The Major Case Response Team on “NCIS” is no stranger to utilizing the latest technology in their crime-solving efforts. So, it was only a matter of time before the show tackled the theme of chatbots. However, the execution of this episode, which both features a chatbot and seemingly echoes the writing style of one, might not hit the mark for everyone.

In the episode titled “Stolen Moments,” the spotlight is on Jimmy Palmer, played by Brian Dietzen, who co-wrote the episode with Jesse Stern. The storyline introduces DAWN, a seemingly omnipotent AI chatbot from the Department of Justice that NCIS Director Leon Vance, portrayed by Rocky Carroll, insists the team trial. As the episode unfolds, Jimmy finds himself increasingly fond of DAWN, whereas Agent Alden Parker, played by Gary Cole, remains skeptical, especially as DAWN’s suggestions start veering into unexpected territory.

For viewers acquainted with real-life chatbots, DAWN seems more like a nod to the often exaggerated portrayals of technology found in shows like “CSI: Cyber.” Rather than a simple bot, DAWN operates like a versatile problem-solver, capable of hacking into systems and tapping into phone calls. Need a quick counseling session? DAWN is at your service. Unlike realistic chatbots, which typically offer limited responses based on their programmed data, DAWN appears more as a character with an implausible range of abilities.

For anyone who has ever used an actual chatbot, DAWN comes across as a fairly solid homage to the less-than-accurate portrayals of technology in shows like the quickly-cancelled “CSI: Cyber.” Less of a bot and more of a portable deus ex machina, DAWN’s list of features and abilities is seemingly endless. Need to hack your way wherever needed or listen in to phone calls? DAWN has your back. Perhaps some impromptu therapy? Dawn has your back. The AI comes across as a character instead of a realistic chatbot. The latter tend to be restricted to regurgitating information they already have access to, aren’t the ideal tool of choice to hack the government, and would probably be unable to give Jimmy Palmer any meaningful advice on his personal life beyond generic platitudes. 

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.