CBS Renew/Cancel Week 16: An Assessment of the NCIS Franchise

How FBI Became The #1 Franchise On CBS Over NCIS

 

NCIS: Los Angeles S13E07 Review: Lost Soldier Down

Lost Soldier Down is NCISLA star Daniela Ruah (Kensi's) second outing as director and she was teamed up with another woman, episode writer Indira Wilson, to bring this week's offering to life.  In Lost Soldier Down, the team investigate the apparent suicide of a Navy intelligence officer and uncover the mystery of why he had taken LSD before he jumped to his death, and why the USS Allegiance had an LCD problem.

NCIS: Los Angeles S13E06: Sundown (Review)

 How far would a father go to seek justice for his child? That is the ultimate question posed in Sundown, written by one of the newer writers, Lee A. Carlisle, when a father takes a busload of hostages, threatening to blow it up unless his daughter's war crimes are posthumously cleared and her death by suicide investigated. The father, Gary DeMayo gives the team until sundown to discover the truth, or he carries out his threat. His daughter, Corporal Kyra DeMayo was asleep on guard duty during an incursion which saw a cache of weapons stolen. Opioids were found in her system and she was other than honourably discharged. Kyra suffered a brain injury during the attack and committed suicide, shooting herself in a park. 

Before this is revealed in Ops, getting shot is discussed by Fatima and Rountree in the bullpen. In a call out to the last episode, Fatima is still on crutches after being shot in the leg. She reveals it's not like the movies and wonders how Callen came back after being shot five times in one go. Rountree suggests it might be why he is sometimes cranky. Making light of such injuries and events is a coping mechanism, and Callen's shooting (in the backdoor pilot via NCIS 'Legend - part 2' S06E23) is hauled out every so often for black humour.

The theme of parenthood is frequently explored in NCIS: Los Angeles, often through the main characters in relation to their personal experiences and how they interact with guest characters and the case in question. In Sundown, this is brought to the fore, not only through DeMayo but also through Kensi and Deeks. At the start, the pair are waiting in the car apparently on a stakeout. Kensi is observing a couple entering a building, describing them as 'trouble' and 'over-achievers'. It quickly becomes apparent they are not on an NCIS mission; Kensi is plucking up the courage to attend an information meeting with Deeks to understand more about the journey to adoption. Of course an alert comes through from Ops, causing the couple to 'divide and conquer', with Kensi left to the meeting and Deeks to work the case. This circles back to questions originally raised by Deeks a number of seasons ago about how they would cope with parenthood if they were both working. Kensi continues to receive text updates from Ops which distract her and lead her to tell little white lies about a sick aunt who takes a turn for the worse. In the end she has to excuse herself to assist the team in the final showdown. Even at the end when Kensi and Deeks are together in the bull pen, they still have no answers of how they will cope. There is no discussion of one or the other giving up their career. Deeks simply says they'll figure it out, as that's what parents do. Once again though, Kensi changes the parameters by suggesting fostering, something Deeks had also been considering. There is a very 'matter of fact' scene between Callen and Deeks (who partner up to interview Corporal DeMayo's mother). They are driving to find a suspect and Callen asks Deeks how the adoption process is going. Deeks is also finding it tough. Callen's response is: 'Talking as a foster kid, I'll say one thing. I'd have killed to have parents like you and Kens.' It's the highest compliment Callen could pay the couple and his choice of the word 'kill' reveals the pain and depth of feeling associated with growing up in the system. There would have been minimal impact if he'd said that he'd loved to have had parents like Deeks and Kensi. 

When the tasks are allocated at the start, Sam volunteers to go to the scene, citing his experience with grieving military families. Rountree is selected to accompany him, due to having taken a hostage negotiating course with the FBI. This sets up expectations that Rountree would take a leading role, however it is Sam who predictably takes the lead. There is slight tension between the pair and LAPD SWAT on the scene and of course the NCIS calls all turn out to be the right moves. Sam also has direct experience of parenthood, yet his attempts to connect with Gary DeMayo fail as the man is on a one track mission to clear his daughter's name. Their conversations via walkie talkie reveal more about DeMayo and his daughter. These are interspersed with Callen and Deeks talking with Mrs DeMayo. She touches on how therapy proved too expensive and comments on the VA backlogs. Yet it is the notebook suggested by her therapist which provides the clue which leads to the team exonerating her, even if it was not conducive to saving her life. 

Fatima has currently assumed the role of both Nell and Eric in ops, and helps move the narrative along. For example she has concrete information that Corporal DeMayo's death was in fact suicide and talks this through with Kilbride who has to tease the information out of her. There is an inference that he is familiar with suicides, citing she most likely shot herself in the park to spare her parents dealing with finding her and the clear-up. She was first introduced as a specialist analyst and is most suited to Ops.

There are limited guest characters in Sundown even though there are several hostages on the bus. This lack of focus means no empathy is built with them. Their fear of being shot or blown up is not shown. Instead the focus remains solely on Gary and to a lesser extent, his wife. Rountree may not be called on for his FBI negotiating skills (a slight on the FBI?) but Sam does give him the chance to shine as a journalist sent onto the bus to hear Gary's side. For a former FBI undercover agent he is rather nervous yet listens to Gary, giving him false hope that his story will be revealed to the world. There are also interactions between husband and wife when Mrs DeMayo is brought to the scene. The bottom line is of such conversations underlines that Gary is not a bad man, the failings of the military and judicial systems has triggered this extreme reaction. He eventually lets the prisoners go, and is willing to only take his own life when it seems time has run out. 

The closing scene takes place in the boatshed, which apparently has wide doors which open to reveal a balcony overlooking the marina. Kilbride aptly voices viewers thoughts that he didn't even know this (balcony) was out there. He ties up the case by confirming Corporal DeMayo has been cleared, posthumously promoted, awarded a medal, given a funeral with full honours with backpay reinstated. Sam, Callen and Kilbride reflect on the question of how far a parent would go if someone hurt their child. Sam admits he can't stop thinking about that dilemma, although past experience (Talion, S7E24) shows restraint when he had the chance to kill Tahir Kaled after taking his son Aiden hostage. Sam is an honourable man and also eventually saw reason when he hunted down Kaled after he murdered his wife. Sam is a trained SEAL with high morals and self control. Gary is an ordinary man who admitted if he had to, he would do it all over again. 

NCIS: Los Angeles S13E05 Review

 

Divided We Fall tells the rare story of the team failing catastrophically in their mission. Failure is not an outcome associated with the NCIS Office of Special Projects which makes this episode all the more interesting. There are plenty of occasions where missions go sideways - it's that unpredictability and intensity which often keeps the interest, however the outcome is usually positive. After all they rescued Mosley's son, even though all bar Kensi nearly lost their lives in the process. The team is not perfect and not infallible so to actually see them fail and the after effects of that failure, is a novelty. 

The episode begins with Callen and Sam approaching a woman (Laura Song) and urgently requesting she accompanies them to a safe house as she may be compromised. Meanwhile Kensi and Deeks pick up Laura's teenager daughter Lily and bring her to the boatshed, while Fatima and Rountree set up in the safe house to undertake surveillance. When Callen states that Kilbride will arrive in an hour, Laura's replies that until then, her life is in their hands.

"One hour later" and Kilbride walks in to a disaster zone. Laura is dead and Callen and Sam are sitting against the wall looking battered.  

The remainder of the episode takes place after another time jump. The team have been separated for 36 hours and are interviewed by the Office of Naval Intelligence (ONI) Inspector General Akhil Ali. This allows the team to fill in the events of that crucial hour from their own perspective, with each member overlapping with the former to provide a full narrative.  These interviews/flashbacks allow Laura to be developed as a rounded character and for empathy to be built as she engages with Sam and Callen on a personal level. She’s a mother who believes her daughter is better off without her, she was drawn into the world of espionage by Kilbride at the age of 17 and knows Hetty. She is strong, confident and defiant, adamant that even though she acknowledges every spy has their expiry date, she repeatedly ask for a gun, refuses to die while locked away in the panic room and selflessly sacrifices herself to save Fatima.  Her actions and words indicate that she'd rather fight for her freedom that be locked in and trapped, even if a few of her actions are odd with this - until Kilbride tells his tale... He concocted the story that Laura's cover was blown so he could (via the team)  secure her for interview to see if she had been turned by the Chinese and was now a double agent.  He found his answer when he saw her walking into the lobby with the ‘bad guys’, chastising them for failing to take out four agents. Kilbride confronts and kills her. 

This knowledge allows the episode to be seen in a different light upon a second viewing. Deeks states that Kilbride has many layers like an onion (and each one will make you cry), which is an apt reflection of Divided We Fall (although maybe not the crying element). This is an intricately constructed and multilayered case.  The one on one conversations Laura had with Callen and Sam now take on a different meaning. She knows Hetty and it can be implied she knows of her orphans and by extension, about Callen. By asking how long he’s known Hetty and relating that to her own story of being dragged into the game so young, she has aligned herself with him.  With Sam she speaks about her teenage daughter and the pair talk about parenting. She struggles with the mother/daughter relationship, believing Lily is better off without her and asks about Sam's daughter’s relationship with her mother. Did she know in advance that Sam’s wife was killed? 

Kilbride admitted to ONI Ali that Laura is the best operative he’s ever known and he kept the real reason away from the team for fear she would see through their charade. Laura Song now becomes a highly manipulative double agent, playing two experienced agents who had little chance of seeing through her facade, thanks to Kilbride.  The other takeaway here is Kilbride’s lack of trust - he clearly has no faith in the team. He acknowledges they are good but not the best (although he tells Lily they are the best, with Deeks naively believing him until Kensi bursts his bubble).  It almost picking up where Hetty left off in terms of manipulation and secret keeping, even picking Laura for a life of spy craft during her teenage years. Perhaps this explains his comments to Callen in the season opener (Subject 17), and in last season’s finale. 

The interviews reveal how events unfolded but also show how the agents perform their jobs. Sam and Callen are the epitome of professional, dedicated to protecting Laura. They repeatedly refuse her request for a gun, providing the ONI Inspector Ali with legitimate reasons for their decisions. When Ali challenges the only discrepancy in Sam and Callen’s story (whether Laura was drinking scotch or bourbon), Sam quite rightly questions if it really matters? It’s the newer and younger agents who’s behaviour during their surveillance is surprising. These scenes typically make personal conversations easy whilst maintaining observations, yet Rountree and Fatima spent most of their time NOT looking at the monitors. Instead they were on their cells and playing a magnet game. Thankfully these actions had no impact on events and they acted as expected when they temporarily rescued Laura.  With Fatima shot in the leg, Laura insists the agent reaches safety first, then closes the elevator hatch. This seemingly selfless act kept the agents safe and gives the appearance of her capture and death (a gunshot is heard shortly after). If  Sam or Callen had been injured and in the elevator, they would have insisted Laura was hauled through the hatch. Certainly Callen left Sam to fight off the attack while he moved Laura to safety,  although Sam did question why Callen abandoned him...(which was out of character).

Kensi and Deeks’ situation was much less intense, taking Lily to the boatshed to keep her safe, thus allowing for a touch of lightness and humour at times.  Again there is a personal element which builds empathy between Lily and the agents. She reveals her dad died when she was 11, something to which Kensi can relate. It is Deeks and his knack of understanding deep human emotions who suspects something is hinky. He tried to call Sam to say that Laura continued to be an operative after her dad died in a car crash.  Laura lost it when husband died but when she returned to work (to her cover job as an art dealer, in actuality as a spy),she became better. The scene cuts to Deeks’ interview and his heartfelt speech where he opened up on his thoughts of dying in line of duty and how people deal with trauma differently. If Kensi died, he didn’t think he could remain operational and raise an 11 year old. It made him question why Laura chose to do just that, enough to make him try and call Sam. 

Kilbride is indirectly responsible. It was his idea to withhold information from the agents and to lie about securing her in a safe house as her cover may be blown.  His plot inadvertently put the agents in danger, although he had no foresight that Laura’s allies would breach and rescue her. The Chinese extraction team were tipped off as they found sustained breach of the ONI safe house security systems and knew as soon as Laura walked through the door. Kilbride may not trust the team or have faith in their abilities but at least he tells ONI Inspector Ali that the report he writes will exonerate the team. The agents accept and admit responsibility for their failure and Laura’s death, and Kilbride witnesses their utter dejection when he calls them to ops for another case and they trudge up the stairs. When he pauses by the door to his office, observing them, he contemplates but still does not take the opportunity to reveal the truth.  The closing scene shows the final piece of the puzzle, which Kilbride withheld from Ali.  In Laura’s dying moments, she reveals that she’s the one who actually manipulated him since she was 17. She chose him as the perfect mark, a broken family man looking for a second chance. His killing her has some parallels to Hetty killing Akhos, as to a certain extent, both were parent figures, and Kilbride clearly thought of her with affection, having her photo in his portfolio case. This image of Kilbride as broken contrasts with the jovial comments Deeks and Kensi make at the start, about Kilbride having a son and what he would be like as a father, and recalls earlier episodes where he share with Sam that he has an estranged son.

The in-depth characterisation of the episode’s guests serve to engage the viewer and to build empathy, mostly though the connections and parallels made between Laura and the agents. The ONI inspector flirts with Fatima and clearly has a crush on her from her acting days, and deeply respecting her religious devotion.  He is given a trait of touching his tie when he’s nervous, an action he repeats numerous times throughout the various interviews. The familiarity between Fatima and Rountree now sees Fatima calling him ‘Tree’ and it is details such as these which help make this episode special.  It is dramatic and intense through the interweaving of the interrogation and action, mixing past and present. The understated acting and direction lends a seriousness and severity to the operation which only emphasises the feeling of helplessness and dejection the team feel afterwards.  Overall, the different style of storytelling adopted by writer Andrew Bartels and visualised by director Terence Nightingall, elevates this to not only the best so far in season 13, but one of the best episodes in the series to date.

A Virtual Scrawl

NCIS: Los Angeles S13E04 Review (Sorry for Your Loss)

In a similar vein to last week's episode, Sorry for Your Loss opens hard and fast, with Callen driving a hearse with Kensi as passenger, being chased by some bad guards. They race round a cemetery, making the odd quip before they are trapped with the bad guys approaching them fast. The viewer is instantly engaged and curious to know what has led to this moment, how they will escape and why Callen is with Kensi. And where is Deeks? The difference here is that after the opening credits, an "8 hours earlier" clearly indicates the episode will focus on the case and events leading up to two of the agents in an apparent no-win situation. The quips between Kensi and Callen, suggesting although they are in dire straits, they won't get injured or die.

NCIS: Los Angeles S13E03 Review [Indentured]

 

There is always something more engaging about an episode which opens in the middle of a case, particularly if the team are involved. "Indentured" sees a group of ATF agents embroiled in a heavy gunfight they are losing, their lead agent calling over the airwaves for help from any law enforcement officers who may be nearby. Sam and Callen hear and their response is all the more serious as they clearly know each other. Unfortunately, the bad guys overwhelm the ATF, and without mercy, the lead agent is shot dead. Sam and Callen arrive at the warehouse too late. Their involvement in the case was to support ATF in taking down a white supremacist arms dealer, but the inside man was made before this could occur, and so the case is taken over by NCIS. The killer, Lukas Meyer is known and the investigation is to find Meyer and stop the weapons sale.  This opening is reminiscent of S09E23, “A Line in the Sand” where the NCIS team were under heavy fire and coincidentally, both episodes are written by Frank Military.

 

As is mostly the case with episodes penned by Military, there is intense drama, a focus on character and a darkness which creeps around the edges.  Military was also responsible creating and playing last season’s villain Kessler (S12E05, “Raising the Dead” and so this episode is the perfect place for the threat of Kessler to resurface.  Kessler’s girlfriend’s decomposed body has been identified after washing up on the Florida shoreline back in July, The exchange between Kensi and Deeks in the bullpen clearly shows the latter moving into attack mode. He will not allow Kessler to get near to Kensi and that is by any method necessary. Kensi realises this and her facial expression is full of concern. She knows Deeks killed his former partner at LAPD for abusing a teenage prostitute, Tiffany. Deeks also tortured a cleric in S05E19 “Spoils of War” after Kensi disappears and is held captive in Afghanistan (also written by Military). Deeks has a dark side when it comes to women being threatened and abused by men...

 

There is much going on in this episode which takes the team in several directions simultaneously, maintaining interest and creating layers within the narrative. Kilbride takes Sam as a partner, dropping Callen out of the picture as he’s not former military, as Kilbride wants the trust of Ret. US Army General Collins, who was due to buy hundreds of AK47s from Meyer and has connections with a right wing militia group. He also wants to ensure that if Collins is innocent, that he can continue to run for senator without a blemish to his character, thus protecting the integrity of the election process. Callen teams up with Rountree whilst Kensi and Fatima go undercover at a rehab centre, to gain the trust of Meyer’s girlfriend Mia. Deeks tails Collins although how he can remain inconspicuous when driving a bright red truck is a mystery.  Maybe the bad guys are colour blind? There is also the revelation that Kilbride has a personal connection with Collins, leading to the team mistrusting Kilbride, and causing confrontations between Sam and Kilbride.  The theme of trust is part of the overarching framework of the show (usually with Callen), and it makes a pleasant change that Sam is at the forefront this time, and for someone other than Callen to butt heads with someone in a position of higher authority.  

 

The issue of trust runs both ways and in a twist it turns out that Kilbride is another one who does not trust easily. When the team arrive to storm the warehouse, ATF are already in position, and Kilbride walks out with Collins in handcuffs.  Trust has to be earned and it is in short supply between Kilbride and the agents. In a scene more familiar between Callen, Sam and Hetty, Kilbride engages with the partners by offering them a single malt to discuss that very topic. In answer to Callen’s questions, he hasn’t heard from Hetty and doesn’t know if she’s safe. He also reveals that he is now running the Office of Special Projects. It is unknown if this is temporary or permanent, or what role Hetty will have if she ever returns.

 

It has been a very long time since the Office of Special Projects, a team which (used) to specialise in undercover operations, actually went undercover. It’s an element which has been sorely missed and makes an impressive comeback. Deeks has fun with Kensi, creating a shared back story although there is a missing (cut) scene as Fatima’s involvement comes out of the blue. Fatima’s role undercover is to set up Kensi to gain Mia’s trust and the two women enjoy a fight scene, after Kensi finds Fatima bullying Mia.  It is also a reminder of how the team can fake such scenes, with the blood pouring from Fatima’s head coming from a red sponge squeezed against her forehead. It can also be implied that she surreptitiously spat back the liquor she swigged from the bottle swiped from Mia. The visual manipulation of Mia is matched by the psychological. Mia opens up to Kensi about how abusive and controlling Lukas Meyer is and Kensi offers to solve her problems by killing Meyer. A little later Kensi’s alias tears up, explaining how she killed the boyfriend who raped her. Unfortunately, Mia develops a strong liking for Kensi’s alias and feeds her a false address for Meyer, who later turns up dead from an oxycodone overdose, Mia’s drug of choice.

The story then moves on to one of moral ambiguity, covered by Deeks and Kensi at work and later at home in bed. Deeks is the voice of conscience, asking Kensi if she thinks she gave Mia the idea and the courage to kill Meyer. At this point he sounds a little accusatory which is ironic given his past actions. Mia later sends a video message to Kensi’s undercover cell phone which the couple watch in bed. Again Deeks offers Kensi the chance to pursue Mia, however she decides to wait until morning before calling in the lead.  Kensi is at peace with her decision which means Deeks is too, and the episode closes with saying ‘sweet dreams, my little velociraptor’. The screen turns black and there is a gentle baby dinosaur growl.

 

Daniela Ruah (Kensi) absolutely owns this episode with her undercover performance.  She was extremely convincing and manipulating - for the greater good. Undercover operations have been in short supply for the last three or four seasons, with characters maybe assuming a role for a minute or so. Hopefully this is the start of a return to how the team used to work missions. The use of slow motion captures the horror of the gunfight, and is utilised towards the end when Kilbride walks with Collins in cuffs, emphasising which side Kilbride is on. It has sometimes been used ineffectively, for too long a gun battle sequence, but the direction here is spot on. Overall this was a thoroughly enjoyable episode and season 13 is definitely off to a solid start.

NCIS: Los Angeles S13E02 Review

 

NCIS: Los Angeles is first and foremost an entertainment show. It uses the established formula of crime procedurals so the viewer essentially knows what to expect from each episode. But at least several times a season, the show breaks from this convention to deliver very dark episodes or episodes with a lot less action and more reflection, frequently both will touch on a subject matter which may either be considered taboo, or a subject not usually tackled in depth by the show. Fukushu tackles the serious subject of racism and does so in a manner which involves numerous conversations, frequently with characters reflecting on their own experiences, making the episode stand out from the usual fare.

The episode opens with a gentle and tranquil scene. An older man is fishing on an empty beach, his catch escaping him. He slowly walks back to his truck, the peaceful scene nosily and suddenly interrupted by a passing vehicle, the young lady on her cell. The equilibrium is re-established but as he places his rod in the back of his truck, he is brutally attacked from behind by two masked men dressed in black, and is repeatedly punched and kicked, then left for dead.

The feel of this episode is very similar to that of S11E11 'Answers', also written by Kyle Harimoto, (which followed the extremely intense episode 'Mother'). The volume of serious conversations naturally slows down the pacing, and instead of high speed chases, fight scenes and explosions, there is reflection, shared experiences and a disappointment and disbelieve this could happen in America. Unfortunately this serves to alienate the viewers who tune in to watch for pure entertainment, and the repetitiveness of some of the conversations has a tendency to lay on the message a little too thickly at times. That is not to say that the show should avoid tricky topics. In the past they have covered or touched on cults (S07E07 An Unlocked Mind), white supremacists in Rage (S06E20), child suicide bombers (S07E19) The 7th Child and burying children alive (S02E04) Little Angels. By coincidence those episodes were all written by Frank Military, and include fairly high intensity drama however they do not scrutinise the subject matter. Harimoto tackles racism head on, and arguably bashes the viewer over the head with the message. Can more be less? Is subtly a better method? The reality is that sometimes subtly just doesn't work and whichever method was chosen, someone somewhere would be disappointed. Racism is rife and the bottom line is that it is right to tackle what should not even be a topic, let alone a contentious one.

The initial message of the episode is to rise above the racists. Jack Tanaka, the LAPD officer son of the victim, Craig Tanaka, a Vietnam veteran and highly respected member of the community who is seriously injured in hospital, readily agrees not to have any part in the case or to hunt for the men responsible, for fear of jeopardising any prosecution. This magnanimous and noble action. he attributes to his father who is an extremely disciplined man, thus leading to a sub theme about fathers, quite typical for the show. Sam comments his father was also disciplined as does Kilbride when he reveals to Rountree why the team have this case. Rountree reveals he would not do anything for his father (his sister is his family - clearly a story there to delve into another time). There is a great moment of mentoring between Sam and Fatima, particularly when the latter talks about her own experiences with racism, mostly because she wears a hijab. He warns her about assuming the attack on Tanaka was racially motivated but encourages her to trust her instincts, which are formed by her frames of personal reference. Kensi and Deeks do not reflect on their parentage and instead reflect on what they could offer an adopted child of another race.

Unfortunately, the message that violence is not the answer to violent racism is dropped like a stone when Jack Tanaka uses his connections to locate the suspects - a father and son - kidnaps and beats them, whilst filming a clip of them admitting the attack. The message becomes a warning of violence, that Asian-Americans will not take this hatred lying down, they are not a passive race. The flip side again reverts to the role of the father. A racist father who has spent years instilling inherent hatred into his son, the unwritten statement that this has been repeated throughout the generations.

There is an awful lot packed into the episode which is identified early with the abbreviated opening credits sequence. The team are together in their familiar shared spaces; the gym (albeit without Callen), the bullpen (minus Fatima and Rountree which leads into an amusing scene later where the pair comment about their lack of allocated desk space to Kilbride. A number of conversations take place in cars although the initial car scene when Kilbride video calls the team, is almost deliberately fake, reminiscent of 60s/70s TV / films. It is important to try different things, whether they be filmic styles or subjects, particularly when they are important and as relevant as race-hate. In this instance the delivery of the topic was a touch too heavy handed, but the cast and crew should be fully commended for such a great effort.

NCIS: Los Angeles S13E01 Review

 

Season 12 was a funny old season, constrained by the conditions imposed by a global pandemic which at first struggled to allow NCISLA to form that close, familial feel and personal interactions between all characters. Gone were the bull pen scenes during the opening, and there were no more bar scenes with the team unwinding at the end. The show soldiered through and found it's stride again as the season progressed, particularly with the Russian arc. The Russian's again being prevalent in the finale, albeit on a much lighter note, with the team in a reasonably happy place (just in case it wasn't renewed). RIP Ravil Isyanov (Kirkin) who passed away in real life at the end of September.

There may not have been a cliffhanger to build on during the season premiere but there were plenty of threads tantalisingly left and ongoing storylines to ensure continuity, both of which are character driven. Kensi and Deeks are continuing on their quest to start a family. They've only been trying to conceive for a few years and during that time have started the expensive IVF journey, which they moved on from and are now exploring adoption. Callen is continuing his quest to follow up from both Arkady's and Kilbride's direct comments that Hetty made and mentored him from a young child, something of which he has no recollection and has vehemently denied. Character changes are also afoot. Gone are both Nell and Eric, off to seek a life away from OSP and to be honest, their presence was not missed. Maybe this is due to how whacky and eccentric Eric had become in recent seasons, and how Nell had regressed from a super-assertive and confident analyst, to someone who constantly doubted her abilities. Instead for the most part this week, Agent Fatima Namazi was in Ops, supporting Callen in his request to illegally hack and post a video on Facebook. Hetty was also present during the opener, sparring with the new permanent character of Retired Admiral Kilbride who is now overseeing the Los Angeles team. And of course there was the return of the boomerang-like Joelle Taylor (Callen's ex) and Zacha Gagarin (Callen's Russian asset). Subject 17 is most definitely all about Callen.

The episode opens with Callen taking down the security system for the Archive Room. This sends an alert to Hetty's cellphone - she is still in Ops and looks concerned, but takes no action. Callen continues to pick the filing cabinet lock to access confidential files, all with a title 'Subject' followed by a number. He stops at Subject 17, scrutinising the data contained within, which references a Caucasian male, born 1976 (more on this later), whose family are deceased. Callen has clashed with Hetty before about his past, initially early in season 3 when she reveals she was his mother's CIA handler and most notably in season 4, Raven & The Swans. Both provide crucial pieces of information which Callen either never though applied to him or never made a connection. S03E04 Deadline, Hetty revealed she got him out of the orphanage and into every foster home. He was a challenging child and she was determined to find him a family, referenced in Callen's flashback in the S12 finale. At the end of season 3, Callen realises Hunter was an orphan, raised by Hetty but it isn't until S04E22 Raven & The Swans that he discovers more agents recruited by Hetty were orphans (Sullivan, Grace Stephens), with the latter's background more similar to his (the comment from Grace that Hetty steered her on the right path when she was in trouble with the law as a teenager). The led to a confrontation between Callen and Hetty, yet there is no acknowledge from Hetty, or realisation from Callen, that she's groomed Callen from childhood. It is the statement from Arkady in S12E14 The Noble Maidens, that Hetty's orphans programme was arguably tougher than the Russian school, which Callen should know as he was one of them, coupled with Kilbride stating that Callen was 'made' by Hetty, whereas the rest of the team just work for her. 

Finding the file which contains his date of birth is the trigger for a variety of conversations and confrontations, firstly with Sam, who tries to minimise the importance of it, even though Callen points out his birthday - more of this later...Sam also tries to dissuade Callen from going down that rabbit hole as he might not like what he finds, and may get lost. This sounds like a precursor for later episodes, particularly with Sam also referencing that Callen's had more hard hitting life events in the last few years than most. Callen's mental health is seldom mentioned, whereas all the others have been shown struggling. Hopefully this will also play out later, undoubtedly with more drama and angst first, and maybe a long over due session with long-time absent Operational Psychologist Nate Getz. Callen clashes with Kilbride as he demands answers over the files and Hetty, Kilbride threatening to end his career (and life!) if he continues his insubordinate tone. It seems Kilbride will be tougher than Granger, although it doesn't usually stop Callen and his authority issues. The final confrontation is with Hetty and in a scene reminiscent of Raven & The Swans, he forces Hetty to admit that he is Subject 17. An untimely interruption from Fatima (in the style of Nell) halts the conversation. Despite the case, Callen continues to mull on this newly found information, still having no recollection of being subject to early childhood screening (which he likened to his CIA intelligence tests), but a memory is triggered of a test, apparently connected to dyslexia; the flashback showing Callen was a young boy piecing together items to form the shape of a gun.

In contrast, Deeks and Kensi are looking to adopt, now their baby-making plans have hit a dead end. Foreshadowing Callen and Hetty's story, Kensi asks Hetty to be their reference for adoption, and offer which she declines, citing how different the parenting world is, and suggests she can ask SECNAV or the NCIS Director instead, as they would carry more clout. In actuality, and in the forthcoming light of Hetty's 'orphan' programme, it certainly makes sense that she distances herself from endorsing Kensi and Deeks journey to adopt. The damage caused could be irreparable not only to her relationship with Callen, but to the future family of two of her agents. Of course this is a topic which permeates the episode. Huge, all encompassing subjects such as wedding planning and family planning do have a tendency to take over the lives of those concerned, and Kensi and Deeks are no exception. And as per season 6, they are 'all in' - apparently in all aspects of their relationship. There are feelings of de ja vu with this storyline, however as with Callen's past resurfacing, both are unfinished and the twists and turns which follow both narratives will clearly impact the personal and professional for all characters involved.

The case itself sees the return of Joelle and all of the associated drama that her storylines always entail. It seems she has parted ways with the CIA and is on her own private mission of revenge to kill Katya in retribution for her losing her leg and her finger. This ensures that Katya remains in the forefront as a continuing enemy of the team, ripe for either a long overdue physical return or for future mentions. Unfortunately there is a glaringly inaccurate comment stating Joelle lost her family because of Katya. Erm, no. Remember when Callen and Sam faked her death due to the 'syndicate' back in S09E09 Fool Me Twice? And once it was safe for her to return to her family, she chose to walk away and remain dead to them (S10E03 The Prince). Jo was last see last season, embittered by her desire for revenge with Callen unable to reach her through kindness. She is now fully out of control, governed by her emotions and making rash mistakes; she's tailed to the boatshed and later runs off in to the warehouse where she's captured. Callen too is more emotional, having to deal with the subject 17 revelations however he turns to an emotionless state. He coldly threatens to tell Jo's family she's still alive and at the end, it is clear he would have followed through on his threat. He also continues to use Zasha. She may not longer be his Russian asset with her cover now blown, but he orders her to Syria to tail Hetty, knowing she has little choice. Clearly Hetty's training has paid dividends.

There are a number of witty one liners from all the cast, together with highly amusing actions. Sam pushes Joelle through the interrogation room hatch into the water. After helping her out of the water in the marina, Sam and Callen fist bump. The whole team are highly amused with Sam's reaction after Fatima drives his shot up Hellcat through a building door, with Fatima and Rountree discreetly fist bumping. Deeks is his usual self and jigs around waiting to be proved right about Joelle having Zacha's car towed in the parking lot. Kilbride also has his acerbic comments, particularly when asking Callen if there's a dating site called Women Who Kill, or if Callen just has the world's worst luck with the ladies. The overall tone of the episode is pretty serious, with Callen's quest for information and the team's interaction and elements of light-heartedness prevent Subject 17 from being bogged down and feeling too heavy.

Subject 17 is a great season opener. It continues with storylines and threads from previous seasons and is very much character driven and sets up future episodes nicely. The two glaring issues are connected with character continuity. Firstly and already mentioned is that Katya had nothing to do with Joelle losing her family. The second one is Callen's date of birth. His DOB was visible on the fake death certificate Hetty showed the Comescus in S02E24 Familia - born in 1970. S05E04 Reznikov, N and Deeks shows Callen photo of him from 1980, whereby Callen says he was ten years old. In season 6 Chernoff, K, Arkady and Hetty state that Callen's father was sent to the Gulag in 1974. There are also various date and age references in connection with Callen's dead sister and her gravestone. BUT the DOB on the paperwork for Subject 17 and verablised by Callen, is August 1976. Why oh why? On a side note, how was Callen's DOB known when he was an orphan and didn't even know his first name? Any argument that his father told him is DOB is redundant as the huge difference in age cannot be accounted for. At the end of the day it currently has no impact on the narrative or Callen's past. It is just an extremely disappointing character error.

Apologies to Kensi and Deeks fans for the rather biased review, but this episode was very much Callen centred.

NCIS: Los Angeles Season 12 Episode 13 Review

Red Rover, Red Rover is a children's game where one team calls for a member of the other team to come over and try to break through their ranks. If caught, they then form part of the opposition team and the game starts again. It is a very apt title for an episode in which Katya calls for Anna to be sent to her although in this version, the game is much more complex and deadly. Red Rover is a continuation of the last episode Can't Take My Eyes Off You, which aired a month ago. The obligatory recap serves as a reminder that Kapitan Gonchgarov was poisoned and Callen was accused of being a Russian asset by DOJ Special Agent Carlson. Callen later found Anna working with the Russian FSB agents to find Katya, who faked a defection, shot and kidnapped Joelle. Anna was arrested and Joelle's severed finger delivered to Callen. It is quite the recap and the race is on to rescue Joelle, make sure Arkady is safe and to apprehend Katya.

NCIS: Los Angeles S12E12 Review

Can’t Take My Eyes Off You follows in the footsteps of the previous episode, Russia, Russia, Russia and ironically features many more Russians, than the actual Russia x 3 episode!  Last time, Callen was accused by DOJ Agent Carlson of being a Russian asset, the team concocted a plan which resulted in Russian defector Kapitan Gonchgarov fighting for his life, after being poisoned by Russian socialite Zasha Gagarin.  The episode concluded with a shady looking Callen, resplendent in dark hoodie, threatening Zasha in a dark alley and for all intents and purposes, appearing to be the Russian asset he was earlier accused of being.  Rather than directly continuing with this tantalizing plot, another Russian angle is followed, namely that of Callen’s AWOL girlfriend, Anna Kolcheck.  The ‘previously on NCIS: Los Angeles’ reminded viewers that Anna remained in Cuba with Callen’s ex-girlfriend Joelle, after the mission to infiltrate Katya Mironova (AKA Kate Miller’s) inner circle went sideways.  Once again the cold open features Callen, this time focusing on the black SUV and it’s Russian occupants surveilling Callen, who’s reading a newspaper in a cafe. Since Callen almost caught his tail at the start of the last episode, it is obvious he’s now setting his own trap, and a moment of distraction and their subject has disappeared. 

But while the focus is on Callen, writer Lee A. Carlisle manages to make this very much a team episode, bringing in the different personal struggles the original field agents are experiencing. Nell has miraculously materialised after her disappearance her colleagues ignored. Again no explanation is given as to where she has been or why - she is clearly following in Hetty’s footsteps!  And talking of Hetty, she may not actually be seen in this episode but her presence is clearly felt as she sends Nell a coded message, leading the team to a warehouse and warning them they’re in danger from events which will unfold that day.  Since the day started with Callen apprehending, then releasing the Russian (Maksim Myshkin) who’s been tailing him, the logical conclusion is this unspecified danger is connected. Hetty of course, is never wrong and the team separate, with Roundhouse tailing Myshkin while Callen digs deeper, and Deeks joining Sam to investigate the warehouse. 

Kensi has always been a strong character both mentally and physically. As the only female field agent for many seasons she has endured more than her fair share of trauma. But as a woman she is now dealing with her desire and inability to fall pregnant naturally. This already preys on her mind and her and Deeks have now embarked on their IVF journey, starting with hormone therapy in the form of injections. This is an emotive subject for many women and when Kensi later confides in Nell, she lays out the obstacles she will have to face, including mood swings. She has just started an emotional rollercoaster ride which is already affecting her job which makes it a perfectly legitimate storyline, and so much better than sweeping the IVF journey into a) they start to b) Kensi falls pregnant.  Deeks supports her and there is a throwback to the season 3 crossover to Hawaii 5-0 and needles, when he reluctantly injects Kensi. The gentle humour is replaced with seriousness when Kensi’s dizziness means she remains in Ops rather than risk not having her husband’s back in the field. It is reassuring she is comfortable enough with her body signals to know the side effects have passed and she rejoins the team in time for the epic gunfight.

Likewise, Sam’s personal life is also shown. He is facing new parenting challenges with his daughter Kamran. He’s kept her out of the academy and learning remotely, living with her father on his boat. Although Sam just wants to keep her safe, his rules and actions are a little controlling and Kam almost rebels until her boyfriend Logan, talks sense into her. Again there are references to comments and characters in previous episodes. Kam compares Sam’s snoring to that of Otis the sea lion and Logan asks permission to come onboard the boat. Several episodes ago Sam told Callen off for (deliberately) just venturing on deck and not asking permission. Kam has already demonstrated she is strong and determined, and quite rightly gently knocks down Logan when he refers to her as a princess that needs saving.  The biggest challenge for Sam will be to accept his teenage daughter is developing different aspirations, and he leaves the scene of the gunfight early, to speak with her.

Sam and Deeks’ partnership at the warehouse allows them to further develop their relationship and respect, with Sam explicitly commenting on this.  Deeks may have Kensi’s hormone therapy on his mind but he reads Sam’s worries and he opens up about his parenting concerns with Kamran. In typical Deeks style, there is a wordy story with a moral which Sam takes on board.  Later, they bounce off each other whilst analyzing what DOJ Agent Carlson does not say, when she supersedes the CIAs jurisdiction at the warehouse.  Carlson’s reference to them as the “SEAL” and the “hyphenate” was a fun shout out to the previous episode.  

Joelle Taylor is intrinsically tied in with the lives of both Callen and Anna, more so with the latter. Even last season, Anna was working with Joelle, hunting down Darius Reznikov among others and turning up unexpectedly to warn Callen he was in town and a likely threat (S11E15 The Circle).  She also persuaded Anna to take part in the op to get close to Katya in prison. It makes sense that Katya has also focused her wrath on Jo.  Anna’s elaborate lie to cover her disappearance was to give herself space to think, formulate a plan and to keep Callen safe. This is very much in keeping with her character - remember she snuck back into the States last season (without telling Jo), to warn Callen about Darius. What is curious is that she did not think of the consequences - that Callen might visit her, given their separation. Her radio silence is another way of keeping Callen at arm’s length, similar to when she ordered him to stay away when she was in jail. She wants to keep him safe, (after all Callen would definitely involve himself if he knew the details), but Anna is not easing his deeply ingrained trust and abandonment issues.  The pain is more deeply felt when Anna takes a call from her father, whereas Callen deliberately avoided contact with his family due to the potential threat from the tail, for which Anna was also responsible - to make sure no harm befell him. Unfortunately she failed to remember he’s a highly skilled agent who easily spots tails.  This is made worse by the sheer incompetence of Myshkin, the FSB agent tasked with following Callen. He failed to spot the agent was playing him, was caught and spewed out ridiculous excuses - which at least made Callen chuckle. Anna also admits she once had a personal relationship with Myshkin. These are big stumbling blocks to overcome, if they decide to continue their romance. A risk to this is Anna’s life, as Myshkin and his team turn on Anna when their orders change, using Anna as bait to draw Katya out so they can assassinate her. There are hints that all might work out; Anna’s smirk when Callen puts her in handcuffs and in the interrogation room, they have an unspoken moment when she passes Callen her cell.  

After her (deliberately) failed attempt to turn herself in, Russia now want their rogue agent dead. This leads in to what is arguably the best scene in the episode. During the hand off, and ensuing gunfight between NCIS and the FSB agents, Katya has orchestrated the warehouse tannoy to blast Frankie Valli’s ‘Can’t Take My Eyes Off You’, which morphs into a studio version. The upbeat tempo of the chorus works fantastically with the gun fire from all sides and lends to the energy of the scene. All four original field agents are present, albeit not in the same shot, adding to the team feel of the episode. 

The episode closes out with Callen receiving a package containing Joelle’s severed finger, and a voice message on a burn phone; Katya wants Anna in exchange for Joelle. This will be picked up in the next episode ‘Red Rover, Red Rover’, which is a children’s game where one team calls for one person on the other side to try and break through their ranks. Can’t Take My Eyes of You is not a bad episode, but it does pale in comparison to Russia, Russia, Russia. The blending of the personal and professional works for all characters and the dialogue is on point. Maybe it’s the volume of characters, with Fatima, Rountree and Nell all present, and no explanation provided as to why Nell was previous absent. There are also questions around Anna and her actions. The explanations are not overly plausible, particularly with her underselling Callen’s capabilities (spotting tails) and his feelings for her (visiting her only to find no trace of Anna or the charity). The FSB agents also seem to be second rate, certainly not of the level usually portrayed. There is also no reference to the huge cliff-hanger from Russia, Russia, Russia. Is Callen undercover as a double agent? And does this have any connection to Katya? More is promised next time and Red Rover, Red Rover is tantalizingly written by Andrew Bartels, who has a successful backlog of Callen, Anna and Joelle centered episodes.

A Virtual Scrawl

NCIS: Los Angeles S12E11 Review - Russia Russia Russia

 

Russia Russia Russia is Kensi actor Daniela Ruah’s directorial debut and she has been handed a meaty script to which she has more than done justice.  Showrunner Scott Gemmill penned the episode and as he did for Chris O’Donnell’s debut as director (S4E17 Wanted), it is a character centred episode which still feels like a team effort.  Episodes focused on one of the original field agents are always a cut above others.  The characters are why viewers tune in each week - the cases are frequently the backdrop to how they interact with each other and react to various situations, whether individually or as a team.  

This time the focus is on Callen, which is apparent from the outset. The cold open features Callen staring out to sea, and making repeated calls to a disconnected cell phone. He then realises he’s being tailed and attempts to confront the anonymous SUV.  When this moves straight to a vastly reduced opening credit sequence without the theme music (last done in season 10 premier To Live & Die in Mexico), it’s an affirmation this will be a fully packed episode. Daniela places her creative mark right from the ouset with a series of close ups of Callen’s face whist making the call.  It’s the type of shot not usually employed by the show’s directors, although it was reminiscent to Burned (S01E23), when Callen was on a public phone to Eugene Keelson. The shot, together the following wide angle view of Callen alone on the vast beach, emphasises the deeply emotional and personal aspect, the pain and frustration when the call remains unanswered, and how alone he is. He can only be trying to reach Anna Kolcheck although this is not referenced at all. The ‘previously in NCIS Los Angeles’ clips point back to the season premier, The Bear, serving as a reminder of the defecting Russian captain, the destruction of their plane and of Zasha, the young woman the team paid for information.  The scene has been well and truly set.   

Russia has been a long time enemy of the US and it has been referenced countless times on the show that the cold war is heating up again, and of course those pesky Russians frequently make appearances as allies (Arkady) and enemies (Pavel Volkov). The moment the showrunners decided Callen’s father was a former KGB officer who worked for the CIA, and that Callen’s full name was Grisha Aleksandrovich Nikolaev, it has been on the cards that at some point, he would be accused of being a Russian asset, a double agent. His Russian background was touched on in S09E16 Warrior of Peace but never followed through until now.  Callen does have a number of Russia connections, both familial and professional, having worked in Russia and the Ukraine during his time at the CIA (and DEA, S01E07 Pushback). When he visits Oleg Barinov - one of the Russian airmen from The Bear - at the National Counterterrorism Center , he is detained by jobsworth DOJ Special Agent Carlson (introduced in S12E08 Love Kills), and accused of being a Russian asset.

There is no reason for this visit and Callen did not alert his team of his whereabouts. Even Sam was in the dark and of course Callen fails to ask for assistance once detained. He even challenges Deeks for intervening , his reaction was almost disappointment, asking him ‘what are you doing here?’ Even  after Deeks had secured his release, Callen turning himself back in. The events do not particularly make sense and when viewed in hindsight, maybe Callen’s original goal was to manipulate defector Kapitan Gonchgarov into a specific situation he had orchestrated. The interrogation scene between Agent Carlson and Callen is again well directed. He is unfazed by the accusations and of course toys with her, particularly with references to conspiracy theories and fan fiction Traitor. There is a lovely symmetry to the scene when he mimics Carlson’s body language, leaning forwards when she does and leaning back in his chair after she does the same, the framing making it clear that Carlson does not have the upper hand. There is also a great use of music during the scene, much more subtle than usual, with pauses to provide emphasis with the questions and answers. This starkly contrasts with Deeks’ overt use of music to mask his conversation with Callen, when he enters the room. 

Deeks is also allowed some fun and brings some lightness to a serious episode. Firstly he’s undercover as a lawyer, reeling off acronyms and speaking fast enough to confuse and frustrate Carlson.  He’s also sweet-talked by Kensi into approaching Anatoli Kirkin to ask him to assist in an interesting piece of ‘theatre’. Scenes with Kirkin are always fun, albeit in a bit of an obsessive and OTT manner. This time the theatrics involve Callen pretending he is the Russian spy he’s accused of being, with Kirkin torturing and killing people on Callen’s behalf. Deeks has the fantastic job of smashing down a hammer and yelling in pretend pain, while Callen talks to Gonchgarov in the interrogation room. Many of Kirkin’s appearances have been for comedic value, he has rarely been allowed to show the ruthlessness of the Russian criminal underworld in which he used to reside. Here he switches between his new passion as a fashion designer and torturer. He reverts to type in his final scenes with Deeks, who elicited Kirkin’s help in return for modelling his entire clothing range.  Kensi enjoys watching her husband play dress up way more than she should! 

Another returning character is Retired Admiral Kilbride, stepping in to advise the team of Callen’s detainment and Hetty’s covert operation.  Kilbride brings his usual sarcastic - verging on the insulting - comments and the team revelled in referring to Kilbride’s own harebrained operation involving a dead body (S11E03 Hail Mary). Hetty’s absences are now the norm and finally her mission this season is revealed - she’s trying to smoke out a Russian mole who’s infiltrated the upper echelons of US intelligence, but that plan has gone askew and now Callen, one of her prize protégés has been accused of being a double agent.  Her operation is revealed with Kilbride telling Sam and Kensi filling in Fatima, cutting between each pair to further the story.

Gonchgarov eventually gives up a phone number and so the team set up a sting which goes disastrously wrong. In a rarity for the COVID struck season 12, the agents are together in the same location; Deeks as a busker, Kensi a new mother, Callen as janitor and Sam is fishing. The banter on comms is on top form with lots of ribbing and in Ops, even Kilbride makes comments about the ‘selfie generation’.   The fun quickly degenerates as the ‘selfie’ taker passes her cell phone to the Gonchgarov to take her photo. As she leaves, Deeks recognises her as Zasha Gagarin, the Russian socialite from The Bear, who discards her two sets of gloves and phone into a bin. The Kapitan has been poisoned and Zasha escapes a busy Malibu pier, which the team believed they had locked down. Agent Carlson is fuming, still accusing Callen of being a double agent, but willing to work with him to find Zasha. 

The episode is a slow burner, moving from a solo Callen who speaks with Barinov with no real purpose, to a fast-paced and intense team operation, but it is the reveal in the final scene which is the kicker. Zasha, who Callen and Sam stated was in the wind, arrives in a back alley where she is accosted by a hooded Callen, his arm across her throat, asking her why she killed Gonchgarov as it was never part of the plan. She is genuinely scared of Callen, who threatens to kill her if she double crosses him. This brings into question the operation he concocted earlier and possibly his motive for visiting the National Counterterrorism Center. How much was deliberate? Which elements did he set in motion? Did Callen know the Kapitan had the phone number all along?  Callen has the right pedigree for a double agent as pointed out by both Carlson, who presented Callen with photos of his father, Anna and Arkady, and Deeks, who pointed out to Callen that it was a lot of Russian connections.  Deeks’ comment that they’ve finally caught Callen now takes on another meaning. The most likely explanation is that he is working on Hetty’s orders, but is clearly on a solo undercover mission which may put him at odds with the team at a later date. It is highly doubtful Callen has turned traitor.

The undercover aspect of the show was key to earlier seasons and has been missed over recent years. It would make sense that as season 12 continues with its serialisation, this will play out for several more episodes. It would be fascinating if this continued until the finale or further as Callen would have to flit between patriotic NCIS agent and bantering with Sam, and being a menacing Russian asset.

Russia Russia Russia is the best episode of the season to date. The writing and directing are tight and the actors have revelled in a great script and supported Dani with excellent performances. Hetty’s absence is coming into play, although Nell is again AWOL and it seems only the viewers have noticed. Eric has quietly departed ops and Rountree has a plausible excuse for his absenteeism. The reduction in main characters enables the focus to remain on Callen and the original agents, resulting in a feeling like the NCISLA of old. Despite the serious aspects and the topical nod to Russian’s and poison, there is a playfulness between the team which is not always present due to the developing dynamics with the new characters, again feeling like the old NCISLA.  The episodes which follow and explore Callen’s double agent role have a hard act to follow.

Personal Note -  I wrote a fan fiction story about Callen being accused of a Russian spy in 2015.  Give it a read by clicking on the link. Traitor

A Virtual Scrawl

NCIS: Los Angeles S12E10 Review

 

It seems like an age since the last episode of NCISLA was broadcast. The gap is actually a week less than last year - maybe living in the COVID-19 era just makes it seem longer?  The last episode, A Fait Accompli ended with Sam’s daughter Kamran being abducted and The Frogman’s Daughter utilises the ‘previously on NCIS Los Angeles’ as a reminder.  The cold opening shows Kamran Hanna in some kind of unofficial jail, with more youths held in other cells.  Post credits, the story picks up the following morning, with Sam at work and being unable to make contact with his daughter.

The Frogman’s Daughter is written by Jordana Lewis Jaffe and Indira Gibson Wilson. Wilson is married to former NCISLA writer and producer Joey Wilson and has twice played Sam’s wife, before she was given proper form and a voice with actress Aunjanue Ellis. Jaffe’s episodes are now synonymous with over the top guest characters, often tipping into becoming outrageous caricatures...and not of the positive type (unless that type of humour floats your boat).  Thankfully here, the exaggerated characters are kept to a minimum. The cafe worker/protester is a little odd in her demeanour, Fatima is portrayed as shallow and unsympathetic and the DHS Agent is named Megan Merkel (an inside joke as the actress Tiffany Smith actually played Meghan Markle in the 2019 film, Harry & Meghan: Becoming Royal). 

Sam has had more than his fair share of pain, caused by Tahir Khaled and culminating in the murder of his wife Michelle, and it is natural that Sam would overreact when he can’t reach Kam. The opening showed her predicament and her alertness, and the episode promises an intense ride which it never fully delivered. There is a distinct lack of urgency, particularly during the first half of the episode, and concern for Kam’s safety is not shared by the team. Fatima makes throwaway comments about texting and shared that when she was Kam’s age, she just did not want to talk to her father. The scene falls flat and her lack of empathy and inability to read Sam shows an immaturity and shallowness which counters the agent she was when she was introduced to the team.  She later warns Rountree to avoid ops, where she left Sam trying to persuade Eric to invade his daughter’s privacy and use government resources to locate her.  Surely the new agents are aware of Sam’s history?  Eric refusing to help Sam when he witnessed Michelle’s painful death firsthand, was odd. There may have been no evidence but Sam’s gut instinct is rarely wrong. It took  Rountree to assess the situation and realise they have to trust Sam. He also stepped up and did his best to fill a Callen-sized gap, temporarily partnering with Sam, talking sense into Sam when he loses his temper with Kamran’s secret boyfriend in the boatshed, appealing to Sam’s empathetic nature.

Kensi and Deeks began their journey to parenthood, with Kensi prescribed hormone therapy.  The storyline furthers their relationship but feels totally out of place, particularly when several times, Deeks tries to encourage Kensi to talk about her feelings.  She made it clear she needed to process the IVF news, prepare her mindset for the working day and would talk with Deeks later.  Such attempts at conversation show a lack of concern at Sam’s predicament although mid-episode he does comment about bringing a child into such a world. Despite evidence Kam has been kidnapped, his comments fall flat and do not have the same seriousness of impact as they did during a similar conversation in The Seventh Child (S07E19). 

Callen’s absence is felt keenly and is one of the reasons the episode feels off. Sam shouldn’t be going through this angst without his partner by his side.  Half way through, Eric mentions that Callen’s on his way back from his trip, which prepares for his reappearance shortly after. This is a late reminder that season 12 has adopted a serialised narrative and at least Sam takes the time to ask about his trip (a story for another time). It would have made more sense if a line had been written for Sam earlier, for example that he’d called Callen who was leaving Santa Cruz immediately.  His return brought renewed urgency to the case, chasing down suspects, and facilitating a higher level of understanding - in the bullpen, Sam questions his parenting skills, reflecting on Kam as a little girl and being her only protector. 

A decent proportion of the episode is dedicated Kamran’s imprisonment. In the cold open, she is already assessing her predicament, asking questions of her fellow inmates and exploring her cell for opportunities. There is no shortage of evidence that she is her father’s (the frogman’s) daughter. Under the cover of tortuous flashing lights and loud metal music, Kam exploits the weakness she identified around the sink and chips away to create an escape route. Instead of leaving to seek help, she steals keys from her captors office and returns to rescue the others. Even after being recaptured and hosed, Kam plays dead to entice the bad guys closer so she can attack them. 

The premise of the episode is a common one for NCISLA: how well you really know someone. The established field agents have all experienced this, whether it be Kensi in season one, hiding her profession when a friend came to town, to Deeks killing his former partner, through to Callen and Joelle. It’s much more hard hitting when it involves Sam and his teenage daughter, and how easily she hid her secret life.  This lends to the repetitive (and now weary) comments about age which permeate every episode this season.  Fatima’s naively insulting comments to Sam were the start and culminated when the teen protester at the cafe accused Kensi and Deeks of being over 40. Kamran’s secret life as a protest organiser allows a political agenda which is tackled by Rountree and the DHS Agent.  A peaceful protest for equality and racial injustice has attracted the attention of militia groups and agitators who are travelling to LA to purely incite violence, and Homeland Security has drafted help from as many federal agencies as possible. Peaceful protests and the presence of law enforcement already seems like a recipe for disaster, especially when the agitators and the fact Kam’s peaceful protesters has a breakaway faction who believe the only way their voices will be heard is through violence, are added to the mix. Rountree’s argument that the protest could just be peaceful, is thrown to the wall when the DHS confirm a person of interest was found at a previous rally with a rucksack full of C4. It’s a progressive move, featuring such topical issues but there is little real substance when the message is reinforced that the law is there to support the peaceful protesters; the violence stemming from external agitators and a minority of violent protesters. 

The Frogman’s Daughter is a slow builder of an episode, hampered by Fatima and Eric failing to grasp the severity of Sam’s concerns over his daughter’s welfare, particularly exemplified by their out of place conversation in Ops, instigated by Fatima about Eric's yellow lensed glasses. This was not helped by the lack of urgency emanating from Kensi and Deeks. The hormone treatment was bad timing (could it ever be good?) but to watch this episode as a standalone, you would not realise that Eric, Kensi and Deeks were all heavily involved in rescuing Aiden from Tahir Khaled and the frantic race against time to find Sam’s wife Michelle.  Also puzzling is the ongoing case of the missing Nell Jones, AWOL for two consecutive episodes and not referenced at all. Maybe she really has morphed into Hetty..?  Another curious element are the Hanna household rules, mentioned for the first time in twelve seasons and rather reminiscent of Gibbs’ rules, from the mothership, NCIS.  The episode improved as it progressed, ably assisted with Kamran’s scenes, demonstrating the missed potential. She is engaging, determined and resourceful; a force to be reckoned with in a few years time. The return of Callen also lifted the episode, providing some gentle banter. The most light-hearted moments were saved for the final scenes, between the reunited Sam and Kamran, who drops her brother into trouble for helping her buy a car, and her father ribbing her for losing her voice when challenged on her secret boyfriend.   

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NCIS: Los Angeles S12E09 Review

 

Jimmy Fang and his gang.  A ‘previously on NCISA’ provides a reminder that Jimmy Fang was the one who got away back in Overdue (S12E07) when he was trying to buy US high end developmental technology.  This allows for a significant shift away from last week and instead focuses finding Fang and his latest attempt to obtain military technology. 

Jimmy Fang is not fleshed out and remains a fringe character. The only threat he poses is when he’s involved in a gunfight with the team - which has happened in each of his episodes.  This effects the intensity and excitement, as well as the overall narrative. Finding Fang takes the team down various routes that involve a Nigerian working on a new defence system designed to intercept hypersonic missiles, who has an (innocent link) to Boko Haram, and a criminal gang, one of whom works for Fang. The characters involved are different from the ones featured last week, which makes it tricky to keep track of who’s who, particularly when there is a high number of characters.  It’s a shame there is little continuity in this respect.  Sabatino is still present though, chasing down the counterfeit bills which are now very much a secondary concern.  And Nell, who was conspicuous by her absence last week, is again missing in action - although none of the team seem to realise! Eric is once again up in ops.

Plugging the gaps with absent and semi-absent characters is the surprise return of Retired Admiral Kilbride, who’s checking in on the team and partners up with Sam, as Callen has taken time off for personal reasons.  Kilbride brings his own dry, no nonsense attitude, and there was a great call back to his last appearance, when he was extremely grumpy and impatient, and Callen and Sam had to act as his bodyguards. Once again there are references to different generations, pre empting conversations between Kilbride and Sam about their children.  There is no doubt a career with a federal agency and can affect personal relationships and family life.

Deeks is still at FLETC and in a reversal of last week’s trials where he was failing, he is now preparing for the graduation ceremony, with Kensi ready to fly out post-case.  They have a great bantering session, with Kensi advising Deeks he needs to be silent for ten minutes of every 100 miles during their road trip home.  Clearly Deeks had a lot to say about that!  Kensi and Sabatino remain partners and again they have fun in the field, as do Rountree and Fatima.  In more throwbacks to recent episodes, Rountree has found the TV show that starred Fatima Namazi, in her pre-NCIS days. The two work well together, evident in their early action scene where Rountree runs towards the racing getaway van and tackles a tramp out of the way as Fatima fires at the van. The scene is filmed in slow-motion and captures Rountree’s excellent facial expression, mid-tackle.  The same filming technique is adopted for the final shootout with Fang, Kensi and Sabatino. Worryingly (and not mentioned), Kensi shoots and kills the human shield Fang uses, to try and get to him. He may have been a fellow villain but he was unarmed.  Consider the ramifications Anna Kolcheck endured a few seasons ago...Sabatino also reveals his artistic side as a musician and there is a wonderful scene as he leaves to inflict himself on his next target, walking off singing ‘Cum on Feel the Noise’, instigated by Kensi.

Deeks’ impending graduation is short lived when he calls Kensi to say he’s actually washed out, and is jumping on the next flight back to LA. There is no reason given although it quickly becomes clear when he returns to the bullpen and Hetty appears on screen, that she has pulled the most messed up, inhumane trick on him (in his words), making Deeks think he’s failed FLETC when Hetty wanted to be the one to ‘virtually’ hand him his NCIS Investigator badge. A fait accompli.  

Possibly the most controversial issue of the episode lies with Callen. He’s taken time off whilst the team are in the middle of a case which is out of character (most likely due to actor availability), to surprise Anna with a marriage proposal.  He is a little frustrated when he can’t speak to anyone at Rebuild USA where Anna is volunteering, immediately followed with a flashback to Callen as a young man.  Flashbacks are seldom used in the show and character-wise have only been used with Callen to further his development.  They should have a defined purpose, for example in season 2 when he suddenly recalls witnessing his mother’s murder when he was about four. A pivotal moment was revealed in Rage (S6E20), with a teenage Callen spiralling into a life of crime until Hetty saved him. Three episodes ago, the return of a foster brother prompted the third insight into a young Callen who was not yet standing up to bullies. 

The first of two flashbacks, filmed in flashes of sunshine, partially obscuring the characters, shows Callen happy and in love.  There is no hint of the emotionally closed-off loner, and yet there is no reason to think that Callen shouldn’t have made a few friends and fallen in love whilst at college.  There is certainly evidence that he is applying skills learnt from Hetty, when his girlfriend gently accuses Callen of playing ‘Jedi mind tricks’ on her father. The sharp intake of breath and the “no” is on point for Callen, who then replies that he can tell what people want to talk about and make them feel comfortable, and so they keep talking.  The mannerisms and inflictions in his reply demonstrate a great casting choice, and deliverance of the lines. It is her comment that he’s going to be the best consultant (in Chicago), which raises questions. Has Hetty only partially trained him? Did college open his eyes to other avenues he never thought possible and he’s rebelled against his destiny?  This certainly goes against the grain of what is known about G Callen to date.

In the second flashback he’s breaking off the relationship, literally turning his back and walking away from his girlfriend while she asks him why. He fails to answer. In the back of a chauffeur driven car Hetty tells him he’s walked away from his one chance of a nice peaceful life, and it will be a lonely existence. Callen’s view is polarised, he can’t reconcile a nice peaceful life with finding his father, or discovering his name. The two options are mutually exclusive in his mind, perhaps as a result of Jedi mind tricks applied by Hetty? The inference is here is that Callen chose to be a spy rather than being groomed for such a life in the ‘Hetty Lange school of mischief’, with his ‘great potential’.  Whereas these can be explained away, what cannot is the rather awful CGI of a young Hetty.  Eric Christian Olsen had the right idea with last season’s Mother, where Hetty was only seen from behind with a young Akhos. It is a shame the same methodology was not adopted in A Fait Accompli.

Outside the flashbacks, Callen has driven to Anna’s motel only to find Rebuild USA has never booked the motel or been heard of by the owner.  Anna has been lying to him for months and the pain and confusion is evident. He had overcome his trust issues with Anna and now she’s let him down again. She did not trust him with her CIA operation with Joelle, Katya and his father (S10 Searching & No More Lies), although he would have insisted in involving himself and potentially jeopardising the mission if he had known... After the DOJ advised Anna her record was wiped (S11E18 Missing Time), they were seen setting up surveillance on Anna, to see if Katya made an appearance. It was rumoured this was the intended season 11 finale, if the pandemic hadn’t broken.

If this was not enough of a shocker, the final scene tops this when Sam’s daughter calls him for a quick hello when she’s walking to her car. As they hang up, she is attacked from behind by a masked man.  There is no hint of a current villain out for Sam, and surely he deserves not more heartache and stress of yet another family member in peril. He’s experienced this with his son, lost his wife and now his daughter has been kidnapped.

A Fait Accompli is a key episode with Deeks passing FLETC, Anna’s lies and disappearance and Kamran’s kidnapping but unfortunately the execution, muddled in with the case of the week, was rather lacking, as were the questionable flashbacks for Callen.  They weren’t really needed and it’s part of the cannon of his character, that he struggles with relationships and commitments, especially after Joelle’s betrayal.   In addition to this, earlier Kilbride advised that Hetty’s op has hit a snag but no need to worry yet, and so another seed is planted.  Generally, there was a great feeling of team cohesion, particular with the bullpen back in play, the early scene between Kensi and Deeks, and the teams in the field, with banter and an increase in the action. 

The next episode is on 14th February and titled The Frogman’s Daughter, suggesting Kam’s kidnapping will be tackled immediately. 

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