NCIS Season 23 Episode 9 "Heaven and Nature" cast and characters: Here's who brought the CBS police procedural to life

NCIS is one of the longest-running CBS police procedurals, following a team of special agents from the Naval Criminal Investigative Service. The journey of these police officers decoding crimes of murder, terrorism, espionage, etc, is what the show is all about. The agents are often shown dealing with both their personal struggles and professional challenges.

In episode 9 of season 23, titled Heaven and Nature, the show combines the case of the week with the emotional moments of the characters. The team uncovers a larger criminal operation while investigating a seemingly minor theft at a charitable holiday toy drive. This drama is made even more convincing by the talented cast of NCIS. McGee and Torres lead the investigation on the ground, while Kasie and Jimmy handle the forensic and medical revelations. Keep reading to learn about the cast and characters that bring this CBS drama to life.

Here are the cast and characters who brought NCIS season 23, episode 9 to life

The official synopsis of the NCIS episode reads,

"McGee and Torres hunt a stolen truck of Christmas toys meant for Navy families. Parker's mother's story comes to light, and Knight begins her first NCIS: Elite assignment."

Here is the cast involved:

Gary Cole as Alden Parker

As the title suggests, the episode dives into faith, justice, and human greed. Parker is seen reflecting on and absorbing what is unfolding before him. Parker spirals into the idea that even good intentions can be corrupt, and questions whether justice alone is enough. His leadership style changes in this episode, with him listening to his team rather than commanding and opening up about his emotional undercurrents.

Sean Murray as Timothy McGee

McGee is the case's intellectual driver, as he discovered that this seemingly small theft is connected to a larger conspiracy. His role and work in the department are more methodical as he connects financial records and logistics. McGee is an experienced agent and often able to draw out important suspicions and push the investigation beyond what a normal mind could imagine.

Wilmer Valderrama as Nick Torres

Torres solves the case through a more instinctive, emotional lens and voices the moral angle involved. He reacts strongly to the exploitation of a charitable act. His argument reinforces the ethical tension. While Parker is often seen silently contemplating the ethics and human nature, Nick provides a contrast by being vocal about them.

Brian Dietzen as Jimmy Palmer

Jimmy is responsible for the medical enquiries in the cases, and even in season 23 episode 9, Jimmy's findings help raise the stakes by revealing that the crime doesn't just involve theft but also the endangerment of many lives, intentionally or not. His work reminds us that behind the abstract crimes lie their consequences, involving real bodies and lives lost.

The episode doesn't officially mention any additional cast members, but photos reveal that Adam Ferrara appears as Sammy Craig and Lanisa Renee Frederick appears as Diana Roday. They were seen in some action scenes along with Torres and McGee, per reports.

Some other significant actors and characters appear in NCIS season 23 episode 9, and this list won't be complete without them. This includes Brian Dietzen as Dr. Jimmy Palmer, portrayed as the team’s Chief Medical Examiner. Diona Reasonover, a Forensic Specialist, and Kasie Hines, whose reports and findings are the spine in confirming the agents' doubts.

Katrina Law appears as Special Agent Jessica Knight, who is seen to be on her first NCIS: Elite mission in this episode, and Rocky Carroll appears as Director Leon Vance, the head of NCIS, overseeing operations.

Episode 9 of season 23 dropped on 16 December 2025.

Edited by Yesha Srivastava

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