In Season 13, Episode 16 of NCIS: Los Angeles, titled “Dog Day Afternoon,” the narrative takes an unusual turn with a military working dog, Boomer, at the center of a kidnapping case. Here’s a recap of the episode’s key moments.
The Case Begins
The episode opens with retired Marine Gunnery Sergeant Mary Smith arriving home to find her dog Boomer missing and signs of a break-in. The tension escalates as she calls the police to report Boomer’s kidnapping, emphasizing the emotional weight of the situation by referring to it as a “kidnapping.”
Boomer isn’t just any dog; he’s a recently retired Marine Master Sergeant who served alongside Mary. After their time together in the Marines and her later role as a reserve deputy sheriff, Mary adopted him when he retired.
The Investigation
Mary suspects her ex-boyfriend, Dennis, of stealing Boomer as retaliation for their breakup. However, as the investigation unfolds, it becomes clear that Dennis isn’t the culprit. Admiral Kilbride’s assistant, Shyla, discovers that there’s a bounty on Boomer—$10,000 for him dead and $25,000 alive.
The team traces the bounty to an auto shop owner who lost millions in seized narcotics due to Boomer’s previous work as a military dog. This leads to a race against time to rescue Boomer from a dog fighting ring.
Subplots and Character Development 
Amid the main storyline, personal struggles of the characters are highlighted:
- Rountree’s Trauma: Special Agent Devin Rountree, still reeling from a traumatic encounter with the police, seeks solace at the shooting range. He attempts to convince Fatima that he’s fine, but his distress is evident.
- Sam’s Dilemma: Special Agent Sam Hanna grapples with the decision to sell his beloved boat, Michelle, to help care for his father, who has Alzheimer’s. When Sam receives a frantic call from his father after he gets lost, it underscores the urgency of Sam’s need to find a living situation that supports his father’s declining health.
- Callen’s Search for Truth: Special Agent G. Callen seeks information about his past through the Freedom of Information Act but is denied due to national security concerns. Kilbride arranges for Callen to meet operational psychologist Nate Getz, leading to an unexpected psychological assessment instead of the information Callen hoped for.
Conclusion
This episode stands out not only for its unusual focus on a military dog but also for its exploration of personal issues faced by the team. It combines elements of action, drama, and character development, making it a memorable installment in NCIS: Los Angeles’ rich narrative tapestry.
