NCIS: New York Season 1 Episode 4 Review: A Trip Down Memory Lane

NCIS: New York Season 1 Episode 4, “Homecoming,” delivers a layered, well-paced storyline that finds each character in their element, while one character faces a hard truth.

The episode opens with a deadly armored truck robbery at a Naval Corps Credit Union in Queens that quickly takes a turn for the worse, and the team must find the sniper responsible.

NCIS: New York is keeping the momentum, taking risks in storylines and proving the team works best with maximum manpower.

“Homecoming” uses NCIS’s winning formula: the magic of the entire team. As the series’ most underused characters, Sean and Robyn finally get their time to shine as the episode’s MVPs. 

The sneak-and-peek warrant scene skillfully shows how Sean elevates the team. Despite communication being limited to an earpiece, Addy’s stealthy, James Bond-level instincts wouldn’t be successful without Sean’s technical expertise.

The team has seen multiple cases of Sean’s capabilities and his value, yet he remains underappreciated.

Sean handles most behind-the-scenes work that demands cognitive ability more than physical strength. However, the team doesn’t credit him for contributions to solving cases. Sean seeking validation from the team makes it harder to focus on what really matters. 

On “Homecoming,” Sean’s fidget spinner use undermines his standing, making him look like a little leaguer chasing the major leagues. Nevertheless, Sean’s efforts to build rapport, dress more professionally, and his technical skills don’t change the fact that no one takes him seriously.

Robyn’s conversation with Sean offers just what Sean needs — a sense of reassurance.

She is very proud of him and recognizes his importance to the team, even after lauding Wyatt. It’s comforting to see Sean have these light-hearted moments with Robyn because she sees herself in him.

As the only person who sees Sean’s worth as a person and a team member, we’ll see how long she can keep him afloat and whether her encouragement will carry much weight.

“Homecoming” – CBS Original Series NCIS: NEW YORK. Pictured: Scott Caan as NCIS Special Agent Nick Schaeffer. Photo: Michael Greenberg/CBS ©2026.

On “Homecoming,” Robyn officially takes on an interrogation to get information regarding the alleged sniper. As much as NCIS: New York references Sam’s commanding presence, we would be remiss not to mention Robyn’s.

Robyn’s presence is a force of nature. This is largely due to Jennifer Beals’s performance. Robyn is exceptional at what she does, so it’s no surprise that she could have had a different career path as an attorney general.

Robyn’s discernment sets her apart from the rest of the team; it’s the fuel that brings the team to victory. She actively listens, then shares her opinion on the case. This level-headedness is necessary to offset the alpha energy permeating the team.

That said, Robyn knows how close this case hits home for Sam, so her rationality and Nick’s findings help get closer to identifying the sniper. Her being in the interrogation room with Sam is the best way to assess his judgment and whether he can set his personal feelings aside. 

Without Robyn and Sean, these cases wouldn’t progress as quickly. They would be regarded as highly as Sam and Nick if not for them mainly operating in the field office.

“Homecoming” momentarily shifts the focus away from the action as Sam reminisces with his old friend Curtis. During their casual conversation, we learn more about Sam’s origins and troubled past.

This scene is extremely significant because Sam’s New York roots are intertwined with his identity in understanding who he is. He wouldn’t be where he is today without Curtis looking out for him at a very young age.

Sam owes Curtis a great debt for his vigilance, yet he doesn’t let his personal connection to the case overtake his duty to defend his honor and his community.

This unexpected turn of events brings Sam full circle, returning to Queens as the hero he once saw Curtis as. Sam arrests the sniper but is mindful that killing him isn’t going to do any good, since prison is what he deserves for his unlawful actions.

NCIS: New York takes a closer look at Sam Hanna. The longer he stays in the city, the more he’ll understand why he shouldn’t have left.

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NCIS: New York airs Tuesdays at 9/8c on CBS and streams the next day on Paramount+.

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