The highly anticipated premiere of "NCIS: Sydney," titled "Gone Fission," ushers in a novel chapter for the NCIS saga, weaving a tale of dynamic synergy between the American Naval Criminal Investigative Service and the Australian Federal Police (AFP). The episode kicks off against the backdrop of a charged ambiance in Sydney, where the arrival of the USS Navajo, a formidable American warship, ignites protests against the American military footprint and its nuclear prowess on Australian soil. A protest sign, emblazoned with the slogan "No Yanks, No Nukes," held aloft by an fervent demonstrator, captures the prevailing sentiment towards the American military presence.
Tensions peak when Petty Officer Second Class Eric Flynn, an American sailor, suddenly collapses and plunges into the waters amidst the uproar. His mysterious demise triggers a contentious jurisdictional tug-of-war between the AFP and NCIS.
Enter AFP Sergeant Jim "JD" Dempsey and his counterpart, Liaison Officer Constable Evie Coope, eager to attend the autopsy to uncover the true cause of Flynn's untimely death. However, their intentions are thwarted by the arrival of NCIS Special Agents Michelle Mackey and DeShawn Jackson, who stake their claim to the case due to Flynn's connection to the USS Navajo.
The friction between JD and Mackey is instantaneous and undeniable. Mackey's aggressive and somewhat brash demeanor clashes sharply with JD's more circumspect and diplomatic approach. Their disagreement escalates to a meeting with superiors, culminating in a ruling that grants NCIS jurisdiction over the matter, much to JD's dismay. He is mandated to collaborate with Mackey as her Australian liaison, setting the stage for their future, often contentious, interactions.
As the investigation delves deeper, the team uncovers Flynn's penchant for charming women, evident from his prolific activity on various dating apps. They trace his steps to a woman he encountered the day prior to his death, known only by her screen name, Xena 27. This lead propels them to a bar where Flynn was entangled in a brawl with a group of Australians who disparagingly labeled him a "sceptic," a derogatory term for Americans.
The investigation takes a stunning turn when it is unveiled that Flynn's demise was not a result of his injuries, but a grim consequence of radiation poisoning. This startling revelation hints at a potential catastrophe: the USS Navajo might be emitting dangerous levels of radiation, a bombshell that both the Australian and American governments are eager to keep under wraps. Despite being instructed to shelve the case, JD and Mackey's unwavering determination propels them to press on with their inquiry.
Their relentless pursuit bears fruit when they uncover another tragic murder of an American soldier, this instance intertwined with a truth serum. An unofficial autopsy reveals a chilling truth: the victim was silenced to prevent the exposure of classified information about the submarine's nuclear prowess. The case acquires an international dimension when it comes to light that Flynn was poisoned with Polonium 210, a radioactive substance famously favored by Russian espionage agents.
The intrigue deepens as Xena 27 is outed as a Russian spy, likely complicit in luring American sailors into honey traps to bring them within striking distance for poisoning. The deployment of a substance that could be misconstrued as a radiation leak points to a more nefarious objective – gaining unauthorized access to the ship. As the teams draw closer to unearthing the truth, they find themselves in a race against the ticking clock to thwart a contingent of Russian spies from procuring vital American nuclear intelligence. An exhilarating gun battle ensues aboard the USS Navajo, with the Russian spies attempting a daring escape on a boat rigged to detonate.
Ultimately, the combined efforts of the joint task force thwart a major intelligence breach, earning them the establishment of a permanent task force with operations based in Australia. Despite their initial hesitancy to collaborate, JD and Mackey are tasked with leading this nascent task force, setting the stage for riveting escapades in future episodes. "Gone Fission" marks an exhilarating debut for NCIS: Sydney, illuminating the intricacies and challenges of international collaboration amidst espionage and political maneuvering. The episode masterfully intertwines action, suspense, and character evolution, laying a solid foundation for a series poised to captivate audiences as captivatingly as its predecessors.
