Another good show. In some ways, it was like every other good crime show. An Albanian mobster and assassin inserts his own people into various supply commands in the Navy and Marine Corps so that they can divert military supplies to the black market.

But the rest of the show appealed to the women viewers and all viewers who identify with Dr. Mallard. When we began writing our ‘factional fiction’, David focused on writing action, but Diane was dragging her feet, in hopes of including some romance. “The most loyal readers are women and they like a little romance,” she pointed out. For that reason, our novels contain a bit of light romance. In tonight’s episode, the producers send Bishop to London to find Dr. Mallard’s missing friend Angus Clark, from Ducky’s youth. Gibb’s hints Ducky should take some of his accumulating annual leave and accompany her. He jumps at the chance with a huge smile on his face, foreshadowing what is to come.

Many of us were surprised to learn in past seasons that Ducky’s nickname derives from his full name—Dr. Donald Mallard. Until tonight, we didn’t know why he always wore bow ties or why he never married. It was clever how the writers shifted back and forth to Ducky’s youth and his friendship with Maggie, the then young woman with whom both Ducky and Angus were in love. In the end, Angus got the woman and Ducky got the shaft. But, the bow tie Maggie gave Ducky as a going away gift stayed with him for his entire life, as did his love for her. In the end, when Angus is discovered the victim of the Albanian mobster who had infiltrated Angus’ business as an assistant, the long dormant spark between Ducky and Maggie is reignited.

Bishop kept finding reasons to leave Ducky and Maggie alone, so the spark could grow. We were both convinced by Bishop going to London with Ducky that she might shine and single handedly solve the crime. To our surprise, she had no role in the resolve. Ducky was the hero. He disarmed the villain and obtained the confession. Maybe the producers know Bishop’s character is a dud. The ending of this episode was like tied football game. The quarterback gets hurt, so the only hope is for the backup (Bishop) to go into the game and lead the team to the end zone. Instead, lacking confidence in the back-up quarterback, the coach sends in the kicker (Ducky) to kick a field goal.

One fun thing tonight was how Adam Campbell resembled David McCallum when as a young man when he played Illiayan Kuryakin on the “Man From U.N.C.L.E. Also, the actor who played Angus Clark resembled Robert Vaughn, Ducky’s avid McCallum sidekick on that show decades ago. We enjoyed seeing Alice Krige portrayal of Maggie. The South African actress also appeared in “Persuasion,” one of our favorite movies bringing a Jane Austen novel to the big screen. Do you think NCIS traveled to London for some Downton Abbey flavor? We expect Maggie will reappear in future episodes. The scene with Ducky and his forever love along the Thames Bridge in golden light was wonderful.

How many of you are watching NCIS: New Orleans? We stayed tuned and enjoyed the show, “Breaking Brig” immensely with Mark Harmon and Rocky Carroll appearing. This show really hit a home run with the espionage plot. The three lead actors work well together, and we especially like Lucas Black’s portrayal of an NCIS Special Agent.
Be Blessed, Diane and David