NCIS Los Angeles (2022): S13E12 – Murmuration

Introduction

The twelfth season of NCIS: Los Angeles, an American police procedural drama television series, began airing on CBS on 08 November 2020 and ended on 23 May 2021. The season included 18 episodes.

Outline

The OSP team is called in to investigate when an unidentified aircraft crashes into a Navy fighter jet from the USS Allegiance. The investigation turns on its head, however, when the UAP (unidentified aerial phenomena) is revealed to be a drone swarm purchased by the Department of Defence and operated by a rogue neural network AI system testing its learning capabilities against the US Navy, the “greatest potential opponent” the system could train itself against. Kilbride tells Fatima that the investigation was merely a formality to ensure that the response to the potential “threat” was appropriate to the programming of the AI system. Kilbride also warns Fatima that the United States is in a worldwide race to develop AI technology, reminiscent of the Space Race – a race that, once again, America cannot afford to lose. Meanwhile, Deeks and Kensi begin to prepare for their foster inspection, arguing over the numerous purchases the former has made in an attempt to curry favour with the inspector and increase his likeability to a foster child.