[1][2] When a bug is found in Probationary Agent Ned Dorneget's tooth, the team goes full force in the effort to arrest Harper Dearing.
The team pursues a lead from information provided by Ryan that Dearing might be manufacturing defective Navy artillery rounds.
However, the plot turns out to be a wild goose chase concocted by Dearing, which leads Gibbs to wonder whether Dr Ryan is really on their side or not.
Richard Schiff is introduced as the character of Harper Dearing, who, following the previous episode is NCIS' most wanted fugitive.
Introduced in the episode "Playing with Fire", Dearing is haunted by the loss of his son, who died in a terrorist bombing some years earlier.