NCIS "Gone Girls" Recap: Thom E. Gemcity Returns & Tony's Desk Gets an Update

NCIS Season 23, Episode 4, "Gone Girls," was a rollercoaster of high-stakes drama, fan-favorite callbacks, and a peek into McGee's secret literary life, all wrapped up in a gripping kidnapping case that wasn't what it seemed.

TL;DR: Quick Takes on "Gone Girls"

• Episode 4 of NCIS Season 23, "Gone Girls," aired on November 4, 2025, on CBS, and is available for streaming on Paramount+.
• Fans got a fun glimpse into McGee's author alter ego, Thom E. Gemcity, setting the stage for a unique, upcoming episode.
• The team shared a nostalgic nod to former agent Tony DiNozzo, complete with a hilarious update on his old desk.

Alright, Ncis fans, if you tuned into Season 23, Episode 4, "Gone Girls," you know it was a jam-packed hour! Not only did the team tackle a super intense and twisty kidnapping case, but we also got treated to some awesome callbacks and character moments that made us feel right at home. We're talking about McGee's secret author life taking center stage (well, almost!) and a lovely, humorous shout-out to our favorite senior field agent of yesteryear, Tony DiNozzo.

This episode, directed by our very own Rocky Carroll (who plays Director Leon Vance!) and written by Amy Rutberg, really delivered that classic NCIS blend of suspense, heart, and a touch of humor. So, let's dive into all the details, from the gripping investigation to those fun little easter eggs!

Unraveling the High-Stakes Kidnapping Case in "Gone Girls"

The core of "Gone Girls" threw the NCIS team right into a deeply complex and politically charged case. They were called in to investigate a U.S. Marine, Sergeant Molly Delgado, who was suspected of kidnapping Claire Gaines, the wife of a seriously powerful figure in the Department of Justice, Deputy Attorney General Brett Gaines. Talk about high stakes!

Right from the start, this wasn't your average abduction. The FBI was sticking its nose in, leading to some tense power struggles, but our NCIS agents, led by Special Agent Alden Parker (Gary Cole), had to follow their instincts. As the investigation unfolded, it became clear that there was more to Sergeant Delgado's actions than met the eye. The team raced against time, needing to unravel a complex web of lies to uncover the real truth behind Claire Gaines' disappearance.

In a shocking twist that truly defined the episode, it was revealed that Sergeant Delgado didn't kidnap Claire for nefarious reasons at all. Instead, she abducted Claire to protect her from her abusive husband, Brett Gaines, who was likely not above killing his wife to keep his secrets safe. The goal was to help Claire escape to Canada and start a new, safer life, a truly noble and dangerous mission.

The Unconventional Book Club: An Underground Network for Protection

Adding another layer of intrigue to the "Gone Girls" storyline was the reveal of an unexpected organization: a book club. But this wasn't your typical gathering to discuss literary masterpieces. Oh no, this "book club" was actually an underground railroad for abused women. These brave women, who couldn't or wouldn't go to the police for various reasons, found solace and a pathway to escape through this clandestine network.

Sergeant Molly Delgado, with her impressive skills honed during her time in the U.S. Marines, was in charge of the crucial "extraction" phase. The group was a well-oiled machine, featuring diverse talents like an accountant, a lawyer, and a real estate agent, all working together to give these women a fighting chance at a new life away from their tormentors. This revelation truly flipped the case on its head, turning a suspected criminal into an unexpected hero.

Special Agent Jessica Knight (Katrina Law) really shined in this episode, taking a bit of a lead role. Her smart detective work and unwavering trust in her instincts allowed her to gain Sergeant Delgado's trust, eventually getting her to open up and cooperate. Knight even convinced Parker to use his unique charm and history to discreetly get information from Delgado while she was in FBI custody. It was a fantastic showcase of her growing expertise and empathy as an agent.

Thom E. Gemcity's Return: McGee's Secret Author Life Takes the Spotlight

Beyond the intense main plot, "Gone Girls" gave us a delightful dive back into the double life of Special Agent Timothy McGee (Sean Murray). Remember his nom de plume, Thom E. Gemcity? Well, he made a grand, albeit slightly awkward, return to the screen!

During the investigation, McGee and Torres (Wilmer Valderrama) stumbled upon a book club (the same one involved in the main case, no less!). One of the members recognized McGee, not as an NCIS agent, but from his author photo. "I'm sorry, you're him, aren't you? Thom E. Gemcity," she asked. McGee, ever humble, even offered to sign a copy of one of his books. The humor kicked in when she revealed she'd "never read one" because "those kinds of pulp thrillers aren't really my cup of tea." It got even more wonderfully cringey when she later remarked that their person of interest was "like a real-life character from a spy thriller," and McGee pointed out her not reading thrillers, to which she retorted, "I didn't read your thrillers." Ouch, but hilarious!

McGee later connected the dots, realizing that the "book club" was actually the underground network for abused women, which perfectly explained why his pulp thrillers weren't on their reading list. It was a brilliant way to intertwine the two plotlines, offering both a moment of levity and a deeper understanding of the case.

What's Next for McGee's Literary Adventures? A Tease from Sean Murray

This mention of Thom E. Gemcity wasn't just a throwaway gag. It appears to be setting the stage for something much bigger! Sean Murray himself had previously teased an upcoming episode that promises to delve much deeper into McGee's writing world. He revealed that "we dive deep into basically one of those books and characters that McGee is working on."

"We get to meet McGee's characters and we get to see him asking his characters for advice. It's a really cool episode we have coming up."

— Sean Murray, October (pre-season)

Gary Cole (Parker) also chimed in, noting that this particular episode would be "very, very different for the show." This sounds like an incredibly creative and fresh approach, allowing us to explore McGee's imagination and inner world in a way we haven't seen before. Fans are definitely looking forward to seeing what kind of "Deep Six" adventures and characters McGee has cooking up, and how he'll interact with his own creations!

A Nostalgic Nod to the Past: Tony DiNozzo's Enduring Legacy

One of the most heartwarming moments for long-time NCIS viewers in "Gone Girls" was the nostalgic shout-out to former Special Agent Anthony "Tony" DiNozzo (Michael Weatherly). It’s always great when the show acknowledges its rich history and beloved characters who have moved on.

The scene unfolded casually, with Dr. Jimmy Palmer (Brian Dietzen) walking into the bullpen in a tux, teasing McGee about "picture day." Palmer then hilariously asked about the "stash of shoe polish in Tony's secret desk compartment." As we all know, McGee took over Tony's desk after he left, ascending from "probie" to senior field agent. McGee's response was classic: "No, HR cleared that out years ago. All I got here is some allergy medication and nasal spray. I'm not sure Tony would approve."

This little exchange was pure gold, perfectly capturing Tony's suave, sometimes vain, personality and McGee's more practical, no-nonsense approach. It reminded us of the indelible mark Tony left on the team and the bullpen, and how much things have changed (or stayed the same, in spirit!) since his departure.

The "Tony & Ziva" Spinoff and Crossover Dreams

Of course, this isn't the first time Tony has been mentioned lately. Michael Weatherly is back as Tony alongside Cote de Pablo as Ziva David in their new Paramount+ spinoff, NCIS: Tony & Ziva. The first season of that show even had a flashback scene featuring a wedding guest list that included McGee and other NCIS characters, though no wedding or onscreen appearance from the main show's cast ever happened.

With Tony & Ziva's first season concluding with the pair finally and "solidly back together," the door feels wide open for future possibilities. Could we actually see a proper crossover between the original NCIS and the new spinoff? Tony & Ziva showrunner John McNamara is certainly keen on the idea:

"I would love some kind of a crossover. I really would. I think the whole franchise is wonderful. I got to know Brian a little bit at Comic-Con. He just seems like he's a riot. I think as both a showrunner and a fan, I think that'd be fun if we can work it out."

— John McNamara, Tony & Ziva Showrunner

However, McNamara also acknowledged the significant logistical hurdles, primarily the different filming locations, with Tony & Ziva shot in Europe while the main NCIS series is based in LA. But hey, as he said, "things can work out. You never know." A fan can dream, right?

Behind the Scenes of "Gone Girls": Team Chemistry and Directorial Talent

Beyond the plot twists and character callbacks, "Gone Girls" also highlighted the fantastic chemistry and teamwork that make NCIS a global favorite. Director Rocky Carroll, stepping behind the camera for this episode, did a brilliant job balancing the high-stakes investigation with the show's signature banter and emotional depth.

The main team was all there, bringing their A-game:

• Gary Cole as Special Agent Alden Parker
• Sean Murray as Special Agent Timothy McGee
• Wilmer Valderrama as Special Agent Nick Torres
• Katrina Law as Special Agent Jessica Knight
• Brian Dietzen as Dr. Jimmy Palmer
• Diona Reasonover as Forensic Scientist Kasie Hines
• Rocky Carroll as NCIS Director Leon Vance

Each member contributed their unique expertise, from Kasie's sharp forensics to Palmer's medical insights and the field agents' investigative prowess. The episode really showcased the solidarity of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service as they navigate corruption and protect justice.

A particularly sweet highlight outside of the main case involved Barbara's special play performance. Due to the intense kidnapping case, the team unfortunately missed it (not that they were super eager to go in the first place, if we're being honest!). But when Barbara seemed down about it, Nick Torres stepped up. In a heartwarming display of team camaraderie and affection, the entire NCIS crew, along with Barbara's theater group, staged a surprise show right at the station. It was a beautiful ending that truly emphasized how much this team cares for each other, making Barbara feel appreciated and loved.

What's Coming Next for NCIS? More Excitement on the Horizon!

As Season 23 continues, "Gone Girls" also left us with a few threads pointing to future developments. We’ve seen ongoing hints about a potential romance blossoming between Special Agent Jessica Knight and Special Agent Nick Torres, which fans have definitely noticed. Will the writers finally give us what we want on that front?

And speaking of big news, we can't forget the buzz around the upcoming NCIS and Origins crossover, which is set to bring back none other than Mark Harmon as the legendary Leroy Jethro Gibbs! Roma Maffia is also slated to return. This crossover promises to be a massive event for the entire franchise, linking past and present in an exciting way.

NCIS Season 23 is shaping up to be another incredible run, blending intense procedural drama with beloved character moments and exciting nods to its long, rich history. Make sure you're tuning in every Tuesday to catch all the action!

Frequently Asked Questions About NCIS Season 23 Episode 4 "Gone Girls"

When did NCIS Season 23 Episode 4 "Gone Girls" air?

NCIS Season 23 Episode 4, "Gone Girls," aired on Tuesday, November 4, 2025.

Where can I watch "Gone Girls" and other NCIS episodes?

You can watch "Gone Girls" and other new episodes of NCIS on the CBS Television Network every Tuesday at 8:00 PM ET/PT. It's also available to stream live on Paramount+ for Premium subscribers, or on-demand the next day for Essential plan users.

What was the main plot of NCIS Season 23 Episode 4 "Gone Girls"?

The episode centered on the NCIS team investigating U.S. Marine Sergeant Molly Delgado, who was initially suspected of kidnapping Claire Gaines, the wife of a powerful Department of Justice official. However, it was later revealed that Delgado had "kidnapped" Claire to protect her from her abusive husband, with the help of an underground network disguised as a book club.

Who is Thom E. Gemcity?

Thom E. Gemcity is the nom de plume (pen name) used by Special Agent Timothy McGee (Sean Murray) for his successful series of "Deep Six" pulp thrillers. The character received a notable mention in "Gone Girls," hinting at a future episode focused on McGee's literary world.

Sources

• TV Insider
• Sportskeeda
• Seat42F