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NCIS season 23 episode 4, packs suspense and twisty storytelling as the A-team takes on a high-stakes abduction case involving a highly skilled US Marine. In the episode titled Gone Girls, what starts off as a case where US Marine Sergeant Molly Delgado is the one kidnapped quickly becomes an investigation where she's the primary suspect in the kidnapping of Claire Gaines.
Claire, being the wife of a prominent member of the Department of Justice, and the FBI's involvement in the investigation, quickly leads to a tense power struggle. But all is not as it seems, and when Sergeant Delgado surrenders herself with the dead body of a former FBI agent, the truth starts to unfold slowly.
In NCIS season 23 episode 4, it's true that Sergeant Delgado kidnaps Claire Gaines, but unlike typical abduction cases, it was done to protect Claire. Thanks to Jessica Knight's astute detective work and trusting her instincts, Parker and the rest of the team successfully crack the case and uncover who the real villain is.
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Disclaimer: This article contains major spoilers for NCIS season 23 episode 4. Reader's discretion is advised.
Why does Sergeant Molly Delgado kidnap Claire Gaines in NCIS season 23 episode 4?
In NCIS season 23 episode 4, Claire Gaines' kidnapping case is not what it seems. Sergeant Molly Delgado doesn't kidnap her from her and her husband's, Deputy Attorney General Brett Gaines, house because of money or any nefarious reasons. The abduction is purely for Claire's protection because, it turns out, Brett Gaines is an abusive husband and is likely not above killing his wife.
The reason for the kidnapping is to keep Claire away from her husband's clutches and help her escape to Canada. However, Brett learns about his wife and Sergeant Delgado's plan, so he sends a former FBI agent whom he had previously fired to deal with Delgado. What he doesn't anticipate is that Sergeant Delgado is highly skilled and manages to kill the man in self-defense.
It's the same body she has in the trunk of her car when she surrenders herself to the NCIS, which she claims is to buy time for the other members of her book club to move Claire to a safer place.
What is the book club in NCIS season 23 episode 4 all about?
Sergeant Delgado is not alone in the abduction scheme in NCIS season 23 episode 4. She's part of an underground group of women disguising themselves as a book club, who help domestic abuse victims who can't or won't go to the police to help with their situation because for one reason or another. Sergeant Delgado, with her skills from the US Marines, is in charge of extraction.
There are several other women in their group. Besides Sergeant Delgado, they have an accountant in their group, a lawyer, and a real estate agent, and they all work together to give abused women a chance to escape and start a new life. At the end of episode 4, Sergeant Delgado and Jessica Knight struck a camaraderie, both offering their support whenever the other needs help in the future.
Other highlights in NCIS season 23 episode 4
Despite the teaser in NCIS season 23 episode 3 that Jessica Knight may be leaving for NCIS Elite, one of the highlights in Gone Girls is her taking somewhat of a lead role in the case. She gains Sergeant Delgado's trust enough to make her want to talk when there's no reason for her to, and convinces Parker to use his charm and history to sneak into the FBI and talk with Delgado.
The A-team's dynamic also takes a spotlight in NCIS season 23 episode 4, starring Barbara's special play performance, which the team isn't able to witness because of the ongoing abduction case—not that they were eager to go in the first place. That said, when Barbara seems sad about missing the team from the performance, Nick Torres takes the lead in making her feel better.
At the end, the entire team works together to stage a show for Barbara right at the station, along with her theater group. With Barbara always being supportive of everyone, the episode ends with a nice exchange, with everyone making her feel appreciated and loved.
Catch NCIS season 23 episode 4, along with the show's previous episodes, on CBS and Paramount+.
