The Major Case Response Team on “NCIS” is renowned for leveraging the latest technology to solve crimes. So it was only a matter of time before the show delved into the world of chatbots. However, the episode’s execution, both featuring a chatbot and appearing as if it was penned by one, may not have hit the mark.

This episode, titled “Stolen Moments” from Season 23, spotlights Jimmy Palmer, portrayed by Brian Dietzen, who co-wrote the script with Jesse Stern. The plot centers around DAWN, an AI chatbot from the Department of Justice that borders on the fantastical. NCIS Director Leon Vance, played by Rocky Carroll, tasks the team with testing this advanced tool. While Jimmy becomes fond of DAWN’s capabilities during a case, Alden Parker, characterized by Gary Cole, remains skeptical, especially as DAWN’s suggestions become unsettlingly creative.

For those familiar with real-world chatbots, DAWN resembles the exaggerated tech portrayals seen in short-lived series like “CSI: Cyber.” Far from a simple bot, DAWN operates more as a convenient plot device, boasting an array of seemingly limitless skills. Whether it’s hacking into secure systems or eavesdropping on conversations, DAWN can do it all. Need a quick counseling session? DAWN’s got it covered. The AI is more akin to a character than a realistic digital assistant. In reality, chatbots typically operate by recycling known data, making them unsuitable for government-level hacking or providing Jimmy Palmer with anything more than generic life advice.

However, “NCIS” has a history of misrepresenting artificial intelligence. Just recall the Season 19 episode “Collective Memory,” where AI was used to resurrect a victim as a hologram. While there’s merit in a series staying true to its unique style, perhaps it’s time for “NCIS” to reconsider its approach to AI portrayal and avoid making it their go-to creative liberty.

Looper isn’t here to dunk on Brian Dietzen (who has proved time and time again that he’s an integral part of “NCIS”) or co-writer Jesse Stern (who wrote 33 “NCIS” episodes between Season 2 and Season 8 before returning for “Stolen Moments”). It’s also pretty undeniable that big changes are coming to movies and TV because of AI, so it’s hard to blame a show for attempting to discuss it. 

Even so, this particular series does have a pre-existing reputation of utterly mangling its portrayals of artificial intelligence — just remember the Season 19 episode “Collective Memory,” where “NCIS” uses AI to resurrect a victim as a magical hologram. There’s something to be said about a show that sticks to its guns, but we can’t help but feel that “NCIS” would stop making “inaccurate ways to portray artificial intelligence” a hill to die on.