Two minutes before tonight’s show began, one of our blog followers commented on this blog that she’d like to see Bishop replaced by Abigail Boren. Now, an hour later we learn Eleanor “Ellie” Bishop has survived and is being made a ‘probationary’ Special Agent. So, what do you think? Was this show sufficiently good to dampen demands to get rid of Bishop? Gibbs’ warming to the former NSA analyst is reminiscent of his recruiting Kate away from the Secret Service. Yet, in our opinion, as she’s currently being cast, Ellie is no Kate. We do feel this episode showed some of the old spark, with snappy exchanges and humor between DiNozzo and McGee. When DiNozzo wheels over to McGee, as a big brother, he draws from his teammate what is bothering him. It’s also heartening to see real investigative work from the entire team. We thought the raid, which captures Parsa in Pakistan, brought out the intensity of such a dramatic situation. Our pulses raced as we heard the shots. Would the soldiers be safe? Yes! Okay, the real guys out in dangerous places put their lives on the line to keep us safe. It was very well done indeed. Gibbs made another questionable decision, after blasting Bishop for not being truthful with him. Things turned out all right, leading him to offer Bishop the full-time job. Abby saved the day again in her Sherlock Holmes hat and her “It’s elementary, my dear Gibbs.” We’d like to see her receive more air time than Bishop as she has some great techniques for solving crimes without all the baggage. All in all, Mark Harmon makes the show work as well as it does. His insight that the monster and the man are the same in Parsa rings true. Also his rule Number 11, “When the job is done, walk away,” is a motto federal agents must follow. David did not bring cases home with him, nor did dwell on the bad guys. He says Bishop has to figure this out if she is to survive as an NCIS agent. She cannot continue playing mind games (as analysts are prone to do). So we conclude that this show is meant to be a turning point for the character and the team. Gibbs drew a line in the sand for Bishop. She took Tony’s advice and let Gibbs know she could be trusted. From here on out, she probably will be a better fit for this fantastic NCIS team. Writers, take a little hint. Let the next shows shine the light on Gibbs, DiNozzo, McGee, Abby, Palmer, or Ducky. We know enough of Bishop’s back story. So she needs to recede and become part of the team, instead of being the “hot-dog.” Another fun factoid is that NCIS is building a spin-off show, executive produced by Mark Harmon, featuring the NCIS office in New Orleans. We’ll be watching for the premier to see if Gibbs has a role. What to you think? Be Blessed, Diane and David
As someone who values marriage and works in marriage ministry, I wish they would bring out the balance Bishop has to have in her life as a married woman. Of the rest of the cast only Palmer is married, and we’ve seen a bit of his struggles this season because of it.
As for New Orleans…I’ll hold out hope. I’ve enjoyed LA. I thought they might do something with the Red Team from that to spin off. We’ll see.
Allison brings out an interesting aspect of Bishop. She wears a wedding band and Parsa mentioned her husband. There is much more to learn about her. Since she has so many quirks, imagine the kind of man who might be married to her.
We were once again disappointed with the sexual innuendos. This show would be better without them. It doesn’t enhance the show at all. Sometimes I wonder where the writers’ heads are — maybe THEY need to grow up, and then Tony will grow up. I don’t like Bishop, she adds a tension to the show that is distracting. I’m sorry that we will be seeing more of her. Abby is definitely shining more now than she did before. How can anyone not help but love her? One thing I object to in any television show and NCIS seems to feel a need to do this several times a season — scenes in the men’s bathroom. It just isn’t necessary.
I agree, wholeheartedly, Deb. Unfortunately, the writers, or CBS, or someone in charge still seems to think that a show will not be watched by the 18-34 year olds without this type of action.
I do have to agree about giving some time to the others. The one thing I questioned tonight was the fact Gibbs left Bishop alone with Parsa. You knew that something was to happen.
Pat, if only you knew. Reality has really been stretched to accommodate the addition of Bishop. In real life, Gibbs would have been demoted and transferred for giving Bishop a gun (in earlier episode) and an analyst would never be left alone in the company of an arrestee. That’s what is most troubling about the producer’s efforts to make Bishop fit the team.
Enjoyed the program, and Bishop is starting to grow on me.
The show will see its downfall if it doesn’t pay closer attention to making the story line more believable. I can’t imagine anyone watching last night & not knowing there would be trouble when Gibbs walked out. I did find it an interesting twist to learn Bishop had been tracking Parsa for six years. It made me realize she is much older than I first thought. Then, the bit about the wedding ring & hearing Parsa ask about her husband did intrigue me enough to want to learn more about her. I, for one, do like Bishop & the dynamic she adds to the ensemble. Please give her a chance. It’s always difficult to see changes in a cast that you really enjoy, but we adjusted to Kate leaving & Ziva joining. It can happen again.
I agree with you both all the way. This is one of my favorite shows but since reading your books (I only have the last two left :( )
I understand more than ever what you both do and did “so” well. For the last five years we have lived out in your area and so lots of kuddos for writing your books and I will be your fan for life. I just got my husband reading your books and so we are thankful for this blog as well.
Couldn’t agree more with your last comments….let Bishop rest awihile….give us the team!