In the fourth episode of NCIS: Sydney, "Ghosted," the team is confronted with a chilling case that takes them on a journey through the shadows of the past. The episode begins with the gruesome discovery of US Petty Officer Baker's body, having fallen through a glass window and onto fence stakes at a haunted site in Sydney. To add to the mystery, he also had gunshot wounds in his chest. The NCIS team, led by the determined Michelle Mackey and the experienced Jim "JD" Dempsey, must piece together the puzzle of Baker's demise.
The investigation commences with an autopsy by Dr. Penrose, who notices grass stains on the victim's feet, suggesting a possible struggle at a different location before the fatal fall. Meanwhile, Gleeson's examination of the gun shell casings reveals fingerprints belonging to Petty Officer Frank Doherty, a man deemed a deserter and not seen since 1971. This revelation sends the team down a path to uncover the truth about Doherty's past and his connection to Baker.
Mackey and Dempsey's search of Baker's living quarters uncovers a business card from Armen Standish, a curator at the Navy Heritage Museum. Standish provides a lead that Baker was interested in medal authentication, and they discover an ISBN number on the back of the card that links to a newspaper article about Doherty's heroic acts during the Vietnam War and his subsequent desertion. The team speculates that Baker might have been involved in the illegal trade of medals, a theory further supported by the discovery of a Navy Cross in Baker's room.
As the team delves deeper, they learn about Doherty's past through his file and a love letter signed by "M." Gleeson's facial recognition technology helps them identify and locate Mei Koo, Doherty's long-lost love, who is now living in Sydney. Jackson and Cooper's visit to Koo's house uncovers Doherty, who has been in hiding for fifty years.
At NCIS headquarters, Doherty's initial confession to the murder is met with skepticism due to the lack of gunshot residue and his physically shaky state. Dr. Penrose's findings about Baker's last meal lead the team to a pub near the crime scene, where they learn that Baker was seen with an older American man, later identified as Doherty. This raises questions about the nature of their relationship and the true circumstances of Baker's death.
The team's investigation takes a surprising turn when they discover that Baker was not involved in medal trading but was instead repatriating medals, attempting to return them to their rightful owners. This revelation adds a new dimension to Baker's character and motives, suggesting a more complex backstory than initially presumed.
As the pieces of the puzzle come together, the team realizes that Doherty and Koo were being extorted by an unknown individual, leading to a tense confrontation at their home. Doherty's reluctance to name the extortioner is attributed to a deeper fear, one that Mackey, with her own traumatic war experiences, is able to understand and leverage to gain his trust.
The truth about Baker's murder is eventually revealed through Doherty's account of the events on the night of the murder. Baker, attempting to help Doherty confront the extortioner, was tragically killed in a struggle for a pistol. The team's attention turns to Armen Standish, the museum curator, who is identified as the extortioner and Baker's killer. In a climactic scene, the NCIS team races to the museum and the site of Baker's death, where they find Koo holding Standish at gunpoint. The situation is defused, and Standish is apprehended, bringing justice for Baker's murder and closure to Doherty and Koo's decades-long ordeal.
The episode concludes with a bittersweet resolution as Doherty and Koo, finally able to marry after fifty years, celebrate their union with a small reception. Doherty's salute to Mackey is a poignant moment, signifying gratitude and respect for the team's efforts in uncovering the truth and righting a historical wrong.
"Ghosted" is a powerful episode that explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the lingering effects of war on those who serve. The NCIS team's dedication to unraveling the mystery and seeking justice for Baker and Doherty is a testament to their commitment to their mission. This episode stands out for its compelling narrative, rich character development, and the emotional depth it adds to the series.