NCIS season 18 episode 5 Recap and FAQ

Episode Summary

Gibbs and Fornell delve into a counterfeit opioid case linked to a fast food chain, uncovering a deeper terrorist plot by drug kingpin Merriweather (Alexi Myshkin) targeting military bases. Undercover operations lead to dramatic confrontations, Bishop's kidnapping, and a critical injury to McGee, whom Gibbs shoots to save from a bomb-laden plane. The emotional aftermath sees Fornell reuniting with his daughter and Gibbs grappling with his drastic actions, while Merriweather is finally apprehended.

Full Episode S18E05 Recap

### Winston's Disappearance and the Counterfeit Opioid Case - **Gibbs and Tobias Fornell** discuss the missing Winston and the counterfeit opioid operation. - **Fornell** is undercover, infiltrating a fast food chain used for drug trafficking. - **Merriweather**, a mysterious drug kingpin, is revealed as the mastermind. - **NCIS Director Leon Vance** orders Gibbs to continue the operation, despite the Secretary of the Navy's (SECNAV) decision to hand it over to the DEA. ### Fornell's Undercover Mission and the Burger Joint Investigation - **Gibbs and Fornell** investigate the burger joint, suspecting it's a front for drug trafficking. - **Fornell** hasn't contacted his daughter due to security risks. - **Vance** and Gibbs discuss the opioid crisis and Emily Fornell's close call with death. ### SECNAV's Decision and Gibbs' Persistence - **SECNAV** orders the operation to be handed to the DEA, but Gibbs refuses to give up. - **Gibbs** discovers Petty Officer Marcus Rico's involvement and his connection to Merriweather. ### The Search for Merriweather and the Terrorist Plot - **Gibbs** learns of a terrorist plot involving poisoned pills targeting military bases. - **The team** discovers Merriweather is using Beltway Burgers to distribute the drugs. - **Fornell's Boss, Chad Hamilton (Vladmir Ivinov)**, is identified as part of the operation. ### Undercover Operations and Bishop's Kidnapping - **Torres** goes undercover and encounters Fornell at a warehouse. - **Bishop** is kidnapped by Merriweather as leverage against Fornell. ### The Final Showdown and McGee's Injury - **Gibbs** and team attempt to rescue Bishop and capture Merriweather. - **McGee** is critically injured by Gibbs to prevent him from entering a booby-trapped plane. - **Merriweather** (Alexi Myshkin) is finally arrested, revealing his true identity. ### Aftermath and Emotional Impact - **Fornell** reunites with his daughter, Emily. - **Gibbs** visits McGee in the hospital, reflecting on the difficult choices made.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Merriweather?

Merriweather is an alias for Alexi Myshkin, a drug kingpin involved in a counterfeit opioid operation and a terrorist plot targeting military bases.

What role does Tobias Fornell play in the investigation?

Tobias Fornell is working undercover to infiltrate the drug operation run through a fast food chain.

Why is the fast food chain important in the investigation?

The fast food chain is a front for the drug trafficking operation run by Merriweather.

What decision does SECNAV make regarding the operation?

SECNAV orders the operation to be handed over to the DEA.

Why does Gibbs continue the operation despite SECNAV's order?

Gibbs continues the operation to catch Merriweather and prevent the terrorist plot.

How are the military bases targeted in the terrorist plot?

The military bases are targeted with poisoned pills distributed through Beltway Burgers near the bases.

Who is Chad Hamilton, and what is his real identity?

Chad Hamilton, a shift manager at Beltway Burgers, is actually Vladmir Ivinov, involved in the drug operation.

What happens to Bishop during the operation?

Bishop is kidnapped by Merriweather as leverage against Fornell.

How does McGee get injured?

McGee gets injured when Gibbs shoots him to prevent him from entering a booby-trapped plane.

What is the significance of the Beltway Burgers in the operation?

Beltway Burgers serves as a distribution center for the drugs in the military-targeted terrorist plot.

Who is Alexi Myshkin?

Alexi Myshkin is the real name of Merriweather, the mastermind behind the drug and terrorist operations.

Why does Fornell not contact his daughter during the operation?

Fornell avoids contacting his daughter to protect her and maintain his cover.

How is Merriweather finally captured?

Merriweather is captured during a birthday party for his daughter, where NCIS agents apprehend him.

What is the emotional impact on Gibbs after the operation?

Gibbs is emotionally impacted by the difficult choices he had to make, especially shooting McGee.

What happens to McGee after he is shot?

McGee is critically injured and undergoes surgery, with his condition being stable but serious.

NCIS season 18 episode 5

Head of the Snake