NCIS season 23 episode 9 recap: How did Eleanor Parker die?

NCIS season 23 episode 9, entitled Heaven & Nature, offers one of the most emotional contributions to the season because of the highly anticipated closure for one of its major pivotal characters; it's in a manner that leaves the forthcoming storylines in a state of dramatic limbo.

The mid-season finale episode is deeply concerned with wrapping up all of the story arcs of the past, especially for one of its most beloved yet troubled figures, Alden Parker, and the troubled family history surrounding his mother, Eleanor Parker.

Disclaimer: The following article contains spoilers for the show. Reader's discretion is advised.

After years of uncertainty surrounding her disappearance, NCIS season 23 episode 9 confirms that Eleanor didn’t abandon her family. Instead, she died heroically while trying to help someone in need. Her death was not an act of neglect or desertion, but a tragic consequence of her compassion and courage.

Also read: NCIS season 23 episode 8 recap: Do Jimmy and Jessica get back together?

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Parker’s journey to closure in NCIS season 23 episode 9

A still from the episode (Image via Instagram/@ncisverse)

In NCIS season 23 episode 9, Parker has a lifetime's worth of trauma transformed into a single, singular focus that is an investigation and a revelation of the truth regarding his mother's death. Eleanor Parker did not abandon her family after a tragic drunk driving accident. Instead, she was killed while attempting to save another person.

Through the investigation, Parker has memories from childhood about a girl named Lily, who, he later learns, was not the real identity of the woman buried in his mother's grave. She was the abused wife of former police officer Lester Burm. Eleanor Parker had intervened on behalf of Judy and Lily, saving them from being victims of Burm's violence. This initiated the sequence of actions leading to Judy's death and Lily's subsequent abuse.

Once Eleanor survived the car accident, she attempted to place Lily with an aunt and uncle, but before she could do so, Burm caught up to them and murdered her to cover his crimes. He later disposed of Eleanor's vehicle by placing it in a lake. Therefore, Eleanor died trying to protect a child rather than simply leaving her family.

Reconnecting with the truth behind his mother's death gives Parker an inner peace and sense of purpose.

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Why does Ellie Bishop suddenly show up in NCIS

season 23 episode 9?

The second significant storyline in NCIS season 23 episode 9 revolves around Nick Torres and the shocking return of Ellie Bishop, whose absence has had a significant impact on his emotional state throughout the episode. Torres had been haunted by Bishop's unexplained departure from NCIS, and finally facing her again brings about a whole new realm of feelings and emotions.

In addition to these new feelings, Diego Castillo is revealed to be working undercover as well, with Jessica Knight coming to discover that she is targeting Bishop. This new twist creates intrigue within the NCIS world, as it lends itself to the notion that Bishop may be nearing the end of her undercover assignment, or perhaps everything could have gone horribly wrong for her.

With these scenarios, viewers are left to speculate on her fidelity to Torres and the team, while Knight's mission may alter the course of her relationships and future aspirations. The dynamics of loyalty, duty, and emotion reflect the immense amount of tension built throughout the episode, leading to an intense emotional conflict for Torres as he awaits NCIS' return, with one of the most powerful cliffhangers the show has seen in recent times.

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Other highlights from NCIS season 23 episode 9

McGee continues to stabilize the team dynamic by serving as an emotional anchor for Parker in the aftermath of his confrontation with the past. Throughout NCIS season 23 episode 9, there are multiple references made to Odette Malone’s situation, suggesting there is still some unfinished business related to Bishop’s undercover operation.

Jessica Knight’s decision-making suggests she will be facing much larger moral dilemmas in the future and possibly redefining her connection with Jimmy Palmer in some way. NCIS season 23 episode 9 concludes on a bittersweet yet optimistic note as it reinforces the notion that family can take different forms, both related and chosen.

The mid-season finale of NCIS leaves viewers with high expectations for answers to come in season 23 regarding the outcome of Bishop's mission and Parker's evolution following the revelation of his mother's truth.

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NCIS season 23 episode 9 is available to stream on Paramount+.

Edited by Abu Amjad Khan