Warning: Spoilers ahead for NCIS season 22, episode 15
The intrigue surrounding Alden Parker (played by Gary Cole) deepens with the return of Lily in the NCIS season 22 narrative. Initially introduced in the dramatic season 21 finale, fans speculated that Lily could be Parker’s deceased sister, linking her presence to a tragic boating accident. However, it became apparent that Parker’s recollection of her was hazy at best. As NCIS progresses into season 22, revelations about Parker’s past have prompted him to unravel the complex relationship he has with Lily.
Parker’s Mother Swerved to Avoid Lily, Leading to Tragedy
Lily Was Present at the Scene of the Accident
The presence of Lily at the accident scene, as highlighted in a newspaper article, raises significant questions. It is plausible that she was playing on the street, inadvertently causing Parker’s mother to swerve her vehicle, resulting in the crash. This traumatic incident could have had lasting effects on Lily, leading to her lingering at the scene and possibly feeling immense guilt over the tragedy.
As a bystander, Lily likely provided a witness statement to authorities. This explains a photograph showing a police officer conversing with her amidst the chaos, possibly offering comfort after the harrowing event she witnessed.
The Affair Between Parker’s Mother and Lily’s Father
A Possible Affair Behind the Tragedy
While Parker seems unaware of having known Lily, the timing of her appearances in his life suggests otherwise. There is a compelling theory that Parker’s mother was engaged in an affair with Lily’s father, which may have necessitated their children’s playdates as a cover for their clandestine meetings.
If Roman Parker had discovered his wife’s infidelity, it would be understandable for him to distance their children from the knowledge of such a painful truth. The night of the crash might have involved Parker’s mother driving to meet Lily’s dad after a confrontation with Roman, only to lose control of her vehicle while intoxicated, potentially exacerbating the circumstances of the accident.
Lily’s Mother: An Unseen Victim of the Crash
Resentment from Lily Towards Parker’s Mother
Another angle to consider is the possibility that Parker’s mother had a friendship with Lily’s mother, which could explain their children’s camaraderie. Parker’s mother may have been en route to confide in Lily’s mother about personal issues when the accident occurred, resulting in Lily’s mother becoming a tragic casualty.
Regardless of their relationship, the loss of Lily’s mother may not have been documented or disclosed in the initial reports. This absence of information could explain Lily’s presence at the accident scene and the subsequent emotional turmoil she endured, potentially manifesting as her haunting Parker—an outward expression of her pain and resentment towards him for his mother’s actions.
Parker Was Present During the Crash and Witnessed Lily
Memories from the Past: What Parker Doesn’t Recall
The most pressing question remains: why does Parker envision Lily as a child? This could hint at an earlier encounter during the crash, where he might have been in the vehicle at the same time as his mother, thus surviving a traumatic event while she did not. The human brain often suppresses painful memories, which could explain why Parker’s recollections remain obscured until harsh truths resurface, perhaps triggered by recent experiences.
Roman Parker, seeking to shield his children from the trauma of that night, might have withheld crucial details about the accident, harboring his own anguish and resentment for years. The narrative hints that there may be more to his son’s experience during the incident than he has acknowledged. Theories abound, suggesting that Lily could have witnessed the crash and reached the car in search of Parker, cementing the link between their pasts.
NCIS season 22 continues to unravel this intricate puzzle, with Parker piecing together his memories of Lily. As the plot unfolds, fans are eager to discover the deeper connections that tie these characters together and the lingering effects of a tragedy that intertwines their destinies.