NCIS: Origins has been giving us hints about Cliff Wheeler's relationship with FBI agent Noah Oakley since season 1. Even so, Wheeler never became the focus of this show enough to talk about his past or present struggles. At least not until season 2 episode 4, when both Wheeler and Oakley let a story from their past slip.
Caution: This post contains SPOILERS from NCIS: Origins season 2 episode 7
NCIS: Origins season 2 episode 7 turns its lens on Wheeler, finally, revealing there's more to him than a distant boss who has things under control. His life is falling apart, but does that mean his secret is about to come out? One thing is certain: Cliff Wheeler can't deal with things alone anymore.
The good and the bad in Wheeler and Oakley's relationship in NCIS: Origins season 2
In episode 4, without naming any names, Wheeler opens up to Mary Jo about a horrible date he had before he met his wife, Shelly. He was arguing in the car with his date, with Elton John's "Daniel" playing on repeat on the jammed radio. Wheeler tells her that "there are some things not even a perfect song can fix". The story seemed harmless enough.
Remembering that fight wasn't the last fans saw of the bad in their relationship. Similarly, the fugitive handhold between Oakley and Wheeler in episode 4 wasn't the last of the good side of things.
At the beginning of episode 7, Gibbs says that "Cliff Wheeler was the kind of guy who spent a lot of time alone", both at the office and at home. But Wheeler liked not feeling alone, having someone to care for him. Oakley filled that space during the nights spent at his apartment.
How much longer can Wheeler keep his secret in NCIS: Origins?
Even though Wheeler and Oakley rekindled their relationship, things are good only until Shelly discovers the keys to the apartment. At the office, he needs a moment to be really alone, but everyone has things to run past him. Despite Mary Jo’s attempts to shield him, Wheeler snaps in front of the entire team.
He yells that his wife of 17 years is divorcing him — for the whole office to hear. While he accepts the divorce was inevitable, he fears the question behind it: why? Mary Jo already had a scare in episode 6, when Herm hinted he knew about Wheeler, though it turned out he was referring to a harmless secret. For now, Wheeler is doing his best to keep up appearances.
His breaking point comes when he watches the main suspect, a colonel, having to admit he's gay, revealing his boyfriend as his alibi. Wheeler is supposed to report the colonel for misconduct, but Mary Jo argues against it. She's thinking the same thing he is: What if it were Wheeler in the colonel's shoes, losing his job and livelihood? He kicks her out of the office, insisting on doing his duty.
But in the end, he never files the report. He later apologizes to Mary Jo — he knows she was right and was being a good friend. She promises she will never tell, and lets him know he can be himself with her. Something he clearly needs.
The episode ends with Wheeler recommending Oakley for a job in DC. Oakley would be a fool to pass up the opportunity, yet that's just the frame. The subtext is clear: Wheeler wants him gone, hoping distance will make his life simpler. But what will really happen?
The upcoming episodes may have the answers.
NCIS: Origins airs Tuesdays on CBS at 9/8c.
Get the latest NCIS: Origins updates and more with Precinct TV.