Do you like horses? If so, you will enjoy tonight’s episode of NCIS. The show had very little to do with the Department of Navy, but it was a great way to reach the increasing population who love animals. Given that much of what is posted on Face Book features animal antics and stories, the producers are no doubt trying to elevate their ratings by highlighting horses. While we thought Abbey was the only animal lover on NCIS, tonight’s episode reveals Leroy Jethro Gibbs is an animal whisperer of sorts. Thus the episode’s title of ‘Beast Master.’

Diane found this episode nostalgic for another reason. This was the story of a Marine Corps sergeant who stumbled onto some wild game, or ‘bush meat’ being smuggled into the U.S. from Liberia and stored at a cabin in Rock Creek National Park. During her years as a Federal Prosecutor in Washington, D.C., Diane worked with many officers of the U.S. Park Police as she prosecuted crimes that occurred in Rock Creek Park.

In tonight’s show, we meet Mounted Officer May Dawson, who works closely with Gibbs’ team investigating the Marine’s death and also the death of a mounted officer who was killed by the smugglers. The dead officer’s horse becomes depressed after the death of his partner and refused to eat. Officer May Dawson develops greater respect for Special Agent Gibbs when he is able to console the horse and the horse begins eating once again. Mark Harmon rides off in the final scene, as he is apparently an avid horse enthusiast.

History buffs will be interested to know that President George Washington started the U.S Park Police as the “Park Watchmen” back in 1791. Today’s mounted division serves in Washington D.C., San Francisco, and New York.

Two more shows remain for this season and we wonder if all the team members will finish out the season. What do y’all think?

Be Blessed, Diane and David Munson