Category Archives: Review

Red Part Two (4×19) Review by Phillydi

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Red:  Part Two (4×19)

Written by:  Shane Brennan

Directed by:  Tony Wharmby

In retrospect, Red: Part One was not exactly a very interesting episode in terms of a story line but there was probably a reason for that.  Like NCIS and NCISLA before it, NCISRed will only succeed if the fans come to like and care for the characters in this new show.   I have to admit that by the end of the first hour it wasn’t the contractor on the lam that had my attention….it was the NCIS characters and their backstory that I wanted to know more about.   The episode left me wondering about the explosive relationship between Paris and Roy…. what goes on inside the mind of Clare Keats (I found her charming)….. And how will the tech ops, Flynn and Ash actually be able to work their magic in the less than the accommodating surroundings of their quirky mobile trailers, Laverne and Shirley.   (It was fun to see the trailers come alive in the open sequence! I thought I was watching an episode of Transformers!)

Exploring how these characters will work and play together under these circumstances will bring endless opportunities to highlight their relationships and find out whether or not we will fall in love with them or walk away forever.  It looks like from our NCISLA Magazine poll, you were also willing to give it a chance and come back to find out more as well.  In Part Two we get to see a little more of what makes these men and women tick and if there is a future for a third NCIS franchise.

In the opening of Red Two, the teams are back in the hunt for the mastermind who helped a group of Afghani terrorist almost pull off a second 9-11.  The Red Team is off to Texas with a new team member in tow who also happens to be Paris’ former partner – Roy Haines.  Will their old relationship jeopardize the mission?  It will definitely make it a whole lot more interesting, that’s for sure!  Meanwhile, Hetty’s team is back in LA tricking their captured Afghani into helping them find Spears who seems to specialize in shooting his victims in the back of the head with a low velocity round.  It looks like Spears isn’t working alone either and is connected to a fellow by the name of Tony Kraus who is a Mr. Fix It of sorts for underworld clientele.  Back in El Centro, the team finds a compound with a house full of dead illegal aliens along with the one man who can get Spears out of the country.  The team suspects Spears but they are confused as to why he would kill Ramirez who is the one man who could get him out of the country alive.  Spears is an enigma.  But Roy has his own theory…maybe Spears isn’t the killer.  Smart man.

The Red team with the help of Sam and Callen are able to capture Kraus and Kensi and Deeks find that all the cold cases relating to a low velocity round killing are pointing to a different contract killer.  Surprise!  It was Kraus who hired the contract killer to go after Spears and Ramirez.  Didn’t see that one coming…hmmm.   Now Callen and Paris are after the terrorist and the contract killer.  A lot of bullets and long hair flying around at the end of this episode. Still not sure who killed Spears.  But good to see that there’s a chance at redemption for both Roy and his old partner.  This new team may make it after all.  I think once they are on their own and find a rhythm; we’ll be able to get a clearer idea if this new NCIS mobile team idea is going to work.  I’m willing to give it a go….what about you?

 

Red26 (625x416)Show Highlights:

I enjoyed the coffee house chat with Sam and Claire. In another time or place, I could even see them together as partners.  Sam seems to be amused and enchanted with the Red Team agent.   What happen to the Callen/Paris flirtation…seems to be toned down a notch with the return of Roy?  Thank God for complicated.   I know you Callen fans are heaving a sigh of relief!  But don’t get too comfortable.  Hetty knows more than she is sharing.  Don’t forget…Hetty know everything.

Best Lines from the Show:

Claire: What did you say to him Dave?  Ask him out on a date?

 

Claire:  Curiosity killed the cat, Dave.

Dave:  Probably a head shot!

Bromance Moments:

Do we actually have a bromance moment with Hetty and Granger?  Looks like Granger is sharing information this time and Hetty finds it refreshing for a change.  Can’t have you losing sleep, Owen!

Densi Moments:

At first I thought Deeks wanted to work together with Kensi on the Red Team but I should have known better:

Deeks:  I wonder what it would be like.  You.  Me.  Red Team.

Kensi:  Unbearable.

Deeks:  ….working together…

Kensi:  You’re supposed to be working on an unsolved murder case in which the victim was shot in the back of the head with a low velocity round….Deeks.

Deeks:  …living together.  Me walking in on you in the shower…or the bunk room.  You walking in on me in the shower…or the bunk room.

Kensi:  You walking in on Sam or Hetty.

Deeks:  Who invited them?

 

So…. no sign of the Box in this episode!  It was definitely conspicuous due to its absence.  But I’m sure it will return soon, according to a Tweet we received from Dave Kalstein after our Roundtable discussion.   Stay tuned!

 

Will I watch Red, next season if it is picked up?  The answer is probably….yes.  The characters have piqued my interest and I definitely want to find out more about them individually and as a team.  I feel their storylines will also have to be captivating as well as they struggle to find their place in a sea of crime shows.  But the only way I will keep coming back is if I fall in love with these characters.  They have to grab me by the heart and not let go….just like NCISLA did back in season two.  If the writers and producers can replicate this magic one more time then they will have a fan for life.  What do you think?  Did these two crossover episodes grab you and want to make you come back next season for more?

Join me next time for our review of  Purity (4X20).  I can’t believe the year is almost over but I’m looking for a few surprises coming up as we race to the end of season four.  See you next week!

Follow me on Twitter @phillydi!

Exclusive Review

 

Celeste and Jesse Forever Review by Phillydi

The last thing Celeste and Jesse Forever needs is another review. The majority of the reviews have been positive and there is no denying that this movie is a fun, quirky and extremely enjoyable film. If you have ever split from someone you still love you’ll understand the basis for this screenplay but hopefully you’ll also get the point of the movie – which is you don’t always have to be right even if you are. I love when Celeste finally has her ‘ah ha’ moment at the end and she finally understands how important a revelation like this can be when it comes to making a relationship work.

Because it is such a well written film, I would have still spent ten dollars to see Celeste and Jesse whether Eric Christian Olsen was in it or not. Co-starring with Rashida Jones and Andy Samberg, I have wanted to see C&J since last year when one of my favorite behind the scenes pictures of Tucker (ECO) and Beth’s (Ari Graynor) wedding was leaked to the internet. The picture shows ECO and Graynor along with other members of the wedding party playfully smiling for the camera.

Having watched just about all of Eric’s movies, I was actually surprised that Olsen was featured as much as he was. Although if you’re an ECO fan, it’s never enough time on screen and you’re always hoping that one day he’ll get to play the romantic lead in a comedy or drama and not the supportive best friend.

His interaction with Graynor in many of their scenes with Jones and Samberg is fun to watch, despite the dissolution of a relationship going on all around them. At Tucker and Beth’s wedding, their first kiss was beautifully staged but even better was the sweet kiss he gives her on the shoulder during Celeste’s wedding toast. His side close up in that scene had ECO fans sighing around theaters. There are a lot of nice highlights throughout the film with Eric but if you enjoy the wacky side of our favorite actor, you’ll enjoy some of his innovative dance moves at the reception. A lot of giggles all around. It was nice to see Sarah Wright in a supporting role as one of the bride maids. It looked like it was a fun scene to shoot all around.

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One of the highlights was Tucker and Beth dressing up as Justin Bieber look-a-likes for a costume party. Actually, ECO looked like he was wearing one of Deeks’ undercover outfits! In fact if I had any problem with his appearance is that he looked so much like Deeks, I had to stop every now and then to remind myself I wasn’t watching an episode of NCIS:LA. It was a bit of a distraction but I was happy to see a clean shaven and wonderfully styled Tucker at his wedding.

There is a lot to recommend Celeste and Jesse Forever, but if you are an Eric Christian Olsen fan there is only one reason. Enjoy!
If you have had the chance to see the film, tell me what you think.

To watch the movie over and over again or enjoy the music from the film – go ahead and get your own copy on DVD or Blue-Ray or the Soundtrack…

Exclusive Review

Red (4×18) Review by Phillydi

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Red:  Part One (4×18)

Written by:  Shane Brennan

Directed by:  Tony Wharmby

I was truly surprised by the results of our NCIS Red poll on NCISLA Magazine.  We asked our readers if you were looking forward to the new spin off from Shane Brennan and company and I expected the poll to reveal a resounding YES vote. But the majority of you said MAYBE and NO! I’m not sure why there is such resistance to NCIS Red but I have to admit I was feeling the same peculiar way. I know people hate change but how do you build on perfection? Can Brennan strike pay dirt a third time in a row?   There are so many questions up to the airing of this show and so much riding on these crossover episodes.  I decided to go into the new show with an open mind.  Will this mobile NCIS team will grab my viewer loyalty and make me a fan of the new franchise?  Let’s find out….

We begin with a dead Marine in Idaho and a dead arms dealer from Indonesia.   Rachmed Santoso is found dead in Griffith Park and recent chatter from the Talaban indicates an attack on American soil is inevitable.  Just another day in NCISLA-land.  In order to introduce the Red team to the story, Callen and Sam are sent to Idaho to investigate why the same murder weapon that killed the Marine matches the one used to kill Santoso.  I usually enjoy seeing Callen and Sam away from their natural element and the warm California climate which serves as the show’s backdrop.  But in this case the hostile environments of Romania and Afghanistan seem to be a much more inviting place to investigate than the boonies of Idaho.  When you add Granger, a lot of snow and uncomfortable living quarters…then you have two very unhappy NCIS agents.  Actually, Sam and Callen look a bit shell shocked as they are introduced to the Red team.  Is it the less than optimal working conditions or the attractive agents inside?  Welcome to the Red Team, boys!

After Eric pulls an all-nighter, the Op Tech finds Santoso’s last known address which Deeks and Kensi rush to investigate.  Santoso wasn’t living alone and they find enough ammo to start a war. Back at the Idaho ranch, the Red Team doesn’t have much evidence to go on in the death of the Marine….except a missing cell phone owned by Corporal Tyler.  The killer is searching for it too and he goes after the team with a runaway truck.  Sorry to see Danny being taken out so soon.  I was really enjoying his character the most up to this point.

Upon reviewing the contents of the cell phone, they find a possible lead in a video Tyler shot at the airport in Chicago.  Was he killed because he inadvertently filmed a possible terrorist as he was traveling through the airport?  Robert Spears is identified from the footage and Hetty and the team has branded the terrorist cell as Afghani military members that were operating out of Santoso’s apartment.  All of the suspected terrorists are qualified pilots with enough explosives to start a war and it looks like we have a possible 9-11 all over again.

Great action footage was shot at the airport with both teams going after the terrorist group.  Unfortunately, Spears gets away to live another day.  The search continues in part two for Spears.  In order to prevent a second attack, it’s imperative for both teams to find him and take him down.

Back at the Mission, Hetty wants to know why Granger is involved in this case and what he knows in regards to Spears.  She’s had her suspicions from the start regarding his involvement but he’s not ready to spill the beans just yet.  Instead, he is more interested in who Hetty has planned to replace Danny in the Red Team.  Enter Roy Haines.  There’s obviously a past between Paris and Roy.  (Well, that wasn’t so bad was it, Roy?)  There’s got to be a great story behind these two that I can’t wait to find out more about.  I have a feeling Callen can’t wait to find out the whole story either.

Will Roy and Paris play nice?  Will Callen and Paris share more insights into each other’s first name?  Will Granger reveal why he is involved in this case?…. And will we ever find out what’s in that damn box?  Stay tuned….

Show Highlights:

Ah yes, the box!  If nothing else, I was looking forward to the return guest appearance of the notorious Box.  Would the opening of the cardboard container be worth playing all the reindeer games?   Why is Deeks so resistant to opening the box?  Does he fear what’s inside?  I think he’s not sure what Kensi is up to….because he knows this could get him into a lot of trouble. Deeks is stunned when Kensi reveals that it is his belated birthday present.  But Deeks hesitates.  He doesn’t want to open the box because he knows that the best things in life are in the anticipation leading up to the event.  But the man is definitely scared and I don’t blame him…too much riding on what’s inside, don’t you think?

All the other romancing in this episode is coming from the Callen and Paris camp.  We get to find out a bit about Paris’ exotic background and Callen seems appropriately embarrassed by her reveal….actually they both do.  Kind of a sweet scene.

©CBS

©CBS

Best Lines from the Show:

Deeks:  There’s a box on my desk.

Callen:  Mind like a steel trap.

Sam:  More like a mouse trap.

 

Callen:  It’s an unusual name.  Paris?

Paris:  This coming from a guy who’s name is a letter in the alphabet?

Callen:  I can call you by your initial.

Paris:  No, thank you.

Callen:  Actually it has a certain ring to it…..a tinkle?

 

Deeks:  Those (shoes) are very neatly placed.  So we are looking for a killer with OCD?

Bromance Moments:

Callen:  If you snore…I’m gonna shoot you.

I loved hearing Callen admit that he doesn’t miss working alone since he started working with the big fellow!  It’s good to have a partner.

Densi Moments:

Deeks: No…This is not what it looks like.

Kensi:  It looks like a man holding a box.

Deeks:  An innocent man.  I have witnesses.  Listen it was addressed to you and I was taking it back to you. But which obviously looks like I took it but I didn’t take it…it was put there accidentally maybe on purpose and now I’m stuck holding your box.  Wow!

 

Deeks is very curious about the Red team and even asks how to get assigned to the team?  This is a bit foreboding.  Why do you want to know, Deeks?  Could this be a harbinger of things to come for the Detective?

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So far…so good.  Let’s bring it on home next week!  What do you think of the new spin off? Has the first part of this possible new series piqued your interest? Will you come back for part two? I promise you we will return for the conclusion of our review with a definitive decision on whether or not we give the new show two thumbs up or down. Join us back here again on NCISLA Magazine after next week’s conclusion of Red and be sure to leave your comments. We want to know if you think there is a future for this new NCIS franchise.

Exclusive Review

Wanted (4×17) Review by Phillydi

Chris O'Donnell directs LL Cool J in a scene from Wanted.

Chris O’Donnell directs LL Cool J in a scene from Wanted.

Wanted (4X17)

WRITTEN BY: R. Scott Gemmill
DIRECTED BY: Chris O’Donnell

Season Four is definitely the year of Sam Hanna. We have had the opportunity to peek inside the doors of casa Hanna to discover the moments that define him as a family man and husband. In Wanted the revelations continue with the return of Sam’s wife Quinn or Michelle depending on which role in life she is currently playing. At this time it looks like Mrs. Hanna wants to return to her former CIA undercover work and Sam doesn’t approve. He’s worried about his family and who can blame him? Getting involved again with a psychopath killer like Sidorov can lead to no good. But why should she give up a career she loves? The problem is when you have children, someone has to be responsible for their upbringing if the other dies. In this lethal mission, they both could be leaving behind orphans.

It’s great to see Chris O’Donnell adding directing credits to his resume and who better to interpret the character of Sam Hanna than the man who plays his alter ego, G. Callen. O’Donnell knows his character’s partner very well and should bring some new insight into the problems that Sam will face as he deals with stopping Sidorov and keeping his family safe. Sam Hanna wears his heart on his sleeve most of the time and I think O’Donnell will be able to find ways to exploit the positive and negative traits and turn it into a captivating episode.

Sidorov is up to his old tricks, killing off a would-be assassin and leaving behind clues and video of the murder for his rival, Kirkin.  The team needs answers…so where do you go to get all the Russian gossip on the streets of LA?  Arkady Kolcheck of course! (Do we all look alike?)  He has his suspicions why Sidorov would want to kill his rival but this also means Sidorov has returned to sell the stolen nukes and Sam’s wife is back in the game.  And so is CIA Officer Michael Snyder…who Kensi and Deeks are trying to keep out of the way while Sam and Callen continue the investigation on their own. Snyder’s interaction with Densi throughout the episode was definitely the highlight of the show for me.

Now that Sidorov is back, Sam is afraid that he and his partner, Greshnev know exactly where his family lives and has been watching Michelle the whole time.  If she was made…she is in extreme danger.  Fake Roger from season three’s The Watchers is back and we find out he was really a CIA officer (now working with Snyder)…and he has returned this time to help Michelle.  Sam has no other choice than to go undercover again as David Forman and Michelle must return as Quinn.  I enjoyed the conversation between Sam and Michelle addressing the nature of their work together. (At least no one is trying to kill us on date night.).  You can tell it’s a conversation they have had many times before.  It’s a dangerous life for both of them and I don’t know how you work out that conundrum.  The bad guys will always keep coming and your family will always be in harm’s way.  Sidorov is forcing her to kill Kirkin within 24 hours or she’s dead too.

Callen is now responsible for Michelle life after Sidorov finds a way to get rid of Sam and the weight of that assignment doesn’t fall so easily on his shoulders.  Despite having to adjust and adapt (Hetty’s orders), he doesn’t want to ever face Sam, if he fails.  In the meantime, Kensi has her own plan to go after Sidorov and it looks like it includes Deeks going undercover in a spa to romance Kirkin.  I thought Deeks was a goner when he came right out and introduced himself as LAPD, but in his inimitable way our favorite detective is able to convince Kirkin to go along with the plan…. despite a few tense moments underwater.

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The scene in Venice beach was a challenge to film according to O’Donnell but it was an exciting end to the episode with Sam saving the day.  Synder may have been the CIA officer you loved to hate, but I was really sad to see one of the best Densi antagonists gone.  In the end, Sidorov and the nukes are still missing….and as Hetty says…this is far from over.

O’Donnell did an admirable job as a first time director and from all the behind the scenes pictures and videos, it looks like he had a great time.  I look forward to seeing him return behind the camera again soon.

Show Highlights:

-Every scene with Deeks, Kensi and Snyder.  Magic.

-Nice to see even Sam and his wife have their little tiffs and domestic misunderstandings like any other married couple.  Forget it Sam…you’re not going to win.  (What are you two doing sneaking up in here like the damn Hardy boys?)

-Did Snyder just call Hetty a garden gnome?  Oh no he didn’t…..oh yes, he did!  He is going to wish he watched Deeks dislocate his wrist instead!

 

Best Lines in the Show:

Kensi: I’m so alone.

Deeks:  Does this mean we’re not looking for a German nail spa?  Kensi?  Liebchen? (Add that to your list of Kensi kicknames!)

—-

Callen:  It means it’s only a matter of time.

Snyder: When he does, we need to be there…preferably without Sonny and Cher here.

Callen:  Yeah, that’s not going to happen.

Deeks:  I got you babe.

—-

Deeks:  Ok, this is going to be hard to believe, but I’m not exactly following the Kensi logic train.  Apparently it doesn’t make stops in my neighborhood.

Bromance Moments:

Kolcheck: You two, still together?  That’s nice.  You’ve lasted longer than any of my marriages.  What is secret?

Sam:  We don’t go to bed angry.

Callen:  I let him drive.

—-

Sam:  Thanks for having my back in there partner.

Callen:  I will take a bullet for you but wives are a whole other thing.

Sam:  I’ll remember that.

Callen:  I don’t have a wife so….

Sam:  Stop talking.

Callen:….so I’m not talking from experience.

Sam:  So you should really stop talking.  But you won’t.

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©ericcolsen

Densi Moments:

I loved seeing Kensi and Deeks open up the episode with their classic Densi banter:

Kensi:  How would you describe how we settle arguments?

Deeks:  I apologize even when it’s not my fault…typical male, female dynamic.  Why?

Kensi:  What’s your greatest fear?

Deeks:  Quicksand…no headhunters…headhunters and being buried up to my neck in an ant hill which headhunters do.

Kensi:  So basically anything in a Tarzan movie.

Deeks:  Pretty much.

Kensi:  Do you have any reoccurring nightmares?

Deeks:  Just the one with Hetty and the burning monkey.

Kensi:  What?

Deeks:  I thought everybody had that.  I know Eric does.  That’s awkward.

Kensi:  What other job would you be doing if you weren’t in law enforcement?

Deeks:  Gigolo.

Kensi:  Seriously?

Deeks:  School teacher.

Kensi:  Really?

Deeks:  Who lives a double life as a Gigolo.  Why are you asking me all these questions?

OMG…bridal magazines, biological chocks and baby making?  I’m still trying to process all that!  What has gotten into Kensi?

—-

Snyder:  You two really think you can stall and keep me here all day?

Deeks:  I don’t know, can we?

Kensi:  How we doing so far?

What follows is one of the best head to head banter sessions that ECO and Daniela have ever put forth on an episode.  Supersillious?  Plain brilliant!

—-

Sobatino thinks there is something between Kensi and Deeks!  As much as Kensi denies it….the chemistry between her and Deeks is there. Come on Kens!

—–

Synder is also getting his chance to pull Deeks strings too, dissecting his partnership with Kensi.   I don’t think Deeks is too happy that Synder thinks she is only his partner.  Look at his face!  Yep, Snyder has touched a chord.   I think this is the first time I’ve seen out and out jealousy in Deeks.  Oh, one of these days….

—-

Deeks… naked… in…. a… spa.  I really don’t need to say anything else, do I ladies?

—-

Yes, like a dog, he’s leaving his smell on Kensi….oh and  the look he gives Sobatino!  You are way out of your league, Sobatin, baby…and you are playing with the master now!

—-

BEST DENSI EPISODE EVER!  I think I’m tearing up along with Kensi!  Finally!  Thank you Shane Brennan for moving the relationship a little bit further along!  YES!

And I’ll leave you with this:

Deeks:  You smell like sunshine ….and gun powder.  Two of my favorite things.

Now I’m crying….

Check out our interview today with Marcus Giamatti.  What a memorable guest star performance!  He was a delight to speak with and get to know!  We are taking a break next week with a replay of Recruit.  In two weeks, it’s the highly anticipated debut of the new NCIS franchise…NCIS:Red.  Callen and company will join the new undercover team in a two part crossover.  Join us back here at NCIS Magazine for my next review.

Follow me on twitter at @phillydi.

Lokhay (4X16) Review by Phillydi

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Lokhay (4X16)

Written by:  Joseph C. Wilson

Directed by:  Diana C. Valentine

We always love to see Joe ‘Boom-Boom’ Wilson’s name on a new NCIS Los Angeles script and with this episode we’re also excited that the talented Diana Valentine is sitting in the directing chair for her first time leading the NCISLA team behind the camera!  As you may know, Diana usually works as the show’s Script Supervisor so it will be interesting to see how her experience transfers over to her new assignment.  Although this is not her first time directing a hit show (Nip Tuck), I’m sure her work on NCISLA since 2009 will serve her well.

Tonight, Sam feels honor bound to help an old friend search for his missing nephew despite the conflicts it may cause at work.  The friend was a village elder in Afghanistan who granted him what’s called Lokhay and hence the title of the episode.  He vowed to protect Sam during his escape from the Taliban and protect him at all costs.  When missing boy is abducted at the beginning of the show, Sam seeks the help of Eric and Nell to covertly find information on the accident.  Of course, Sam is prohibited by Granger and Hetty to use company time to find the boy, but he cashes in on his personal leave to make good on his promise.  But wait!  Good ol’ Eric finds a loop hole!  The footage of the abduction shows a well-known terrorist (played by Cas Anvar) who recruits local Muslims to the Taliban.  What’s he doing here in the States?  Deeks fears he may be trying to put together his own cell and possibly go after the three stolen nuclear bombs currently possessed by arms trafficker Isaak Sidorov?  Great way to set up next week’s episode!

After a drive by at the laundry mat that Amir’s family owns, it looks like his friend is involved in more ways than Sam can imagine.  Yusef past is coming back to haunt him because the Taliban will never forgot his act of kindness to Sam.  But Sam is stunned and the burden of repercussions is on his shoulders now.  Callen warns Sam he’s thinking with his heart and not his head and we all know how big Sam’s heart is.  But Sam knows the Taliban will not give up and only playing by his heart will he be able to save his friends.

At the end, Sam finds that all his good intentions have turned against him and what Hetty feared the most has come to fruition.  That big heart has gotten him into a lot of trouble this time and now his life is on the line.  This has happen to us all at some point in time without such dire consequences but it still hurts when someone you care about turns against you.  Hetty knows it’s time to save Sam, physically and emotionally.

LL.Cool J with ©casanvar

LL.Cool J with ©casanvar

This episode had a lot of solid moments and was well played out.  Despite Amir’s defection to the Taliban,  Yusef had no other way out.  He did what he had to do despite the odds.  The final scene with Sam was very touching and despite having to go where his heart takes him…Sam would not have it any other way.

Boy!  Does Hetty give out the best punishments or what??!

 

 

 

Highlights from the Show:

  • It’s sad to see Sam question his actions when it comes to his friends.  It injures him to see those around him always getting hurt.  This is a giant of a man that takes everything personally and strait to the heart.  (Callen “You got a big heart Sam, like a big giant teddy bear….you want to hug.”).   But Hetty sees a downfall in all of this….it’s good to do the right thing…but it may be clouding his judgment.  Not good in his line of work.
  • Although this was a Sam-centric story, I have to admit this episode really helped to move the Densi storyline along just a little.  At least they are starting to talk to each other….  BIG step forward.

 

Best Lines from the Show:

Eric:  I’m even terrified to even repeat what Hetty said she would do to me if I ever helped you off the record again.

 

Deeks: Well, hello Clarice!

Kensi:  What’s a good kid like Amir doing with a handgun?

Deeks:  Protection?  Maybe he read somebody’s diary….memoir.

 

Nell:  The term Ambassador is used multiple times as well as the phrase…death to all infidels.

Granger:  These guys need to get new material.

 

Callen:  Buckle up…take notes.  (My new catch phrase!)

 

Bromance Moments:

  • I enjoyed Sam telling Callen that Hetty knew all along he had been hiding out in the boatshed for three months.    The expression on Callen’s face was wonderful.
  • No one can do a chase scene like Sam and Callen!  What a great 360 degree turn around!  Really enjoyed the way that was captured on film.  Fancy driving is right…..Despite the injuries to the Challenger!

Densi Moments:

  • After bailing out on Deek’s birthday, Kensi knows better than try to get out of the financial seminar Deeks is so excited about….oh wait!  Surprise, surprise Deeks doesn’t want to go either.  Do these two ever share a meaningful conversation?  I think if they really knew what was going on inside each other’s mind they would freak.  As Sam says….”Wow.”
  • Well, at least Deeks realizes they don’t know everything about each other yet. …and asks Kensi to tell him something he doesn’t know about her.  Not a good idea.  I’m not sure why Kensi has to react with violence every time Deeks does or says something she doesn’t like.   I think Deeks gets hurt more by Kensi than the bad guys!
  • Deeks does what all good friends (future lovers?) do….they try to help friends accomplish their dreams which is why he suggested taking Kensi to the seminar after reading her memoir.  Is Deeks including himself in her future family?  Hmmm.
  •  Deeks was a stripper!  I don’t think she was hoping to find such a tasty morsel of information when she asked Deeks to share something about his past.  Yes, Kensi….BEST DAY EVER!!!  Boom!

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Great collaborative effort between writer and director!   We look forward to seeing Diana in the Director’s chair again very soon!  Thanks also to Cas Anvar for sitting down with us for an interview on his guest star role as the Ambassador.  Check out his interview today on NCISLA Magazine.  We’ll be back next week with an episode where we will see the return of Sam’s wife and her reentry into the world of undercover work.  See you back next week, right here on NCISLA Magazine!