haunting Memory: Parker is still grappling with visions of his late sister, a memory haunting him since Season 21. Knight’s encouragement to talk about it hints at unresolved personal issues for Parker that may play out further in the season
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- Mary’s Confusion over Hal: Mary, Hal’s girlfriend, remains oblivious to the fact that “Hal” was actually Felix Pitts, a man with a criminal past. Her discovery of his death only adds to the chaos and mystery surrounding the house and the strange series of events
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- The Storage Unit Discovery: Parker and Knight uncover treasure-hunting gear and old plans for a family lodge, suggesting that Hal-turned-Felix may have been on a treasure hunt before his death, adding complexity to the motive behind the murder
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- Comic Relief with Halloween Vibes: The Halloween setting adds humor to the episode. The eccentric assistant Leonard, played by Dominic Burgess, lightens the mood with his oddities, while the spooky setting entertains Torres and Knight, who aren’t fans of haunted locales
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- Wanda’s Character: Wanda’s revelation about her deceased husband’s treasure as a family legacy contrasts sharply with Leonard’s schemes, reinforcing her grounded nature while adding depth to her character arc.
- Big Bark’s Involvement: Hal’s former cellmate, “Big Bark,” adds tension with claims that Hal was planning a big score, drawing the team deeper into Hal/Felix’s secret life
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- Resolution and Tribute: The final decision to dedicate Ducky’s office as a “memorial, multi-purpose room” provides a moment of closure, honoring his legacy while allowing the team to move forward with a space reflective of their bond
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This episode effectively mixes humor, mystery, and poignant moments, setting up more personal and professional challenges for the team this season.
