NCIS Season 23 Episode 5: What dark secret does Vera Strickland’s return uncover in the decades-old naval murder case? Details here
After two decades on television, NCIS remains one of the most enduring crime dramas in American pop culture. Season 23 continues that legacy, and Episode 5 titled ‘Now and Then’ promises a blend of mystery, nostalgia, and emotional depth. The episode premieres on Tuesday, November 11 at 8 PM ET on CBS, with streaming available on Paramount+ shortly after.
A case that connects eras
( Image credit : Instagram/jessknight_ncis| Past and present collide as NCIS reopens a case that shaped its legacy )
In “’Now and Then,’ the NCIS team re-opens a decades-old murder investigation involving a naval officer whose death had previously been investigated by retired agent Vera Strickland. Her return links the show’s modern lineup with its storied past, bridging generations of investigators who share a commitment to uncovering the truth. The episode is part of an ongoing crossover with NCIS: Origins, which explores the early career of Leroy Jethro Gibbs.
This creative overlap gives the franchise a multi-timeline depth rarely seen in traditional procedural TV series. It’s not just about solving the case; it’s about understanding how the agency and its people have evolved.
Crime evolves, so do they
( Image credit : Instagram/jessknight_ncis| Time changes everything, but NCIS proves heart and teamwork never fade )
Unlike the action-heavy episodes of previous seasons, ‘Now and Then’ focuses on reflection. The story contrasts old-school investigative instinct with modern forensic precision, showing how technology, accountability, and team dynamics have changed law enforcement storytelling.
For longtime fans, it’s also a quiet celebration of legacy, highlighting how even minor characters from earlier seasons continue to affect current cases. That emotional continuity is one reason NCIS continues to resonate across generations.
The show that refuses to fade
( Image credit : Instagram/tvfanatic_official| Catch NCIS Season 23 Episode 5 on November 12 )
The episode airs at 6:30 AM IST on Wednesday, November 12, via the U.S. telecast, and later on AXN Asia. Its worldwide availability underlines NCIS’s global reach: a show that began as a U.S. military procedural has grown into a universal story about justice, loyalty, and human connection.
Even after twenty-three seasons, NCIS proves that revisiting the past isn’t about repeating old stories, it’s about rediscovering why they still matter.
