Which NCIS Episode Left Fans in Tears with ‘Dead Man Walking’?

“NCIS” has explored a wide range of themes in its long run of over 450 episodes, but one episode from Season 4 continues to be a standout moment for fans even 15 years after its premiere.

In “NCIS” Season 4, Episode 16, titled “Dead Man Walking,” Naval Lieutenant Roy Sanders (played by Matthew Marsden) makes a personal request to the Naval Criminal Investigative Service. He asks them to identify his own murderer, even though he’s still alive at that point but dying from radiation poisoning. Sanders suspects that someone poisoned him to prevent him from fulfilling his duties as an inspector for the International Atomic Energy Agency. Special Agent Ziva David (Cote de Pablo) develops feelings for Sanders, making his eventual death even more tragic. In future episodes, Ziva wears an orange beanie in his memory.

On Reddit, a user started a thread claiming that “Dead Man Walking” is one of the saddest episodes of “NCIS.” They sympathized with Sanders and praised Matthew Marsden’s performance. Another user responded, emphasizing Ziva’s role in the episode, saying it was the first time they saw her softer side and highlighting the importance of human kindness.

Numerous “NCIS” fans have shared their emotional reactions to “Dead Man Walking” on Reddit and other social media platforms, underscoring the episode’s lasting impact and its ability to evoke strong emotions. Fans continue to remember and discuss this poignant episode.