'NCIS: Los Angeles' season 8 episode 3 spoilers: understaffed team struggles with case of abduction

Promotional image for "NCIS: Los Angeles"CBS

Following the explosive two-part premiere of "NCIS: Los Angeles" season 8, episode 3 will focus on the team working with a few key members missing and a new case. The episode, titled "Queen's Gambit," will also continue to deal with the fate of Kensi (Daniela Ruah) and Hetty (Linda Hunt).

Fans of the series will recall that during the previous mission in Syria, Kensi was seriously injured after getting stuck and crushed underneath a helicopter. The official promo trailer for episode 3 shows her in the hospital, and it reveals that she is still in critical condition.

It is likely that the character will continue to be out of the show for a few more episodes, given that actress Daniela Ruah was pregnant and had taken maternity leave.

Hetty, on the other hand, was revealed to be the mole in the organization, and the trailer shows her getting interrogated in Washington D.C., where it is pointed out that she should be ashamed for betraying the oath she took to protect the U.S. Constitution.

It is uncertain if there will be a new twist regarding Hetty, and this may allow her to prove her innocence and return to the team, or it could also mean that she is going to be locked up in prison for espionage.

Also shown in the trailer is a suspect getting chased down by G. Callen (Chris O'Donnell) and Sam (LL Cool J). As per the synopsis from Cartermatt, the team will be struggling to resolve an abduction case, and the suspect mentioned may have the needed information to help them. They will be facing difficulties without the aid of Hetty and Kensi.

The suspect does try to get away but is immediately knocked from behind. Moreover, another clip shows the team running a suspect over with their vehicle.

"NCIS: Los Angeles" season 8 episode 3 is scheduled to air on Oct. 2 at 10 p.m. ET on CBS.