Coming off a controversial season finale - did those torture scenes go too far? - NCIS: Los Angeles returns with new episodes on Tuesday, September 24.

And what can fans expect from an opener titled "Ascension?"

According to the official network description, Sam and Deeks will continue to recover from May's painful events, which have a "lasting impact on their personal and professional relationships." Elsewhere, the team will search for stolen nuclear weapons and look to avert disaster before it can strike.

Click through photos now from the NCIS: Los Angeles Season 5 premiere and visit TV Fanatic soon after it concludes for a thorough recap and review:

Matt Richenthal is the Editor in Chief of TV Fanatic. Follow him on Twitter and on Google+.