Deeks Joins as Liaison (“Fame,” Season 1, Episode 20): Marty Deeks first crosses paths with the NCIS team during an undercover operation. Impressed by his skills, Hetty Lange approaches him with an intriguing offer: to serve as the LAPD liaison for NCIS. This pivotal moment introduces Deeks to the team’s dynamic and sets the foundation for his journey within the agency. Initially, it’s a temporary role, but it opens the door for his ongoing involvement and highlights his potential beyond being just a cop.
Hetty’s Encouragement (“Imposters,” Season 2, Episode 23): As Deeks grows closer to the NCIS team, Hetty recognizes his talents and sees a future for him as an agent. Before she leaves on a covert mission, she presents him with a resignation letter from the LAPD and a partially filled-out application to join NCIS. Though touched by Hetty’s faith in him, Deeks grapples with his identity, expressing that being a cop is not just a job, but a fundamental part of who he is. This moment underscores the internal conflict he faces between loyalty to his past and the allure of a new path.
Proving His Worth (“Descent,” Season 4, Episode 24 and “Ascension,” Season 5, Episode 1): Deeks faces a critical test of character when he and Sam are kidnapped during a mission. The stakes are high, as Sam’s wife’s undercover identity is on the line. Throughout the ordeal, Deeks demonstrates incredible resilience, refusing to give up any information under extreme duress. His bravery not only earns Sam’s respect but solidifies his place within the team. This harrowing experience marks a turning point, as he transitions from being an outsider to an integral member of the NCIS family.
Termination of Liaison Position (“Raising the Dead,” Season 12, Episode 5): As the series progresses, Deeks faces significant setbacks. Due to reforms in the LAPD, the department cancels all liaison partnerships with NCIS, which effectively ends Deeks’s role. This development is compounded by the realization that he might be too old to join NCIS as an agent. This moment of crisis prompts Deeks to reevaluate his career and future, as the dream of officially becoming an NCIS agent seems to slip further away.
Hetty’s Final Push (“If the Fates Allow,” Season 12, Episode 6): In a dramatic twist, Hetty returns and pulls strings to get Deeks into the NCIS academy, reminding him that age should never be a barrier to pursuing his dreams. This encouragement serves as a catalyst for Deeks, reigniting his determination to prove himself as an agent. It’s a culmination of his journey—a moment where all his experiences, struggles, and growth coalesce, leading him toward the opportunity he’s long desired. The episode marks a hopeful turning point in Deeks’s story, promising a new chapter in his career with NCIS
