![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/2f57f0a9-250f-4cf8-a2bf-8c084f280d09_1762930712.webp.webp\")
<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
A screengrab from NCIS crossover event (Image via Instagram \/ ncisverse)<\/p>\n
NCIS season 23, episode 5, \u201cNow and Then,\u201d aired on Tuesday, November 11, 2025. CBS brought a thrilling episode that revisited a decades-old naval case, blending past and present investigations. Viewers saw high-stakes drama, surprising revelations, and the return of retired agent Vera Strickland.<\/p>\n
The plot focused on a prison break that made the NCIS team reopen the death of a naval officer, first investigated by Gibbs and Franks in the 1990s. With Vera back, the team uncovered long-held secrets, faced hidden agendas, and worked to prevent more tragedy while dealing with the emotional effects of past events.<\/p>\n
During the investigation, the team also discussed what should be included in a special Navy time capsule to honor both past and present NCIS work. The episode balanced action with emotional moments, connected different generations of agents, revealed surprising family ties, and showed the moral challenges of seeking justice across decades.<\/p>\n
NCIS season 23 episode 5: Mulligan\u2019s prison break and the unfolding investigation<\/p>\n
The episode began with Sheriff Thomas Mulligan breaking out of prison, despite having only three weeks left on his sentence. Thirty-three years earlier, Mulligan had taken the blame for Lainey Sims, the woman he loved, who had committed murder.<\/p>\n
His escape confused the NCIS team since he could have been released at his recent parole hearing without any risk. Mulligan also brought along Luther Stokes, a former mob hitman, whose violent past was very different from Mulligan\u2019s calm nature.<\/p>\n
NCIS soon found Stokes\u2019 body and first thought Mulligan had killed him. However, tracking Mulligan revealed that he was heading to retired agent Vera Strickland, who had worked on the original case. Mulligan did not harm her. He only asked for temporary help, some money\u00a0and clothes.<\/p>\n
Vera agreed to assist NCIS, which brought her investigative skills back and helped the team understand the long-hidden crimes and relationships. As the investigation continued, the team uncovered connections between Mulligan, Lainey, and important town figures, including Congressman Jimmy Wallace.<\/p>\n
They discovered that old grudges, family secrets, and past mistakes had led to years of injustice. Mulligan\u2019s story highlighted the personal cost of false confessions, and the team worked diligently to prevent further harm. The case reminded them of the challenges NCIS faces when the past refuses to stay buried.<\/p>\n
NCIS season 23 episode 5: Jason Cross, family secrets\u00a0and the final reveal<\/p>\n
The episode also featured Mulligan\u2019s son, Jason Cross, whose investigation into his family\u2019s past led to danger. Jason found that the naval officer\u2019s murder was not what it seemed. He planned to take revenge on the real killer, his grandfather\u2019s murderer, Congressman Wallace. Jason\u2019s desire for justice almost led him to violence. Mulligan\u2019s escape was meant to stop his son from making a serious mistake.<\/p>\n
NCIS agents worked through the complicated mix of family loyalty, secret affairs, and old crimes. They tested Wallace\u2019s DNA and confirmed he had killed his own grandfather to gain property linked to the town\u2019s water supply. This discovery solved a decades-old mystery and showed NCIS\u2019s dedication to justice even when crimes affect many generations.<\/p>\n
By the end, Mulligan turned himself in and was released after serving his time. He reunited with Jason, giving them both a fresh start. The story combines suspense, emotion, and moral lessons, showing how NCIS agents navigate the past while ensuring justice is served in the present.<\/p>\n
Other highlights of NCIS season 23 episode 5<\/p>\n
Besides the prison break and family drama, episode 5 showed moments that highlighted NCIS\u2019s culture and traditions. The team discussed what to put in a Navy time capsule. They chose a book of past case files and photos of teams who had served the nation. This lighter subplot gave viewers a break from the intense investigation and connected them to NCIS\u2019s history.<\/p>\n
The episode also featured the return of retired agent Vera Strickland. She showed that experience and intuition are still important in solving tough cases. Her return connected past and present agents, adding depth to the story while giving long-time viewers a sense of continuity with familiar characters.<\/p>\n
Personal stakes were also clear, especially through Mulligan\u2019s relationship with Lainey Sims and the effect on Jason Cross. The mix of old crimes and present consequences created a strong story. With suspense, moral challenges, and careful investigation, episode 5 delivered an action-filled and emotionally charged story that showcases why NCIS continues to engage viewers.<\/p>\n
Fans can watch the new episodes of NCIS season 23 on CBS and Paramount+.
\n\u00a0<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"A screengrab from NCIS crossover event (Image via Instagram \/ ncisverse) NCIS season 23, episode 5, \u201cNow and…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":130911,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[29],"tags":[156,111,139,69,437],"class_list":{"0":"post-130910","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-tv","8":"tag-entertainment","9":"tag-new-zealand","10":"tag-newzealand","11":"tag-nz","12":"tag-tv"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/130910","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=130910"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/130910\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/130911"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=130910"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=130910"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=130910"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}