Hiatus (NCIS)

"Hiatus" is the title of the first and second episodes of the third season of the American police procedural drama NCIS. These episodes deal with the aftermath of the bombing of Marine One and the perceived death of NCIS Director Jenny Shepard.

The storyline focuses primarily on Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs's departure from NCIS following the bombing and his subsequent return. Having suffered amnesia as a result of the explosion and related injuries, Gibbs abandons his role at NCIS and seeks a quieter life in Mexico under the name "J.T." The rest of the NCIS team, particularly Special Agent Anthony DiNozzo, struggles to function without Gibbs's leadership, while also dealing with the loss of Director Shepard.

Throughout the two-part episode, details of Gibbs's past and his connection to Shepard are revealed through flashbacks. The team investigates a series of events that eventually lead them to believe Gibbs may still be alive and actively involved. They travel to Mexico to locate Gibbs, help him recover his memory, and convince him to return to NCIS.

The central themes of "Hiatus" include loss, recovery, the importance of teamwork, and the enduring bond between Gibbs and his team. The episodes also explore the impact of trauma on individuals and the difficult process of healing. The episodes also re-establishes the core team dynamic after the departure of Kate Todd in the second season.