NCIS: Origins Explores Emotional Depths in ‘Touchstone’ Episode

LOS ANGELES, CA — The twelfth episode of NCIS: Origins, titled ‘Touchstone,’ dives deep into the backstory of fan-favorite Dick Kowalski, showcasing emotional challenges alongside unexpected plot twists.

As the episode opens, veteran character Leroy Jethro Gibbs, portrayed by Mark Harmon, narrates a nostalgic tale about a field mouse told by his mother. The scene quickly pivots to Kowalski, played by Michael Harney, who manages the NIS Evidence Custodian unit. He begins his morning by baking sourdough bread, creating a stark contrast to the chaos that awaits him at the agency. Upon his arrival, Kowalski finds that the evidence room has been broken into, revealing a significant breach in security.

Inside the NIS office, fellow agents, including Mike Franks (Kyle Schmid), are already present, prepared for a chaotic day ahead. Mary Jo (Hannah Pinna) arrives and is instantly shocked by the scenes unfolding. As the team investigates, they uncover that approximately $41,000 in evidence money has gone missing, leading to heightened tensions and frustrations, particularly for Kowalski, who feels an intense personal connection to the breach.

Kowalski’s assistant, Herm (Daniel Bellomy), plays a critical role in assessing the mess left behind, reminding the team of the imperative to restore order amidst escalating chaos. However, Kowalski’s emotional state deteriorates as he experiences flashbacks from his past life as a prisoner of war, evoking a sense of depth and vulnerability.

As their investigation unfolds, tensions flare within the team, epitomized when NIS K-9 Gary Callahan disrupts the office further. Kowalski, overwhelmed, isolates himself from the chaos, reflecting on the psychological toll the incident takes as he remembers moments from his incarceration.

In a pivotal moment, Kowalski ultimately decides to resign, a choice reflected in a comprehensive resignation letter filled with insights from his 25 years at NIS. His colleagues are left questioning how they will manage the evidence room without his expertise. Despite Franks’ attempts to persuade him to stay, Kowalski retreats to relive painful memories of his time as a prisoner.

While investigating the heist, Lala (Mariel Molino) and Gibbs uncover leads connecting to the local drug dealers, leading them to a potential suspect named Flaco (Scotty Tovar). Tension peaks when Lala’s tumultuous past with an ex-boyfriend rises to the forefront, complicating their investigation.

The investigation eventually reveals that the evidence theft may have stemmed from within the agency itself, causing the team to reassess their approach to solving the case. Amid rising internal suspicions, Lala discovers ladder marks indicating that the criminal likely accessed the evidence without breaking in from the outside.

As the investigation unfolds, Franks and his team employ K-9 Gary Callahan to locate the missing money, leading to the discovery of the stolen funds in a filing cabinet, surprising everyone. Roger (Eric Normington) emerges as the prime suspect when it’s revealed he stole the drug bust money to pay off his gambling debts, reflecting the profound impact of addiction on personal integrity.

During a tense interrogation, Roger divulges how he sold out their informant, Mildred Jones, leading to her being targeted by a hitman. This revelation enrages Mary Jo, who has developed a bond with Mildred, highlighting the emotional stakes at play within the episode’s narrative.

The episode closes with Kowalski returning to the NIS offices to rescind his resignation, showcasing personal growth and the importance of his relationships with his colleagues, especially with Herm. This conclusion brings to light the strength found in camaraderie even in the face of adversity.

Viewers can catch up on NCIS: Origins Season 1 streaming on Paramount+.