Haunted Lodge Mystery Unfolds in Thrilling New Episode of NCIS

In the latest NCIS episode, a gripping storyline unfolds as Navy SEAL Bryce Prescott returns home, only to find a Halloween party taking place in his house—one he certainly didn’t plan. Bryce, exhausted from a long deployment, is stunned to discover unknown guests claiming his home belongs to a man named Hal. The mix-up quickly spirals, leading Bryce and the NCIS team into a labyrinth of eerie discoveries and unsettling family secrets.

A Halloween Mystery Begins at Bryce’s House

When Bryce Prescott, portrayed by Justin Bruening, arrives after a month-long deployment, he’s taken aback by a house full of partygoers he doesn’t recognize. The revelers, adamant that they’re at “Hal’s house,” refuse to leave. Bryce, tired from a 19-hour journey, is far from amused. His response? A simple, “Do you have insurance?” sets the scene for the chaos to come.

As things escalate, the NCIS team is called in to investigate. They find themselves navigating a bizarre situation that mixes real horror with a dose of Halloween-themed intrigue, creating a captivating start to this story.

The NCIS Team Decides on Ducky’s Office Fate

Back at NCIS headquarters, the team is facing another dilemma: what to do with Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard’s old office, untouched since his passing. This space holds sentimental value for the team, especially for Palmer (played by Brian Dietzen), who had a close bond with Ducky. While Torres (Wilmer Valderrama) pushes for a state-of-the-art gym, others have different ideas, prompting a lighthearted debate that adds a touch of humor to the intense episode.

Jimmy Palmer’s complex feelings about the office mirror his unresolved emotions over his relationship with Jessica Knight (Katrina Law). Though both claim to be fine, their awkward interactions hint otherwise, creating a subplot that subtly adds to the overall drama of the episode.

Uncovering the “Haunted” Secrets in Bryce’s House

As the team arrives at Bryce’s house, the Halloween chaos seems like an ordinary case of trespassers until the discovery of a grisly scene in the basement: Hal, who is a man named Felix Pitts, lies dead with a hammer embedded in his skull. Bryce, who inherited the house from his grandmother, is shocked by the gruesome find, while the NCIS team realizes this is more than just a case of mistaken identity.

Meanwhile, Hal’s girlfriend, Mary, insists she had nothing to do with it and that Hal had been residing there. However, as NCIS dives deeper, they realize Hal had been using a fake name and that this was no simple party mix-up. As the investigation continues, it becomes clear that Hal had been searching for something valuable hidden within Bryce’s family estate.

The Case Leads to a Family Legacy and a Haunted Lodge

Further digging brings the NCIS team face-to-face with Bryce’s wealthy grandmother, Wanda Prescott, portrayed by Donna Mills. Wanda’s late husband, a billionaire investor, left behind a legacy and a mysterious hunting lodge rumored to be haunted. Her assistant Leonard, who seems a little too familiar with the details of the Prescott family estate, is quickly put under scrutiny. Leonard’s confession that he rented out Bryce’s home (and the hunting lodge) for some extra cash throws a twist into the case.

The lodge, listed as “extremely haunted,” holds a dark reputation due to an unexplained fire that damaged part of it in the 1980s. This ominous history adds to the tension, especially as the NCIS team realizes that the lodge was central to Hal’s treasure hunt. The lodge’s eerie past also causes a humorous divide among the agents: McGee and Parker are thrilled by the prospect of a haunted adventure, while Torres and Knight are far less enthusiastic.

Exploring the “Haunted” Lodge

As Knight and Torres reluctantly explore the lodge, they encounter taxidermy animals, creepy dolls, and occult items, making for an unforgettable horror-themed scene. Just as the atmosphere becomes more intense, Knight tries to ease the tension with Torres, encouraging him to move forward after his recent undercover mission. But their conversation is cut short by the unexpected appearance of Mary, who seems to be on her hunt for the Prescott “treasure.”

Mary’s involvement adds a new layer to the mystery, especially when the team finds out that Hal’s search for valuables might have cost him his life. Bryce’s house was stocked with metal detectors, floor plans, and old family documents that hinted at a hidden fortune.

A Chilling Twist: The Delivery Man and the Hammer Murder

In a surprising turn, it’s revealed that Phil, a delivery guy who claimed to know nothing, was involved in Hal’s death. When he realized that Hal was onto a big find, he demanded a share of the potential profits. After an argument with Hal, Phil resorted to violence, ending Hal’s life and hiding his crime beneath the guise of a Halloween party gone wrong.

With the mystery unraveled, Bryce, Wanda, and the NCIS team gather to inspect the lodge’s “treasure.” The box, though devoid of gold or jewels, contains something much more precious: personal mementos from the Prescott family’s past, from vintage photos to a cherished locket. The contents bring tears to Wanda’s eyes as she realizes that not all memories were lost in the lodge fire decades ago.

New Beginnings: Transforming Ducky’s Office

The conclusion of the episode is a bittersweet tribute to Ducky. With the murder solved, the NCIS team refocuses on what to do with his office, which has been turned into a multipurpose room affectionately named “Ducky’s.” This newly revamped space is filled with activities that Ducky would have appreciated, from meditation to workouts, creating a unique homage to a cherished team member.

As they gather, there’s one last moment of camaraderie. McGee, still disappointed at being passed over for the deputy director role, lingers, poking around files in a way that suggests there’s more he wants to know. This subtle touch adds a hint of suspense for fans wondering where McGee’s character arc might lead in future episodes.