[s4e12] Paper Soldiers May 2026
: The investigation leads the team to a morgue worker named Ian Bruckner, who was secretly harvesting tissues and organs to sell to David Locke, a local funeral home director, for the black market.
: Operational Psychologist Nate Getz (played by Peter Cambor) returns to Los Angeles at Hetty's request. His role in this episode is pivotal, acting as Hetty's "pawn" to help evaluate the team and assist in the interrogation of Coroner Rose Schwartz. [S4E12] Paper Soldiers
: This episode also features some lighthearted character development, including Deeks debuting his new nickname for Kensi: "Kensalina". Closing Thoughts : The investigation leads the team to a
Recap & Review: NCIS: Los Angeles Season 4, Episode 12 – "Paper Soldiers" : This episode also features some lighthearted character
"Paper Soldiers" is a standout episode from Season 4 because it balances a dark, emotional procedural case with the charming ensemble chemistry that defines the show. By the end, the team manages to dismantle the trafficking ring and ensure Lt. Prieto is laid to rest with the full military honors he deserved.
: Despite the heavy subject matter, fans often remember this episode for its witty dialogue. A standout moment involves Hetty jokingly requesting "palomino horses galloping alongside her hearse" during a visit to the funeral home.
The episode kicks off with Antonia Prieto, the widow of Marine Lt. Edwin Prieto, who suspects a cover-up regarding her husband’s death in Afghanistan. Her suspicions are validated when a private investigator she hired is found murdered right outside a morgue. As Sam and Callen dig deeper, they uncover a gruesome reality: Lt. Prieto’s body had been harvested for tissues and bones without his or his family's consent. Key Plot Points and Highlights
: The investigation leads the team to a morgue worker named Ian Bruckner, who was secretly harvesting tissues and organs to sell to David Locke, a local funeral home director, for the black market.
: Operational Psychologist Nate Getz (played by Peter Cambor) returns to Los Angeles at Hetty's request. His role in this episode is pivotal, acting as Hetty's "pawn" to help evaluate the team and assist in the interrogation of Coroner Rose Schwartz.
: This episode also features some lighthearted character development, including Deeks debuting his new nickname for Kensi: "Kensalina". Closing Thoughts
Recap & Review: NCIS: Los Angeles Season 4, Episode 12 – "Paper Soldiers"
"Paper Soldiers" is a standout episode from Season 4 because it balances a dark, emotional procedural case with the charming ensemble chemistry that defines the show. By the end, the team manages to dismantle the trafficking ring and ensure Lt. Prieto is laid to rest with the full military honors he deserved.
: Despite the heavy subject matter, fans often remember this episode for its witty dialogue. A standout moment involves Hetty jokingly requesting "palomino horses galloping alongside her hearse" during a visit to the funeral home.
The episode kicks off with Antonia Prieto, the widow of Marine Lt. Edwin Prieto, who suspects a cover-up regarding her husband’s death in Afghanistan. Her suspicions are validated when a private investigator she hired is found murdered right outside a morgue. As Sam and Callen dig deeper, they uncover a gruesome reality: Lt. Prieto’s body had been harvested for tissues and bones without his or his family's consent. Key Plot Points and Highlights