As usually happens at the end of each season, NCIS is wrapping up with three or four episodes, which are related. The story arc continues into the next week. In our opinion, the two previous shows were messy and mediocre at best. Tonight’s show is a vast improvement bringing in several elements that work well together.

FBI Agent Tobias Fornell moves his big toe when his daughter’s in his hospital room. It must mean he’s going to live! For now anyway. In previous years, when one of the characters is killed, it’s usually because they’ve not signed a contract to return for the new season. We’ll have to wait until next week to see if anyone besides Michael Weatherly won’t be returning. From interviews with Cote de Pablo, we already know she won’t be appearing live on next week’s show entitled “Family First”.

We can all imagine what is taking Tony away from the Navy Yard and his NCIS team: Ziva David. The writers dug in deep to create a plot that involves her character and for the most part this other element is plausible. David found the interrogation scene quite credible between Gibbs and former agent Jacob Scott, who claims he is being framed for several murders. Who could be the culprit? The moment CIA officer Trent Kort appeared on screen, David said he’s the guy. Must be his former NCIS agent instincts are up and running. Go David!

That being said, we viewers are introduced to two new characters. Tess Monroe is the FBI agent who worked with Fornell, and seems to already have an obsession with Gibbs, i.e., she wants to best him at everything. Sarah Clarke is the actress who portrays Tess. The other is Clayton Reeves, a British MI6 officer. MI6 is the Brits’ foreign intelligence service, like our CIA. Duane Henry plays Clayton Reeves. Would you like to see either or both return in Season 14? We have our preferences, but are interested in your opinions.

Anthony DiNozzo is pushed into a small part this evening, which is unfortunate. It would have been terrific to watch him conduct one last interrogation scene using all his skills. But no. Instead, Tess Monroe muscles her way into the interrogation room without Gibbs’ permission. She exhibits conduct that is over the top for a professional. And although MI6 officer Reeves’ questions aren’t as hard hitting, his portrayal of a British intelligence officer is more believable. Oops. Did we just give away our preferences between the two newbies?

Tony, Tony wherefore art thou? Is it too soon to say we will miss you Michael Weatherly?

We don’t blame him for leaving the show. His character has been dumbed down to make way for a younger character. Breathing life into Ellie Bishop has taken all of the writers’ attention and creativity over the past two years since Ziva’s departure. During a recent interview, Michael Weatherly said that after Cote de Pablo left the show, his character was left to flounder. Is it any wonder he’s leaving? It’s disappointing to say the least, and also surprising Mark Harmon didn’t do more to resuscitate Tony. We can only hope Gibbs, Abby, and Agent McGee don’t also melt away into mediocre plots next season.

Be Blessed and Be a Blessing,

Diane and David Munson