Directed by Alrick Riley
Written by Christopher J Waild
With the news that his son is injured and in ICU, a senator and his NCIS escorts Torres and Sloane must make a hasty journey from Afghanistan back to the US, all the while Team Gibbs figures out just what happened to the son in the first place.
Tropes:
- Bad Vibrations: Sloane sets up several bullets so that when they fall over, she knows that something's coming. Subverted when it turns out to be Americans coming to the rescue.
- Christmas Episode: The episode takes place just a few days before Christmas, with everyone grouchy with the last minute case (while the team in Afganistan has An Ass-Kicking Christmas).
- I Have No Son!: The comedian's father disowned him, and he's angry at the senator for doing something similar to his own son.
- Jerkass: The comedian starts out complaining about everything, but he undergoes some Character Development after the senator takes a bullet to save his life.
- Not What I Signed on For: The comedian throws a fit when the vehicle is destroyed by an IED.
- Recruiting the Criminal: The casino wants to hire Chandler Philips in security, identifying other cheaters, given his skill with sleight of hand. He opts to join the marines instead, much to the chagrin of his friends.
- Shout-Out: Two to Die Hard, the first with Torres mentioning it being his favorite Christmas movie, the second being the invocation of Bruce Willis' iconic catchphrase.
