NCIS: Origins season 2 episode 6 recap: Randy’s birthday turns into a high-stakes investigation

NCIS: Origins season 2 episode 6 aired on Tuesday, November 18, 2025. It gave viewers another gripping story where the past met the present. The episode was titled “Happy Birthday.”

It first looked like it would focus on Randy’s celebration, but the day quickly turned dark. The hour mixed emotional struggles with a puzzling crime scene that needed quick attention.

The main mystery began after an anonymous tip led the team to a shocking discovery involving a young Marine.

What started as a routine call soon grew serious when Randy noticed details that matched an older case.

As the investigation moved forward, the team realized the pattern was too exact to dismiss, pushing them into a high-pressure situation.

Episode 6 focused strongly on the characters as Randy tried to manage his birthday and his work at the same time.

His day was ruined by new problems, including a broken computer and old emotional wounds he had never faced.

The more the team uncovered about the Marine’s death, the more clear it became that this case had consequences reaching far beyond a single crime scene.

NCIS: Origins season 2 episode 6: Randy connects the case to a disturbing pattern

Episode 6 moved the story forward as soon as the team reached the crime scene. They found the body of Marine Sergeant Henry Aldrin in disturbing conditions.

At first it looked like someone had staged a ritual. Randy was hit hard when he saw a coin placed in the Marine’s throat.

It reminded him of an older case that used the same sign, so he started searching old files for answers.

Randy believed the two cases were connected, which pushed the team to question their earlier assumptions. His work was set back when his computer, which he had named Martha, was accidentally destroyed during the hectic day.

With no digital records, Randy had to depend on paper files. He struggled with the loss of his work and the pressure to find the link before the evidence faded.

The episode used this setback to show Randy’s rising frustration and emotional strain.

While solving the Marine’s death was still important, the story also showed Randy facing his habit of carrying extra pressure and covering for other people’s mistakes.

His effort to rebuild the missing clue reflected his own need to rebuild himself.

When Randy finally discovered the truth behind the coin, the investigation changed direction. The new information reshaped the understanding of Henry’s death.

It revealed a motive born from long-held pain and turned the case into a search for long overdue justice.

NCIS: Origins season 2 episode 6: Franks faces personal setbacks as the case escalates

While Randy tried to solve the case, Franks dealt with his own problems. His stress grew when important packages meant for his brother went missing without any reason.

Already emotionally on edge, Franks made things worse by accidentally breaking Randy’s computer. This created more tension between them and slowed down the investigation.

This part of the episode showed how Franks often hid his guilt and avoided taking responsibility. Viewers saw a more explosive side of him as he argued with the postal system, struggled with job pressures, and fought his own unresolved family pain.

His grief over his brother, even though he never said it out loud, affected almost everything he did.

Despite the growing chaos, Franks still tried to help with the case, though his methods were far from perfect. His moments with Randy became important, showing the emotional distance between them.

Randy relied on order and accuracy, while Franks trusted instinct and force of will. Their different styles led to conflict but also revealed a deeper bond.

By the end of the episode, Franks made a small but meaningful move to fix things. He helped set up a replacement system for Randy.

It was a quiet gesture, yet it showed he was beginning to understand how much his actions affected the people around him.

Other highlights of NCIS: Origins season 2 episode 6

Episode 6 offered several strong moments that expanded the world of NCIS: Origins beyond the main case and the tension between characters.

Howard, the man who reported the Marine’s body, became a surprisingly deep character.

His fear and honesty added emotional weight, especially after viewers learned about his link to an older murder involving his half-sister. His story changed the investigation from a hunt for a killer to a search for closure.

The team’s internal issues also stood out as misplaced files and office miscommunication created much of the drama.

Scenes with Herm, Gail, Wheeler, and Mary Jo brought light comedy without taking away from the seriousness of the case. Their interactions showed how quickly a federal office could fall into chaos when one small mistake grew into a larger problem.

Another important moment came from the emotional clash between Randy and Franks. Randy’s long-suppressed outburst revealed the pressure he carried since childhood and his constant need to stay calm for others.

This helped viewers understand his earlier behavior and added depth to his journey.

The episode ended with growing tension outside the main case. Lala realized she was being watched by people connected to Flaca.

This final scene delivered both closure and suspense, setting up the next chapter with a quiet sense of danger.

Fans can watch the new episodes of the show on CBS and Paramount Plus.