NCIS season 17 episode 4 Recap and FAQ

Episode Summary

In Arlington National Cemetery, a tour is interrupted by a startling discovery: a horse carrying six severed human feet. NCIS investigates and identifies the feet as belonging to U.S. Marine Corps Sergeant D. Holtzman, leading to a deeper probe into homeless veterans' struggles. Another body, Marine Staff Sergeant Norma Jean Pfeiffer, is found, pointing to murder. The team uncovers a plot by a suspect linked to a mobile medical care program, aimed at drawing attention to the neglected issues faced by homeless veterans. The case concludes with a poignant reflection on honoring service members and addressing the systemic failures in veteran care.

Full Episode S17E04 Recap

### Arlington National Cemetery Incident - A tour group visits Arlington National Cemetery, where the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is highlighted. - The guide emphasizes respect and silence, but a man in the group is more focused on the "show" aspect. ### NCIS Office - Evidence Destruction and Storage - At the NCIS office, agents Nick and Ellie sort through evidence for destruction or storage. - They discuss the repercussions of lying about Ziva, a previous case. - Nick finds an odd doll labeled "Doll at a crime scene" from a double homicide case. ### The Horse Incident at the Cemetery - A horse with six feet (severed human feet attached) appears at the cemetery, leading to a chaotic scene. - NCIS agents Gibbs, McGee, and Bishop arrive to take over the investigation. - They discover the feet belong to U.S. Marine Corps Sergeant D. Holtzman. ### NCIS Investigates Holtzman's Background - Holtzman was honorably discharged in 1979; his records are outdated. - Agents split tasks: McGee and Torres seek Holtzman's current whereabouts, while others examine the severed feet. ### Examination of the Severed Feet - Medical Examiner Jimmy Palmer analyzes the feet, noting signs of diabetes and poor circulation. - The feet's condition suggests they were severed post-mortem. ### The Search for Holtzman - The team investigates homeless encampments and medical facilities, gathering clues about Holtzman's recent whereabouts and health. - They encounter challenges due to Holtzman's transient lifestyle and lack of recent records. ### Discovery of Another Body - A second body, belonging to Marine Staff Sergeant Norma Jean Pfeiffer, is found near Holtzman. - Pfeiffer's cause of death is different, indicating a potential murder case. ### Investigation Deepens - Gibbs and his team dive deeper into the backgrounds of Holtzman and Pfeiffer, discovering common threads in their military service and struggles post-discharge. - They explore various leads, including looking into a mobile medical care program for homeless veterans. ### Confrontation and Resolution - The investigation leads to a confrontation with a suspect connected to the mobile care program. - It is revealed that the suspect orchestrated the events to draw attention to the plight of homeless veterans. - The case concludes with the NCIS team reflecting on the complexities of veteran care and the importance of honoring service members. ### Personal Reflections - Throughout the investigation, the NCIS team members grapple with their own experiences and perceptions of military service, sacrifice, and the system's shortcomings in addressing veterans' needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery?

It is a monument dedicated to fallen service members who have not yet been identified.

Why does the NCIS team investigate at Arlington National Cemetery?

They investigate because of a horse found with six human feet attached, leading to a chaotic scene.

Who were the severed feet found at the cemetery identified as belonging to?

The feet belonged to U.S. Marine Corps Sergeant D. Holtzman.

What challenges does the NCIS team face in investigating Sergeant Holtzman's background?

Holtzman was honorably discharged in 1979, and his records are outdated, making it difficult to trace his recent whereabouts.

What additional body is found during the investigation?

The body of Marine Staff Sergeant Norma Jean Pfeiffer is found, indicating a potential murder case.

How does the team determine the cause of death for the two bodies found?

Holtzman died of natural causes related to diabetes, while Pfeiffer was murdered by blunt force trauma.

What common threads are found between Holtzman and Pfeiffer?

Both were Marines who struggled with issues post-discharge, highlighting challenges faced by homeless veterans.

What leads to the resolution of the case?

The investigation uncovers a suspect connected to a mobile medical care program for homeless veterans, revealing a plot to draw attention to veteran issues.

What broader issue does the case highlight?

The case highlights the plight and struggles of homeless veterans and the need for better support and care systems.

How do the NCIS team members personally relate to the case?

They reflect on their own experiences and perceptions of military service, sacrifice, and the system's shortcomings in addressing veterans' needs.

NCIS season 17 episode 4

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