NCIS Reopens Nick Torres Undercover Past in Sleeping Dogs

Nick Torres must confront his former undercover identity when someone uses the retired alias Dante Navarro to commit a series of murders in the October 20, 2026, episode of CBS's NCIS. The episode, titled "Sleeping Dogs," pairs Wilmer Valderrama's character with Walt Keller, his former handler played by Mike O'Malley, as the investigation forces Torres to face a darker chapter of his past.

According to the episode description published by Give Me My Remote, the case reunites Torres with Keller, who has retired from law enforcement. Written by Marco Schnabel and directed by José Clemente Hernandez, the episode centers on the consequences of an undercover identity being used for violent crimes.

An early preview shared by Parade highlights Torres's conflicted feelings about his previous undercover work. Speaking to Alden Parker, played by Gary Cole, Torres acknowledges that his past conduct continues to trouble him.

"I did some horrible things in my past," Torres says to Alden Parker (Gary Cole) in this early release look at the episode. "Which I justified by saying it was in the line of duty but there was always something that bothered me afterwards. How much I enjoyed it."

The admission reveals Torres's concern that his former undercover persona involved more than the difficult decisions required by his job. The new murders bring that history back into focus as he investigates the misuse of his old identity.

Keller challenges Torres's understanding of the distinction between his real self and his former undercover role. The retired agent suggests that the identity Torres considers part of his past may be more central to his personality than he wants to admit.

"You still don't get it, do you?" Keller says. "Nick Torres is the cover. Dante's who you really are."

The confrontation puts pressure on Torres as he works alongside the man who once guided him through undercover operations. The episode's central conflict combines the murder investigation with a personal reckoning over the methods Torres used during his earlier assignments.

The storyline arrives shortly after Tony DiNozzo, played by Michael Weatherly, became director of NCIS. In an October 14 report, CinemaBlend described how the leadership change had raised questions about whether DiNozzo would continue participating directly in field investigations.

During the episode "Clean Slate," DiNozzo explained to Timothy McGee, played by Sean Murray, why he intended to remain involved in cases despite his new administrative responsibilities.

"Vance boxed, Jenny lit up the town. You know what I like to do? I like to bust bad guys.

So I'm gonna do my job as director, and when I need to take a little break, blow off a little steam? I'm gonna go bust some bad guys with you. And it's not a distraction.

It's the only way I know how to survive this job."

His explanation indicated that the new director intends to balance leadership duties with occasional fieldwork. The arrangement also keeps him connected to the agents whose investigations remain central to the series.

NCIS airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. Eastern and Pacific time on CBS. "Sleeping Dogs" features Torres's reunion with Keller as the team investigates murders connected to the retired undercover identity Dante Navarro.