The bodies of two missing persons are found in a car trunk, and the BAU suspects that an interstate human trafficking ring is at work. Hotch also warns the team of possible changes.
When bodycam footage left at a local news station seems to show Hondo shooting two police officers, he is forced to go on the run while the team works to clear his name.
While Sam and Deeks recover from traumatic torture that will have a lasting impact on their personal and professional relationships, lives are still in jeopardy as the NCIS: LA team searches for stolen nuclear weapons.
An explosion in the desert rekindles the search for stolen nuclear weapons and prompts Hetty to shuffle the partnerships, sending Callen and Kensi overseas and Sam and Deeks stateside.
Sarah, fearing for her life, hides John in a safe house with the only person she feels she can trust (Dean Winters); Cameron and Derek struggle to work together after she reveals a big secret.