In the third episode of NCIS: Sydney Season 3, titled “Lost in Translation,” a routine manhunt for a suspected killer unravels into a dangerous conspiracy. The team’s investigation into the death of an Australian soldier leads them to a high-value U.S. target who claims to possess evidence of a covered-up American war crime. The situation escalates with the arrival of a mysterious and deadly operative known only as “The Ghost,” forcing Agent Michelle Mackey to confront a secret from her past that could put her entire team at risk.
The Case Takes a Surprising Turn
The episode centers on the team’s hunt for Rashid Ramati, a former interpreter from Afghanistan accused of murdering an Australian soldier. Initially believed to be a terrorist who betrayed his unit years ago, Ramati is discovered to have secretly entered Australia. However, the team’s investigation quickly reveals that the evidence does not support the original story.
Upon his capture, Ramati claims he is innocent and is actually trying to expose the truth. He tells NCIS and their AFP partners that he has proof a U.S. war crime was committed during the ambush in Afghanistan five years ago. He says the real culprit is a secret American operative called The Ghost, who framed him for the betrayal. Ramati says he saved two Australian soldiers, Yates and Ascott, and hid crucial video evidence of the crime on an SD card sewn into the jacket of one of the soldiers.
A New Antagonist and a Coerced Ally
The search for the evidence draws The Ghost to Australia, revealing a wider conspiracy. The NCIS team works alongside the Australian Defence Force Investigative Service (ADFIS), led by Sergeant Dayna Jasek. The team immediately notices that Jasek bears a striking resemblance to Agent Mackey, both in appearance and professional demeanor.
However, it is soon discovered that Jasek is not all she seems. She has been forced to leak information to The Ghost under duress. The operative has kidnapped her daughter, using the child’s safety to force Jasek’s cooperation. In a tense standoff, The Ghost leaves Jasek’s daughter standing on a motion-sensitive bomb. The team, with the help of AFP explosives expert Travis “Trigger” Riggs, races against time to successfully disarm the device and save the girl.
Mackey’s Hidden Past and a Team in the Dark
The episode reveals a personal connection for Michelle Mackey. She confides in her partner, JD Dempsey, that the case reminds her of a past incident where a translator gave false intel, leading to the deaths of women and children. This history explains her initial hardened attitude toward Ramati.
The story takes a more direct turn when The Ghost is killed in a shootout with Mackey. In the aftermath, a major cover-up is exposed. Both the Pentagon and Department of Defense block further inquiries, indicating The Ghost was part of a highly classified and deniable operation.
Most shockingly, The Ghost’s phone contains a hit list. Alongside the names of Ramati, Yates, and Ascott, the list includes a photo of Michelle Mackey. This suggests she is unknowingly connected to the events from five years ago. In a pivotal moment, Mackey secretly deletes her photo from the list before anyone else on her team sees it, choosing to hide her connection to this dangerous conspiracy.
Blue’s Return and Team Dynamics
The episode also continues the storyline of AFP forensic scientist Bluebird “Blue” Gleeson returning to the team. She finds her lab has been taken over by Trigger, leading to some initial friction. Her colleagues, particularly Evie Cooper, show understanding for Blue’s situation. Evie shares a moment with Blue, telling her, “I know what it’s like. To pretend to be someone you’re not,” referencing her own past as an undercover officer.
While most of the team seems willing to welcome Blue back, Sergeant JD Dempsey remains wary. His trust was damaged by her deception, and he insists on thoroughly vetting her lengthy re-application by hand, showing he is not someone who trusts easily.
Also Read: NCIS: Sydney Season 3 Kicks Off With a Major Terrorist Plot
