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