Tonight was a milestone. We’ve had two weeks in a row of really great drama, and neither of them depended on the departed Cote de Pablo acting as Ziva. The one-liners kept us laughing, (e.g., Detective Dockery tells Tony to tell Gibbs, “Hickory’s son says hello) and the way the evidence was revealed piece by piece kept us on the edge of our seats.
Last week we saw an emotional and well acted episode in “Better Angels.” Tonight we saw good old fashion “gum shoe” police work, which resulted in the unraveling of a three way conspiracy to commit contract murders. In some episodes, the writers stretch believability in the ways Gibbs crew catches their guy (or gal) in the end. Tonight, we saw McGee, DiNozzo and Abby each use realistic methods and techniques. The only flaw we noted was when Marine Sgt. Dunn refused to talk and hired a lawyer, Gibbs’ team felt shut down. The writers made it appear there was nothing else the team could do. In fact they could have sought a search warrant at that moment. They could have seized the sergeant’s boots to find the boot with the distinctive heel that was missing a chunk. Eventually, Gibbs confronted the driver of the truck about his heel, causing an immediate confession.
This was genius in action from our point of view. The team solved one crime, leading them to discover who murdered the cigar-store owner, ala the classic film “Double Indemnity” starring Barbara Stanwyck from 1944. While Gibbs and his team work to uncover the evidence, they must evaluate the truth of several alibis, balance protecting the informant (a former FBI agent turned defense attorney), and work with local law enforcement. We have both dealt with all of these issues, including the sticky area of “attorney-client privilege.”
Bravo to Tony for going to a men’s group twice a week to move forward with his life. It is refreshing to see a pastor in a TV show serve as a positive role model as so many of them are.
On another note, there’s been a Cote sighting. This past week, she moderated a fashion show in Puerto Rico, featuring a new collection men’s fashion by actor John Malkovich. Over the weekend, Mark Harmon appeared on a telethon to raise money for wounded warriors.
Next week will bring more changes to the team. Are you ready?
Be Blessed, Diane and David
Could not agree more with everything you said! The season just continues to impress me. Nervous about the new girl though because I love the dynamic of the 3 of them so much. Don’t want anything to upset this fantastic vibec the boys have going on this season.
Loved this ep – George & Frank (the writers) proved yet again why they are 2 of the best – they alone seem to remember NCIS canon…
Am wondering if we are finally past all the eps that had to be re-written after cdp quit with little notice to the show….although I’ve definitely enjoyed all the eps this season and really don’t miss ziva at all.
Am definitely looking forward to meeting Ellie & like the descriptions we’ve been hearing about the character. It’s past time for a change in direction from the overdone ninja Mossad assassin years.
As far as MH appearing on that telethon, slight correction – it was the whole cast (save for Brian) who was there
Another great show. What would Tuesday nights be without it??
This may have been the best NCIS in years. I loved this episode. Real police work and a very interesting plot. I did not remember Jason Robard saying those lines. DiNozzo must have a better memory than me. Seems every one has. But the plot was wonderful and Ziva was not missed at all. Now you have made me nervous about next weeks show with a mention about next weeks team changes.
By the way. Did anyone ever really wear those trench coats? You could never catch a fleeing suspect with one of those flapping around your knees. Just saying.
Interesting point Buzz has made. Years ago, even NCIS agents wore those trench coats. While they would slow one down in a chase, the criminals back then were wearing those four inch high platform shoes, so even the old guys in trench coats could run them down.
1.Great swinging song in background in the diner scene with Gibbs at end of episode (“Midnight at the Mill” by the Four Charms)
2. The new cast member (young woman) is TOO young, I think.
3. Didn’t think I’d miss Ziva so much, but I do. Miss the interplay between the three of them (Tony, Ziva and McGee).
4. Hated the writing on the episode with Gibb’s ex-wife and Pernel (the other ex-husband); was silly and badly written.
Thanks Gene, for your comments. The jury is still out on Ellie. It will be interesting to see if she remains a part of the team.