The Penelope Papers is the third episode in NCIS Season 9 and the 189th episode of the entire NCIS series.
Synopsis
When a naval officer is murdered, the team discover a startling connection between the victim and McGee's grandmother before they realize that the two have a connection to a project that began some thirty years ago while Jimmy Palmer struggles with his upcoming wedding.
Prologue
In a park, Paul Booth tells his wife that he meant to come home last night before stating that his class ran late and he had all those papers...
He then wonders why she's accusing him of.
As this happens, Booth glances back and forth, obviously fearful that someone is watching him.
He then states that he can't deal with this right, that he's gotta go and that he'll call her later.
With that, Booth hangs up while also sighing in frustration.
As a train's horn is heard in the background, Booth sits down on a park bench, rubbing his head. He then dials a number and as he waits for the person to answer, Booth mutters "Come on", obviously impatient.
"Hey, it's me", Booth says. "I'm starting to really lose it here. I can't keep lying to my wife. It's killing me" before he tells the person that they need to end this.
As Booth wonders if they can meet, a lone figure standing behind a tree raises a gun, ready to fire while Booth tells the person that he's at the park across the Hayes Hotel.
"I'll see you soon", Booth remarks.
He then hangs up but still looks deeply troubled.
Booth then takes a deep breath.
Seconds later, the figure fires with the bullet itself striking Booth in the left side of his head, the impact killing Booth instantly.
It then cuts to Booth who then falls off the bench and hits the ground, dead, his cell phone in his hand.
Act One
Act Two
Act Three
Act Four
Act Five

McGee speaking to his estranged father.
Ziva heads into the bullpen, remarking to the others that Ducky's finishing but the evidence is still pointing towards the killer.
Tony remarks that it's another execution.
Major Events
- Penelope Langston, McGee's grandmother. is introduced for the first time.
- It's revealed that McGee has not spoken to his father in seven years.
Trivia
- Lily Tomlin, who plays Penelope Langston, is credited as a Special Guest Star.
Cast
Series Regulars
Name | Portrayed by | Role |
---|---|---|
Leroy Jethro Gibbs | Mark Harmon | Special Agent in charge of the NCIS Major Case Response Team. |
Anthony DiNozzo | Michael Weatherly | Senior Special Agent of the NCIS Major Response Team. |
Ziva David | Cote de Pablo | Junior Special Agent of the NCIS Major Response Team. |
Abigail Sciuto | Pauley Perrette | Chief Forensic Specialist of the NCIS Major Response Team. |
Timothy McGee | Sean Murray (actor) | Special Agent of the NCIS Major Response Team. |
Leon Vance | Rocky Carroll | Director of NCIS. Despite being credited, Carroll does not appear in this episode. |
Donald Mallard | David McCallum | Chief Medical Examiner of the NCIS Major Response Team. |
Recurring Cast
Name | Portrayed by | Role |
---|---|---|
James Palmer | Brian Dietzen | Assistant Medical Examiner. |
Guest Cast
Name | Portrayed by | Role |
---|---|---|
Penelope Langston | Lily Tomlin | McGee's grandmother and a former peace activist. |
John Westfal | Sam McMurray | A man who appears in the episode. |
Max Ellswood | David Clennon | Suspect and also the killer. |
Justine Booth | Hillary Tuck | Victim's wife who is also pregnant. |
Paul Booth | Matthew Alan | Victim and a Lieutenant in the United States Navy as well as the husband of Justine Booth. |
Andrew Pike | James M. Connor | A man who appears in the episode. |