Tonight’s show was a cross between TV’s “Love Boat”, with many civilian passengers on a ‘Tiger Cruise’ (the Navy’s version of job shadowing) and Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express or Death on the Nile. It was a real Whodunit, with a large cast from the passengers. Diane and David differ on the high points of the show. It seemed that there were many more suspect and extraneous characters than necessary. Diane found the plot twisting and turning without a real focus until the suspect is finally revealed. We thought the many references to McGee’s indecisiveness about where to hide the engagement ring and when to pop the question were a bit too much; however, after the victim’s boyfriend expressed his regret for not proposing to her, this really set up a terrific final scene with Special Agent McGee proposing to Delilah in the elevator.
The episode brought back many memories of David’s time in NCIS. This case was like those where David and the other special agents/investigators develop a theory, which ultimately begins to unravel. Ever changing circumstances lead to an unexpected conclusion. The scene of Gibbs and team arresting the suspect in the presence of the suspect’s son was well done. David arrested many defendants by separating them from the presence of their children before handcuffing them. Sounds smart doesn’t it? Experience is a good teacher. The first time David arrested and cuffed a man in the presence of his seven-year–old was a sad learning experience that he has never forgotten.
Did you notice that Jimmy, the assistant medical examiner was featured in a more prominent role tonight? Rumor has it this may be Ducky’s last season as David McCallum is 82 years old. Isn’t he amazing?! Could they be getting us used to his replacement?
Be Blessed, Diane and David Munson
Yes, I still have a crush on Ilya Kuryakin. I saw an article online that David has just turned 83 and has just published a mystery novel called Once a Crooked Man. Now you all have something more in common.
I thought that this episode was done quite well , Diane , just to reflect on your perspective , a little old school detective plot twisting. I really grabbed hold of that. About poor McGee. I am seeing a pattern here where parts of an episode is sort of played out so that they can come up with a full 43 minute show. Look carefully. I see signs of multiple writers for each episode. I do not believe they all come out of one pen You can stop me at any time. somehow it just seem to me that ultimately the climax of each episode pays on the wisdom of an old jar head senior citizen type wisdom , insight and understanding. If you allow your imagination to take the episode to the next level you can see when Gibbs interacts with the son there appears to me a glimmer of his daughter. Just a thought. Again, I really , really liked this episode, setting aside the analysis.
I agree that McGee’s indecisiveness of where to hide the ring was overplayed. But, that is just SO McGee. I wonder if DiNozzo will be at the wedding? Or, possibly the REAL DiNozzo (Robert Wagner)?
I REALLY hope that Ducky doesn’t get killed off in his final show.
I agree with too many extraneous characters. If David is thinking of leaving the show, the writers need to do a better job of letting Jimmy grow up. You can’t be in a position of authority & get the respect needed when you keep making really dumb jokes!!
I enjoy watching NCIS in reruns on the USA Network. The earlier shows were always wonderful… great combination of drama, intrigue and humor. Has anyone noticed that none of the cast ever shows up in the tabloids? All of them, from Mark Harmon on, seem to be as good and decent as the characters they portray. That has always been a huge part of the appeal of this sho for me. Sadly, I suspect that NCIS will not last past season 15, at best. The departure of Michael Weatherly and the sad death of Gary Glasberg might have been the final blow. I hope that this wonderful show will continue in syndication forever. Gibbs and the team feel like family to me. Enjoy your blog and the comments from fellow fans.
Thanks Phyllis for your interesting comment about the quality of some of the NCIS’ earlier episodes. We and many others have commented on the decline in the writing, production, and cast of the show. We too hope for continued success. Expect another rerun this Tuesday night, as the producers will not risk the drop in viewership to impact their ratings.