Technology is both a blessing and a curse, and old memories can haunt you, especially if they’re the kind you can’t talk about!
Seriously, what the hell happened in NCIS Season 22 Episode 8? Just when we were about to make a breakthrough on the mysterious “Lily” issue, Parker encountered another problem.
We’ve been piecing together the mystery of the little ghost girl haunting Parker’s mind, but when he finally reaches out to “welcome her in” as Dr. Grace advises, Lily runs away.
But she left a chilling note that read: “You can’t tell anyone.” Parker stood there, confused as to what to do next.
So now, the big question is: Will Parker keep this secret like the note suggests?
Or will he open up to Dr. Grace or someone else about what happened?
We can all speculate where this might go, but before we get into that, let’s discuss this week’s case.
While this is an interesting mystery in its own right, it also ties into Lily’s storyline in a number of ways.
We all know that technology is a double-edged sword. It connects us in ways we never imagined, but it also opens the door to vulnerability.
This week, Lt. Winslow was killed not by a hacker, but by his wife, Ashley, and her lawyer boyfriend, Cliff, who had stolen hacking technology from one of Cliff’s clients .
Why do they do this? Ashley wants out of her marriage to Winslow, but the prenuptial agreement means the only way she can get his money is if he dies. So, they did it.
The most interesting parts of the team’s case-solving come down to Kasie, arguably, pitting her stolen hacking skills against the duo, with McGee at the helm.
McGee had some fun with it, tapping into his “McGeek” roots (we also saw this on NCIS Season 22 Episode 7, but I don’t think it was that big of a “boom”).
But, seriously, it’s time for McGee to get back to his story with LaRoche.
The writers have a lot of work to do – both with Timothy McGee as a character and Sean Murray as an actor.
His experience with NCIS and his years of experience should make him the most important person.
McGee has been missing more and more time lately, spending more time with Jimmy and Casey than with the rest of the team. It’s time for him to get the recognition he deserves.
Speaking of the team, it’s heartwarming to see their support for Parker and his mysterious “Lily” predicament.
Jimmy and Kathy go a little too far in trying to appease him, almost acting like they’re trying to sell her as some kind of miracle worker based on their own experiences with Dr. Grace.
(I think they’re just a little out of place and should be used more sparingly because they try a little too hard at this. No matter how hard they try, they’re not cute.)
But Torres, on the other hand, surprised me.
When Parker takes Torres, Jesse, and himself to follow up on something, Lily shows up and Torres is nearly killed due to Parker’s erratic driving.
Despite the close call, Torres didn’t blame Parker for not apologizing. Instead, he got it.
Parker realized he needed help to make sure he didn’t put anyone in danger again, and when he apologized, Torres didn’t make him feel any worse.
He’s been through his own struggles, so he gets it. His response to Parker was sincerely touching: “I’m rooting for you.” It’s moments like these that make you feel like Parker has found his place on this team.
Torres also asked Cassie to speak to him like Gibbs because all the technical jargon was elusive to him and he just wanted plain English.
It’s clear that Gibbs still holds a special place in his heart, but it’s also clear that Parker has found his place there, too. I do this because there was a time when I really wasn’t sure Torres was fully committed to Parker.
It’s a nice feeling that the entire team has rallied around Parker — well, everyone except McGee, who seems oddly detached from it all. That’s weird, right? Is he planning to leave the team?
Now, let me tell you something.
Music plays a big role in setting the tone for key moments in television, and if the music in that scene with Parker and Jesse in the office is any indication, I think we all know who Parker might be talking to on that note.
It won’t be Dr. Grace. Oh, he’ll talk to her again (maybe about his mother), but not about that note.
No, Parker is going to confide in Jesse. The whole scene in the office says it all.
The soaring music and the moment he was “touched by an angel” as he revealed he knew Jesse shared his belief in angels with Dr. Grace – something he told her when they were stuck on that ship last season – All huge clues.
This wasn’t just a throwaway comment.
It resonated with him, like he was surprised she didn’t think of him as a “woo-woo” like he had said to Dr. Grace before.
Honestly, I thought Parker was going to ask her out immediately. Honestly, I think she’s waiting.
She may have said she wouldn’t pry again, but her concern for Parker was more than just a co-worker’s. She likes him. Admittedly, Parker feels the same way.
We know he’s patient, but the spark between them is undeniable.
Even if I just want the spark to ignite, the music will play? This is the biggest giveaway. It’s like the music of The Thorn Birds, people – definitely a story.
But let’s talk about Dr. Grace. Parker isn’t too excited about her prying into his relationship with his mother, but it’s clear deep down that he knows this is something he’ll eventually have to face.
The mystery of his mother’s history is definitely worth watching, but what really stands out is the surprising moment when Parker kisses Dr. Grace on the head as she leaves the coffee shop.
This caught them all off guard, which was a sign that something in him was opening up.
While Parker may not see Dr. Grace as a romantic partner between Lily and Jesse, he’s definitely going through a transformation.
Incidentally, when Dr. Grace suggested that Parker welcome Lily’s next appearance, he told her that he didn’t like that “woo-woo” thing.
I can’t help but think this is an homage to Cole’s American Gothic days, because that show is about as “woo-woo” as it gets.
As a final note, Dr. Grace also asks Parker to try to track when Lily appears to see if there’s anything to do with what triggers her appearance.
Do you know why Lily appears? Jesse! Yes, we cracked the code, Parker. Jesse was his Lily.
If we want to dig deeper, maybe the “you can’t tell anyone” note Lily left was about more than just keeping a secret — maybe it was about Parker’s hidden feelings for Jesse.
While Parker doesn’t quite get it yet, I have a feeling he’s going to open up to her because he can’t help himself.
I have to say, I’m totally on board if this storyline goes in this direction.
Speaking of complexity, let’s talk about the car scene.
Is anyone else feeling the love triangle vibe when Jesse joins Parker and Torres’ case uninvited?
This is the same scene where Parker almost crashes his car because he sees Lily standing on the sidewalk – because of course Jesse is there again!
If this is where things are going, Torres might not be so quick to bring Parker back.
Now, I pass the baton to you. What do you think of this hour? Is there a connection between Lily and Jesse?
Do you think sparks will fly between Parker and Jesse? Is a love triangle with Torres on the horizon?
What about Mikey? Are you happy with how his character is being treated this season? Leave your thoughts in the comments!
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