Ryan does not remain unemployed long. He finds work as a consultant for a local television news broadcaster. Using his forensic skills, he reveals the face of a suspected carjacker on television, only to have the man turn up dead only a few hours later, a vigilante claiming credit for the death. As a result, he faces a great deal of hostility from his former colleagues, particularly Calleigh, though he does help as best he can by providing the names and numbers of people who called into the station with death threats for the carjacker. Ryan's cameraman is caught and nearly killed by a mantrap hidden in the sand to protect a stash of drugs. This, along with other evidence, reveals the carjacker's true cause of death. Ryan realizes that the sensationalism and glamor of television does not further the cause of justice. He leaves the station and reconciles with Horatio, who warns Ryan that his every action will be scrutinized closely. Ryan accepts this, and will evidently return to his former occupation.