While watching tonight’s episode of NCIS, the first of a two-part episode (in hopes of a spin-off New Orleans show), we recalled our experiences with the Food Network Star. Their first show, and maybe even the second were new and interesting and we watched them often. As time passed, the network discovered they had an advertising bonanza so they created even more quirky shows, like mall cook-offs. Soon, we found their offerings boring and over the top. We’re hoping the popularity of NCIS doesn’t generate so many new venues they all lose their edge.
David liked tonight’s show for two reasons. The New Orleans office of NCIS is subordinate to the Central Field Office of NCIS, located at Great Lakes Naval base north of Chicago, where he was assigned. He notes with a grin they had no female special agents like Merri Brody, who reported to New Orleans to assist. In fact, David had no fellow female agents. We both agree that SA Brody (played by Zoe McLellan) should have been hired to replace Ziva. Did any of you recognize her as Petty Officer Jennifer Coates from JAG? Diane did right away. Merri connected instantly with her teammate, Special Agent LaSalle played by Lucas Black (from the movie 7 Days in Utopia).
What do you think of the intrepid team being called upon to help Special Agent Dwayne Cassius Pride, aka “King” to solve a murder of a Congressman? Pride was once was a colleague of Gibbs with NIS? King is played by Scott Bakula. He once starred on Quantum Leap. His character is based upon the real former chief of New Orleans and technical adviser to the show. So that gives the episode great plausibility. All except for Bishop, but that’s another matter entirely. Her snack food cravings and floor sittings are beyond old.
That being said, the murder mystery is interesting. Was Dan McLane killed for political reasons or because of his previous serial-killer case that he supposedly solved? His enemy in D.C. reminds us of some aggressive folks we once encountered there. The FBI makes a hash of the investigation as usual. But is their “spiriting” the body to Jackson, MS related to McLane’s murder? Ducky finally receives the body, but it’s too late to determine much. Diane objects to the FBI agent being killed onscreen in such a brutal fashion. We would both rather delve into the evidence and solve the case.
On a final note, both Sean Murray as McGee, and Michael Weatherly as DiNozzo, were at the top of their game tonight. They are a joy to watch. Mark Harmon, who plays Leroy Jethro Gibbs, had a key role in producing this show about New Orleans. He wanted to film real sections of the city and did showcase some real musicians.
What are your thoughts? Next week will show more of Gibbs and King in New Orleans. At least they are not battling snow!
Be Blessed, Diane and David
Totally agree. I loved the ep and also thought everyone was on their game. No question but that Brody would’ve been a much better fit than Bishop. Loved Bakula from Quantum Leap and Lucas Black from when he was still just a kid on American Gothic. Casting was superb and the on location shooting added so much to the flavor. I almost didn’t care about the crime and the plot at all because I was perfectly happy to focus on the characters and the setting.
A winner – the best show in many months – I kept looking at the clock, hoping it would be continued so that it didn’t end abruptly – the whole show was top notch – back to the kind of plot we have been used to. The scenes from New Orleans were a wonderful addition and yes, the new agent is ‘a class act’………………wouldn’t take much for them to replace Bishop with Brody. Will be anxious to see what is in store for next week. Keep up the great review of the best show there is……
Having never been to New Orleans, I have to ask a question. Was their “accent” a little over the top? Is it common to say “my brother”? I’ve had friends in the past who were from Houma, which is near NO, and they didn’t talk like that at all. I have to say I had this thought that Gibbs would leave Bishop in NO and bring Brody back with him. I didn’t recognize her from JAG. Thanks for pointing that out. I see that NCIS has been renewed for another season, I guess now we start waiting to see who doesn’t sign a contract.
Thanks Caroline, Joyce and Deb, for your comments. We agree with each. Yes, I (Dave) thought some of the New Orleans accents where a bit off, but it didn’t distract from the show. We think that next week’s version of this two week pilot will will honor the memory of more than one of our favorites from the past shows. We will look forward to it.