CBS is preparing to air the third episode of NCIS Season 24, titled "Sleeping Dogs," on October 20. The installment focuses on Special Agent Torres as his former undercover persona becomes entangled in a series of murders.

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A dark past for Torres and the arrival of Walt Keller

In the upcoming episode "Sleeping Dogs," Special Agent Torres finds himself pulled into a personal crisis when his retired undercover identity is linked to a string of killings. To navigate this investigation, Torres is forced to collaborate with his former handler, the grizzled Walt Keller. According to the report, guest star Mike O'Malley will portray Keller, providing a seasoned, old-school perspective to a case that is described as particularly dark and personal for Torres.

This shift in focus highlights the character's history of solo undercover assignments, which has previously kept him somewhat isolated from the core team's standard operating procedures. the involvement of a former handler suggests that the investigation will move beyond standard forensics and into the murky waters of Torres' previous life.

Michael Weatherly’s vision for Tony DiNozzo and Gibbs reunions

The return of Michael Weatherly as Tony DiNozzo marks a significant shift for Season 24, bringing a sense of legacy back to the long-running crime drama. In a recent interview with TV Insider, Weatherly expressed his desire to see the season facilitate both emotional and action-packed reunions between familiar faces. He noted that the current season feels uniquely positioned to bring back elements of the original NCIS cast.

Beyond DiNozzo, the show is also teasing the return of Leroy Jethro Gibbs, who has appeared in recent promotional material.. Weatherly also mentioned his admiration for the work ethic of actors like LL COOL J and his interest in potential collaborations with stars like Scott Caan,hinting at a broader desire to connect the various branches of the NCIS franchise.

The transition from 'Wayward Son' to 'Sleeping Dogs'

The new episode follows the momentum established by the season's first two installments, "Wayward Son" and "Clean Slate." While the season opener dealt with the fallout of a shooting involving Timothy McGee's son,the second episode explored a neighborhood murder mystery involving a group of deceptive guests. These episodes have served to re-establish the current team dynamics under the leadership of Special Agent Alden Parker.

The current ensemble includes Special Agent Timothy McGee, an MIT graduate and senior field agent, and Special Agent Jessica Knight, a specialist in high-risk operations and hostage negotiatinos. as the season progresses from the broad mysteries of the first two episodes into the specific, character-driven stakes of "Sleeping Dogs," the show appears to be deepening the personal narratives of its lead agents.

Will Torres' undercover history trigger a multi-series crossover?

While the show is clearly leaning into its history, several questions remain regarding the scale of the current season's ambitions. The report mentions Weatherly's interest in the timing of current events and his friendships with actors from NCIS: LA and NCIS: Origins, but it remains unverified whether a formal crossover event is officially in development. Fans are left wondering if Torres' past will eventually bridge the gap between these different series.

Additionally, while the return of Gibbs has been teased, the specific nature of his involvement—whether as a recurring guest or a one-time appearance—has not been confirmed.. As "Sleeping Dogs" airs, viewers will be watching to see if the personal stakes for Torres serve as a standalone character study or the catalyst for a much larger franchise-wide event.