A familiar face is back on NCIS!
Special Agent Dale Sawyer, played by Zane Holtz, makes his comeback in Season 22, Episode 15, titled “Moonlit.” Sawyer was first featured in Season 18, and he returned in Seasons 19 and 20, but not in Season 21.
In this episode, a Navy Lieutenant’s death connects to Sawyer, prompting Torres (Wilmer Valderrama) and Knight to investigate a murd3r tied to a wealthy family. Meanwhile, Parker uncovers a surprising link between his mother’s death and a woman named Lily.
Sawyer, formerly considered Torres’ competitor, eventually found common ground with him due to their mutual interest in undercover operations. His final appearance was in the show’s 450th episode in 2023.

Fun fact: Holtz and Valderrama are longtime friends, which helps their on-screen chemistry shine. The showrunner once said, “I didn’t have to manufacture any chemistry between the two—they’ve been buddies for a long time, and it shows.”