A botched assignment forces Hetty to fire Deeks and send him back to the LAPD. Meanwhile, an awkward goodbye between Kensi and Deeks leaves her with unexpected emotions for her old partner

Deeks is arrested and interrogated in connection with the murder of his former partner, while the team tries to prove his innocence.

Season 9 begins with Hetty turning in retirement papers and disappearing. A new executive director arrives and immediately makes staffing changes. Meanwhile, Sam, still mourning his wife’s death, insists that Callen find a new partner.

LAPD Detective Whiting calls in a favor when Deeks' former partner goes rogue.