Bill Atlas 'Symbols In Leroy Jethro Gibbs Missing'

Symbols can be found everywhere, yet interpretations differ depending on the perspective of the individual. In the twentieth episode of NCIS titled, “Missing,” there are a multitude of symbols used to tell an intriguing story (“Missing”). One involving the role reversal between captor and captee. Several of these symbols are the cross necklace, the marines who were declared deserters, and the pain in Leroy Jethro Gibbs’ chest. The clearest of the three was that of the cross necklace which represented the sins of our victim, Bill Atlas (“Missing”). While being smuggled back into the United States, the four women were left for dead in a cargo crate, yet the friends chose to let one live: Vanessa. Her survival was attributed to the fact that her friends gave her their only food (“Missing”). After this, Vanessa bore the weight of their deaths, which was sure to weigh heavy on her heart akin to how the necklace would lay heavy on her chest. When Gunnery Sergeant Bill Atlas is trapped in the sewers a cross is thrown at him, he finally understands why he is there (“Missing”). The cross brings up memories of his sins and past transgressions, but also represents his last hope of salvation.

Such as when Jesus carried the burden of the cross and Atlas bore the weight of the world upon his shoulders; Bill Atlas must also deal with the hardships of his actions. Although not as significant as other symbols, the chains were an interesting, underlying aspect of the episode as well, tying the Sergeant down to his fate while his memories tie him down to the horror of what he had done (“Missing”). I felt it was important as it shows the audience how Atlas is trapped in more ways than one. He had been trapped in the sewer prison, the terrors of his past, and lastly in service to the Marine Corps, an organization that cares little for the