NCIS commemorated its 1000th episode by revisiting a significant case from its past, shedding light on the unfinished story of its inaugural villain, Leonard Riche. Titled “A Thousand Yards,” the milestone episode delves into the agency’s history, filling in narrative gaps through Leonard’s daughter, Lindsey Riche.
While original team members like Gibbs are notably absent, Tobias Fornell steps into a crucial role in unraveling the case. Despite the absence of key characters, the episode pays homage to NCIS’ legacy while missed the opportunity to reunite pivotal figures like Gibbs, DiNozzo, and Abby.
The milestone episode, airing as part of NCIS season 21, centers on an unknown assailant with intricate knowledge of the agency’s past. Mark Harmon’s return was hoped for, but Gibbs remains absent from the episode. Instead, Tobias Fornell takes center stage, providing a link to the case’s origins.
The perpetrator is revealed to be Leonard Riche’s daughter, tying back to the show’s pilot episode, “Yankee White.” While the episode primarily focused on introducing Caitlin Todd, it left Leonard’s story incomplete. Through Fornell’s revelation, Leonard’s identity is confirmed, shedding light on his family’s subsequent struggles.
Despite the episode’s thoughtful narrative, fans lament the absence of key characters who were integral to Leonard’s original case. Gibbs’ presence, in particular, would have added depth to Lindsey’s interrogation scenes, offering a poignant confrontation between her and the man who ended her father’s life.
While “A Thousand Yards” honors NCIS’ commitment to duty, fans can’t help but feel that the 1000th episode could have been elevated with the inclusion of beloved characters who shaped the show’s early years.