NCIS: Sydney Season 2, Episode 4 ‘Truth Sabre’ delves deeper into Evie and her relationship with DeShawn, while still letting Mackey be Mackey and J.D. be J.D. So basically, a pretty solid episode of the show, with the usual much-needed moments of levity, and sometimes depth, added to the story by Doc Roy and Blue.
The episode ends with the team, a team that’s still getting to know each other in many ways, but one that already fits together. But before that, the show knows what beats to touch on to deepen Evie and DeShawn’s relationship in a way that feels real, and Mackey and J.D.’s in a way that feels…well, fun. Almost like, in this hour, the partnership vibes were being flipped on purpose.
MORE: Check out our interview with Olivia Swann if you want some teases about where the season is going.
VULNERABILITY (AND UNDERSTANDING)

Evie is a tough nut to crack and NCIS: Sydney Season 2, Episode 4 ‘Truth Sabre’ gives us as much insight into who she really is as we’ve gotten so far. But more importantly, it gives DeShawn the tools to understand why Evie behaves the way she does, and why everything is a joke with her. It’s an oversimplification to say that your childhood makes you who you are, but it does play a big role in the person you become.
And Evie, she didn’t have a childhood. She had to grow up fast and be an adult even when she was a child. So now, when she feels comfortable with someone, she defaults to somewhat childish behavior. And DeShawn, as her partner, often gets dragged into it. But now, at least, he’ll be going in with his eyes open.
These two are very far from a point where their relationship could take a different shape, but for now, it’s very important that DeShawn is the person Evie trusts to be silly with. To be mean to. And, sometimes, it’s a little much. I won’t deny that. I’m sure DeShawn wouldn’t either. But it’s all about Evie taking control of her life and living it, perhaps, the way she always dreamed she could. Sure, some therapy might be indicated because there is a way to find balance, but she’s at least living for herself these days, not others.
MORE: Our review of NCIS: Sydney Season 2, Episode 3 is here!
SWAGGER (AND BANTER)

NCIS: Sydney Season 2, Episode 4 ‘Truth Sabre’ shows us Mackey’s swagger, and J.D.’s pride in that swagger, as the two navigate their partnership—and boy how many times have we used that word?—in a very different way than we usually do. Sure, these two have had fun this season, but this is an episode of pure banter, while Evie and DeShawn get the serious stuff.
And in a way, that’s also progress in the relationship. Not everything can be serious all the time. All good relationships need to be able to also banter, and have fun together. Mackey and J.D. now know that they can count on each other during the hard times, but they can also have a beer, laugh together, and make it so solving cases as partners isn’t a chore. That’s the foundation, as we’ve said before. There’s much more to come between these two.
Thankfully, we have the rest of Season 2 and an entire season after that to figure out where the show can take them.
MORE: Did Michelle Mackey appear on NCIS? Here’s what happened!
Things I think I think:
- At some point we’re gonna address DeShawn’s scars directly, right?
- The reasoning behind this whole thing is solid—she needs to learn to swim, you’re her partner. But getting her a bathing suit and wearing that tiny one yourself, that’s flirting man.
- But also, this is so nice of him.
- “It’s a long list,” lol yes.
- You had a date?!
- Mackey’s whole “I flew helicopters for a living.”
- J.D. sure has her pegged.
- The bean bag bit was very funny.
- The way J.D. moved the 3D dinosaur at the end lol
- Mackey and J.D. just out there flirting, I mean bantering, in every conversation these days.
- WHY ARE HER SHOES ON THE COUCH?
- J.D. doing the interrogation is interesting to me.
- “I try to make it a habit not to judge single moms.”
- Okay, this just makes me think we’re going to meet Mackey’s baby daddy.
- Doc’s tech issues feel very Doc.
- “I spent my teens helping my mom raise my siblings” doesn’t surprise me, truly.
- But man, that’s a lot of siblings.
- Jake being AI is wiiiiiild.
- “Poorly staged,” lol.
- Steven Segal swagger? Double lol.
- The Grace and Evie hug was very nice.
- “Aussies can multitask.” BURN.
- How many times do you have to say the word “partner,” Mackey?
Agree? Disagree? What did you think of NCIS: Sydney Season 2, Episode 4 ‘Truth Sabre’? Share with us in the comments below! And if you have your own opinion on the show, leave a review/rating on our NCIS: Sydney hub!
NCIS: Sydney airs Fridays at 8/7c on CBS.
Great episode!