LaRoche's reappearance solved a vexing NCIS Season 22 mystery

Spoiler alert for NCIS season 22, episode 9, 'Humbug'.NCIS finally solved a frustrating mystery about LaRoche after introducing him back to NCIS season 22 premiere. In NCIS season 22, episode 9, Gabriel LaRoche worked closely with Parker's MCRT for the first time while investigating allegations of military negligence in an upcoming book that threatened a new veterans bill. While searching for the perpetrator and the veteran in question, Hastings, the team discovered that a failed radio transmission was what led to the deaths of three Marines and thus was the basis of the attack on Hastings.

With pressure from the Department of Defense and SECNAV, the team worked tirelessly to find out if the claims were true and how to save the project. MCRT was more than happy to prove Hastings' innocencebut not before facing some opposition from LaRoche. In the background of the episode, the team also discussed Christmas plans, highlighting their amicable personal lives, even in the face of difficult work circumstances.

LaRoche's absence from NCIS Season 22 was because he was overseas

LaRoche was on a political self-promotion mission

At the beginning of the episode, McGee revealed that NCIS' Gabriel LaRoche was back in Washington, D.C. after spending the last two months abroad. In the brief introduction, McGee laid out LaRoche's political agenda, saying his overseas work trip would receive a “tour of all NCIS offices around the world.” McGee harbors some animosity toward LaRocheas he complained to the team that instead of working with them in the office, he was traveling for political reasons.

LaRoche's return explains why he hasn't appeared in a episode since its first appearance in NCIS season 22, episode 1. After LaRoche got the vice principal position over McGee, who was in contention for the position, LaRoche was expected to be an important player in the season. LaRoche's absence was strange, but it also gives context to his character. If he values ​​politics and saving face over working with his team, it shows that Parker's MCRT may have more trouble than expected with him.

What LaRoche's Return to DC Means for MCRT in NCIS Season 22

The NCIS team doesn't trust LaRoche

LaRoche's return to NCIS It wasn't the holiday surprise it should have been. NCIS has already established that LaRoche is a suspect. After being the only character with the means to leak NCIS information in the Season 22 premiere, the team kept its guard up around him. If they can't trust him completely, they won't be able to share information with him either. LaRoche's Ties to Being a Mole Threaten MCRT Unity and no one is more aware of this than McGee, who constantly questions LaRoche's motives.

LaRoche also doesn't understand how the NCIS team works. He was happy to let Hastings take responsibility, even though the MCRT knew he was covering for someone. For LaRoche, results are important, but context is less important. His press conference at the end of the episode also showed that LaRoche doesn't really care about his team as long as he gets all the credit. LaRoche will be a tricky character for the team to navigate as she balances her superior status as deputy director while also dealing with distrust of him.