NCIS Season 22 Finale Recap: Shocking Betrayals, Explosive Twists, and a New Villain Revealed
The NCIS Season 22 finale delivered one of the most dramatic and intense episodes in recent memory, continuing the high-stakes storyline involving Parker’s nemesis, Carla Marino. What began as a covert investigation into the Nexus cartel spiraled into betrayal, loss, and a sinister revelation that left fans stunned—and desperate for answers in Season 23.
Double Agent LaRoche and the Nexus Threat
Picking up from the tense events of the penultimate episode, the team learned that Deputy Director LaRoche had been acting as a double agent for the Secretary of Defense. While they had another operative embedded with the Nexus cartel, his cover was blown—and his body later discovered in the Potomac River.
Understandably, Parker and Director Vance were furious at being excluded from the loop. However, they now had full control over the investigation into Nexus’s latest plan: stealing nuclear fuel rods. Despite the team’s previous efforts to stop such a heist, the threat had resurfaced—this time, with deadlier stakes.
Carla Marino Returns—With a Shocking Twist
To their surprise, Parker’s old adversary Carla Marino stepped in to help. She provided intel that Nexus—now led by the shadowy figure known as “El Carnicero” (The Butcher)—was expanding beyond drugs and into nuclear materials. However, the team discovered a critical detail: “El Carnicero” wasn’t real. He was an AI-generated identity used to obscure the real mastermind.
Using a clue from a mysterious SD card LaRoche left for McGee, the team tracked Nexus communications through an online word game’s chat feature. This led Knight and Torres to an abandoned clinic, where they found radioactive materials and the body of Peter Mobley—a key link to the uranium heist.
The Truth About Carla Marino and Nexus
As Knight and Torres pursued a suspected buyer, Parker teamed up with Carla and a couple of agents to meet “El Carnicero.” But things took a dark turn—one of the agents turned out to be working with Carla and shot their driver, taking Parker hostage.
In a jaw-dropping twist, the team realized the truth: Carla Marino wasn’t just helping—she was the true leader of Nexus. She had faked the identity of El Carnicero using AI, manipulated law enforcement, and plotted to eliminate rival crime syndicates to seize full control.
Although the team managed to stop a bomb from detonating, Carla escaped after releasing Parker. But the finale’s most devastating moment came when Parker returned home—only to find his father murdered. Two wine glasses sat ominously on the table—one bearing a lipstick print.
Lingering Questions and Season 23 Set-Up
The final scenes raised new questions and teased what’s to come:
- Parker’s Father’s Death: Was it a warning? Or revenge?
- Carla’s Endgame: How far is she willing to go—and who is helping her?
- Parker’s Family Mystery: Jimmy Palmer noted something odd about Parker’s mother’s death certificate. Is there more to her story?
Season 22 ended on an emotional and suspenseful cliffhanger, with Parker determined to avenge his father—and uncover the full truth. As NCIS heads into Season 23, it’s clear the story is far from over.
Until then, catch up on all the action and emotion from previous episodes of NCIS on Paramount+.
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