NCIS: Origins Uncovers Dark Secrets in ‘Touchstones’ Episode

LOS ANGELES, CA — CBS‘s NCIS: Origins Season 1, Episode 12, titled “Touchstones,” which aired on February 3, dives deep into the personal history of Evidence Custodian Kowalski, as the team grapples with a $41,000 heist from their evidence room.

This episode expertly layers a thrilling investigation with Kowalski’s traumatic past, highlighting how his experiences as a prisoner of war influence his current identity and interactions with colleagues. The narrative deftly shifts from the procedural elements to a more poignant character study.

The crucial plot begins with the discovery of the crime when Kowalski, portrayed by Michael Harney, arrives at the evidence room to find it disturbed. Kowalski’s character evolves from a supporting player into a focal point, thanks to Harney’s compelling performance. Kowalski reveals, “My whole life was that room. And you can tear it down and build it up in one day. I was supposed to be more than that,” illustrating the personal stake he has in the investigation.

As the narrative unfolds, the episode reveals that the burglary is an inside job, redirecting the investigation towards colleagues rather than external suspects. Characters like Gibbs and Lala Dominguez play crucial roles in uncovering the truth, yet the emotional core remains with Kowalski’s journey. The episode intertwines office dynamics with Kowalski’s need for validation and redemption.

The show masterfully avoids the temptation to craft an overly complicated conspiracy, instead focusing on Kowalski’s psychological landscape. This change in storytelling direction offers a refreshing perspective within a largely formulaic genre. The return of poignant flashbacks to Kowalski’s time as a soldier serves as a powerful contrast to his current struggles in the evidence room, drawing viewers into his emotional turmoil.

While the other characters develop the case, Kowalski’s backstory takes center stage, revealing connections to themes of loss and survival. The balance between the individual narrative and the procedural elements strikes a chord, making Kowalski’s plight resonate with the audience.

However, some character arcs, such as Mary Jo Hayes, feel underdeveloped. In one pivotal scene, after learning the identity of the thief, Mary Jo confronts Franks, yet instead of a satisfying resolution, viewers are diverted to Lala’s storyline, which detracts from the emotional weight of the situation. This choice limits the exploration of character development for Mary Jo, who is depicted as intensely affected by the betrayal of a colleague.

The episode’s blend of nostalgia and character-driven storytelling is commendable. References to past events within the NCIS universe are handled with care, which prevents overwhelming viewers with convoluted plotlines. The reveal of the suspect, Roger, comes as a relatively straightforward conclusion, but the emotional implications for Kowalski elevate the narrative beyond mere procedural tropes.

As the penultimate episode of its season, “Touchstones” signals a positive shift in how NCIS: Origins handles its character arcs. This episode reinforces that supporting roles can possess depth and relevance, transforming the perception of lesser-known characters, a complex narrative choice rarely seen in the predominantly action-driven plots of crime dramas.

With Season 1 concluding shortly, fans can anticipate further character explorations, building on the foundation laid in this episode. As the series continues to flesh out the broader NCIS universe, it remains to be seen how these intricate storylines will evolve in future episodes.