Category Archives: Review

Rude Awakenings (4×06) Review

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Rude Awakenings (4×06)
Written by: Frank Military
Directed by: Karen Gaviola

It seems strange to be back home sitting in front of my TV and watching the latest episode of NCIS:LA. Just a few days ago I was in Los Angeles visiting the Paramount lot and watching the taping of episode 11. For me and my colleague, sindee it was a magical day and I promise I will document the experience very soon. For now we have to get back to the conclusion of Out of the Past (4×05). Rude Awakenings is written again by Frank Military, but this time it’s directed by Karen Gaviola, who we haven’t seen behind the camera since season two (Overwatch). The team is continuing to investigate the death of a CIA agent Sam worked with in the past. In order to solve the case, Sam must reveal a very private and perhaps compromising secret as shown on the provocative trailer for the episode.

It was an exciting beginning as the team worked together with joint forces across the country to find the other Russian sleeper agents harboring nuclear weapons. It’s determined that all of the agents were killed and tortured by a former SFB who became an international arms broker. The team must find the bombs first before Sidorov does. Hetty suggests a visit to our ol’ pal Arkady, who Callen and Sam always find annoying but eventually useful. This time he’s worried about the hidden bombs but is not able to help them in finding Sidorov. But according to the CIA, Sidorov is high up there on the Russian food chain and they are going to have to send someone in undercover to smoke Sidorov out and it has to be someone he trusts. Now Sam and the team have to go in quickly because Kensi and Deeks discover one of the bombs is missing!

The team is still not trusting Granger and they keep tap dancing around the Assistant Director to keep him in the dark about Sam’s involvement in the case. He’s brighter than they give him credit for and he keeps showing up like a bad penny. But I enjoyed watching Jose Ferrer interact with the rest of the cast in his usual dead pan manner. You have to admit his character is a great foil when put up against the rest of the team. I actually look forward to his involvement. Granger keeps the rest of the team on their toes and despite the distrust, he does have their back. Were you surprised as the rest of the team when Sam holds out his hand to Granger? It surely meant a lot to him because Sam Hanna doesn’t suffer fools gladly.

In order to go undercover the team needs help. Enter Quinn. We’ve seen her shown in the trailers but now we find out how she fits in. At first it looks like she was a former love interest. The mission to set up Sidorov was well played by the NCIS team and to kill off his enemy Sidorov hires Quinn as a hit (wo)man! But Quinn may be in trouble and Sam is worried that she may have been compromised. And for good reason….. Quinn is Sam’s wife! We now know how Sam is able to live two lives. She understands his job and the dangers that come with it. Looks like she wants some of that action again too! The bombs are still out there and I doubt if we have seen the last of Mrs. Sam Hanna (played beautifully by Aunjanue Ellis). Another door has open and we get to find out just a bit more about the team. I guess I shouldn’t be surprised that Sam would choose such a strong woman as his mate. It all makes sense now. It should be interesting how their lives play out in future episodes. This story is not over.

Show Highlights:

Love how Eric and Nell try to stall for Sam and Callen by giving Granger a lesson on the construction of nuclear bombs. Eric: “Just for the fun of it….let’s take a look at the math.”
Enjoyed seeing Granger working the case with the team.
Callen and Monty! Sam had better watch out! G may have a new partner here!

Best Lines from the Show:

Granger: You know things are bad when she calls me.
Eric: Will they go boom? Yes, they will.
Sam: If you ever want to see blue skies again that are not trimmed in razor wire, I need you to roll over like a Chihuahua.
Deeks: How ya doing? Good talk.
Nell: Believe me, by the time I’m done, they will have to dig to China to know this isn’t real.

Bromance Moments:

You have to wonder what Callen is thinking… knowing that not only Sam but his wife is in jeopardy when facing Sidorov. He knows them both well. But does he know them well enough to know how it will all play out?

Densi Moments:

Riverdance! Check out the look on the other agents’ faces when Deeks starts to tap dance around the living room floor! Kensi: “You heard the man! Riverdance!”

Check out our fun interview with Layla Crawford where she talks about what it was like to play Sam’s daughter and to work with LL Cool J. And next week we get to watch Densi surf! Definitely looking forward to that episode! We also have a special interview with Greg Cipes who will join Kensi and Deeks as a fellow surfer on the beach. So come back and join me again for all the excitement at NCISLA Magazine!

Out of the Past (4X05) Review by Phillydi

Out of the Past @cbs

Out of the Past (4 X 05)

Written by: Frank Military

Directed by: Dennis Smith

Hello NCISLA Familia! Wasn’t too sure I was going to be here this week after surviving a one-two punch from Hurricane Sandy but I am happy to report all is well for my family and friends. Thanks so much for your support and concern during the last two days. Gratefully, we have a new episode to take our minds off natural disasters and if you are a Sam Hanna fan… Frank Military has written a beaut! The first part introduces us to an old friend of Sam’s from the CIA who comes to the agent for help. Unfortunately, Sam finds him dead from an apparent suicide. The team joins their friend in the search for his killer and at first the only clue left behind is a poodle by the name of Chaucer. Sam sends Kensi and Deeks off to find out more about the dog which leads to many of the lighter moments in the show. But more on that later.

We find out from a CIA love interest that that Sam’s former colleague was working on a special project that went back to the cold war. The Sinclair project was established to find Russian sleeper agents with nuclear weapons and disarm the bombs. Turner discovered the project was more than just an urban legend but was soon discredited by the feds. He sends a unique but simple cypher code out to Sam (via his stomach contents!). The team has to find the key but with no electronic records, Eric is like a fish out of water.

Ok, back to the dog. To Deeks dismay, Hetty sends him undercover with Chaucer. (I think Deeks knows Chaucer is way above his station. Give him good ol’ Monty any day!) Along with Kensi, the threesome is on the lookout for another contestant at a dog show that may have had dealings with Turner. (I’m not sure Kensi knows what to make of her partner’s new found dog whispering techniques though.) Under interrogation, Pierce tells them Turner has been stalking him. Callen and Sam determine its Pierce’s parents that could be the Russian sleeper agents Turner was searching for. With fifty rounds fired during the shootout, it looks like we got our suspects!

The Russians were on to Turner which according to Hetty can only mean the Sinclair project must be real and there are more agents out there waiting to set off the hidden nuclear bombs. Sam was Turner’s failsafe all along and he knew Sam would take him seriously. I love the way Sam figures out how to see through Turner’s eyes. You could almost see the wheels turning in his head. With a little help from Eric, the team has figured out who the sleeper agents are but can they get to them before the arms dealer does?!

Show Highlights:

We get to see a member of the team open up the show which is definitely a highlight. Anybody remember the last time that happened?
Looks like there is trouble in paradise with Nell and Eric. Eric is trying his best but Nell is just not taking the bait.
Deeks talking pig Latin to Kensi in front of Chaucer was hysterical.
Hetty and Nell out drinking together? Now wouldn’t you want to be a fly on that wall?

Best Lines from the Show:

Eric: It’s because of stuff like that I don’t leave ops.

Callen: Spider man will protect you.

Sam: Those pajamas come with feet?

Eric: I cut the feet off. I don’t wear footie pajamas…they don’t come in my size.

@cbs

Deeks: Oh, a poodle, no, sorry, I don’t do poodles. Huge attitude, untrainable.

Kensi: Actually they are one of the three most intelligent breeds of dogs.

Deeks: I will have you know that Monty is brilliant and humble.

Kensi: Monty eats sponges.

Deeks: That’s true.

******

Deeks: Poodles are the pit bulls of France.

Kensi: God, my partner’s Dr. Doolittle.

******

Deeks: Paid to have sex in Paris? I should have been born a dog. I walked into that one didn’t I?

******

Deeks: (To Chaucer) If you’re going to walk next to me, no prancing. I don’t want the Doberman’s laughing at us.

Bromance Moments:

Callen: Come on a spy ring when we were kids, you turn it and the letters line up? I love that ring. It was my first piece of spy gear.

Sam: I don’t think I’ve ever seen him so excited.

Callen: It’s a cool ring.

Sam: I know what I’m getting you for Christmas.

@cbs

Densi Moments:

Deeks gets back at Kensi from a previous episode! Deeks: She doesn’t understand you? She’s my partner…welcome to my world!
Oh you must really want the bacon! One grab of Deeks posterior had fanfic writers all over the world in ecstasy.
Pierce: A stud doesn’t have to breed with a bitch. It’s the other way around. Deeks: I hope you’re listening to this (to Kensi). (Tell me you didn’t say that Deeks?!)

I really enjoyed how the team all worked together on this one. More brain than brawn going on here. Stay tuned for part two of Out of the Past in two weeks. What did you enjoy the most about this episode? What do you think is in store for Sam and the team in their search for the Russian agents? Leave us your comments. See you then!

Dead Body Politic (4X04) Review by Phillydi

@cbs

Dead Body Politic (4X04)

Written by: Jordana Lewis Jaffe

Directed by: Tony Wharmby

Hi folks, and welcome back to another exciting episode of NCIS Los Angeles. This time we’re going with an election themed episode which is very appropriate considering we are in the middle of another Presidential campaign here in the States. Shane Brennan has told TV Line that the show hopes to “really touch a nerve with the audience in terms of what they think of politicians. We tried to make it very contemporary in that sense.”

The team gets involved when the aide of a senatorial candidate gets killed; possibly making it a matter of national security depending on whether or not it was an accident or murder. Rachel Ticotin plays the feisty politician who is being called the everyman’s candidate but has a lot of enemies out there. Unfortunately, she’s not doing well in the polls and now there are five targets…but only one dead staff member.

In goes Kensi as an undercover staff member for Tenez and Sam and Callen find a possible non-violent suspect who is a bit clueless. (Sam: The guy cares more about muffins than mayham.) Could it be the campaign manager making false promises? Or is Tenez playing both sides? After Tenez is targeted in an assassination attempt, the team is still left with a lot of questions and a candidate that has given up. Leave it to our brilliant tech ops who finally discover that the campaign funds are going everywhere but into the campaign. Hetty was right. This was an inside job!

I realy enjoy when Kensi uses her old fashion woman’s intuition to identify the target and connect the dots. With the rest of the team working solidly behind her, the real suspect is identified and killed. Not exactly a case of national security but yes, the old folks definately took care of business! Poor Mr. Deeks!

Show Highlights:

-Hetty practices a Tietan Yoga known as Tsa lung Trul Khor for her incredible heart rate. I enjoyed the boys trying to keep up with the little ninja!

-Is it any surprise that Hetty is a political junky despite her dislike of the word? But I would like to have front row seats to watch the show down! Hetty for President, indeed!

-I guess there is no love lost between Hetty and the CIA or that was a very unique way of answering the phone!

-Don’t you want to know what happen during the 72 hours Hetty ruled Nicaragua? I DO!

-Sam going eco in the Southland coffee shop was fun!

-Hetty’s running the Presidential debates! No surprise there….

Best Lines from the Show:

Sam: The last person who got into a political debate with Hetty ended up retired and on disability.
Callen: I hear he’s back on solids.

Deeks: Easy wonder twins, you’re scaring the old folks.
Sam: Who you calling old?
Callen: I would choose your next words wisely.
Deeks: I don’t mean old from a physical stand point…because obviously… I mean from a metaphysical standpoint because you have a more mature spirit….
Sam: Ah!
Callen: Are you thinking, what I think you’re thinking?
Sam: Yeah…push-ups.
Deeks: No… no… why push-ups? Oh God, really? Push-ups?

Deeks: Ok, you just made your ‘I just found a Kit Kat in my seat cushion face’.

Bromance Moments:

So the boys are worried about getting old this time. Don’t you enjoy listening to them worry together:

Sam: I don’t need to sit….old people need to sit.
Callen: You’re not worried about those push-ups are you?
Sam: Who does Deeks think he is calling us old?
Callen: We’re not old, we’re wise.
Sam: We’re sophisticated.
Callen: We’re…
Eric: Wearing mikes!

Densi Moments:

-Kensi can’t get a break on her driving…Deeks: No that’s ok, I can definitely walk to the curb from here.

-I enjoy how Deeks likes to taunt Kensi with his flirting. As much as she tries to ignore it, we all know it bothers her somewhere deep down.

-Yes, Kensi….Deeks derriere is not too shabby. But then you know that! LOL!

-Get a load of Deeks’ smile after Osborne calls Kensi a feisty stallion! Deeks can only assume what happens after the lights go down!

–Freaks, Geeks and Deeks! No more needs to be said! Except that Kensi is thinking about Deeks in the shower! HA!

Please leave me your comments about tonight’s show and tell me what you think! Hope to see you all back here next week with a new two part episod… Out of the Past and our review on NCIS:LA Magazine!

The Fifth Man Review by Phillydi

The Fifth Man (4X03)
Written by Dave Kalstein
Directed by John Kousakis

Hello! Welcome back this week for a much anticipated episode written by our man Dave Kalstein! Ever since pictures of the team’s real-life mothers surfaced on the internet, fans were charmed by the images of these special moms with their four famous children. There was also some buzz about another female addition being added to the show on recurring bases. Kensi meets a way-ward teenage girl (played by Abbie Cobb) who reminds the agent what it was like to be hurt and vulnerable at such a young age. Looks like things are going to get real interesting. Despite all the distractions, the team is also investigating the deaths of four people connected to a compromised intel operation. Yep, just another day at the Mission, folks!

Dave starts the show off with a bang. Four people dead, one missing. The team has to find the missing team member who was part of a group, who had never met each other, but were selected to tap into a collective public intelligence to work together on a project – Operation Wide Awake. There’s more than one suspect that the team is looking for including a young girl that Kensi and Deeks first encounter while searching for the missing team member. It seems she’s involved with the group but in a very unique way. Unfortunately, she knows too much and the team has to keep her safe…if they can find her.

The storyline between Kensi and Astrid has to pull at your heartstrings. Despite Deeks wanting his partner to be cautious, Kensi can see a part of her own hurt reflected in the girl’s eyes and she just can’t look away. But Kensi’s interaction with Astrid was great to watch. Even Deeks was impressed! In our interview with Cobb she feels Astrid is one of the most interesting characters she’s ever played. “My character is a high functioning autistic teen and that’s what makes her so unique and fun to explore. Her uniqueness and family background bring Kensi and Astrid together… that’s another reason to love the character—she has such a cool story!” (Check out the second part of our interview with Abbie on Thursday where she talks more about Astrid and her time spent on the set.)

When the team finds out (with Nell’s help) that Operation Wide Awake is a bust, they deduce the director of the project had to kill the group of intel workers to keep the word from getting out. Unfortunately, Astrid doesn’t have much time if the director finds her first.

Since Astrid (hopefully) will become a recurring character… it’s safe to say all ended well. The last scene in the boathouse with Kensi and Astrid was fun to watch and put a smile on my face. Abbie Cobb was terrific as Astrid and a great choice to play the autistic teen. We’re looking forward to her return to the show soon.

Show Highlights

Even though we got a sneak preview of the moms in action, it was fun to see them perform in the context of the storyline. And they did great despite some of their children’s misgivings: Chris thought Shane Brennan’s invitation was a joke at first. Eric didn’t know they would have dialogue but loved seeing her in makeup. LL was so nervous for his mom and Daniela was scared that her mother could trip over the wiring! But they were as composed and talented as their kids and proved the fruit doesn’t fall too far from the tree!
Gotta remember the bad sushi move! As long as I don’t have to tell Callen….
Since Dave Kalstein is a Sayoc Practitioner, we got to see the team train in the fighting art at the opening of the show. I think Dave needs to give Deeks hands on training!
Hetty and Nell are precious together. So much respect there.
Nice to see ECO in a breast cancer public service announcement. Way to go Eric!

Best Lines from the Show

Deeks: You know what they say….what happens in Vegas…..

Kensi: Will leave you curled up in a little fetal position begging for mercy.

Deeks: Promise?

******

Hetty: This is a chair, Ms. Jones. Sit in it!

******

Deeks: I love a little butter with my cheese.

******

Deeks: Just to be clear, I am always in your league!

Kensi: In your dreams!

Deeks: All the time.

Bromance Watch

Looks like there is a little bit of bromance continuing between Sam and Deeks. I think Sam is one up on Deeks this time!

*******

A good bromance starts with a good upbringing and your mother should know:

Mom 1: Now that’s what I call two well-mannered young men!

Mom 2: Someone certainly taught them well!

Densi Watch

I think Kensi was really jealous of Deek’s Vegas date
Deeks got the last Touché in! Good for you Deeks!
See! It’s apparent to everyone who sees them: Mom 3: What a handsome couple they are! Where did that brunette get those legs?
I love when Kensi tries to throw Deeks off her true feelings. I mean what girl in her right mind has had enough Deek- time? I mean really?
Deeks finds out a very sensitive piece of information about Kensi’s past. I wonder how it will affect their relationship in the future…hmmm. It seemed to shake him up a little.
Fern’s back!!!
Astrid is quite perceptive…even she knows there is a Densi. Sweet!

We’ll be back next time with our review for Dead Body Politic (4X04). Don’t forget to read the second part of our interview with Abbie Cobb on Thursday when she talks more about her recurring role as Astrid!

Recruit – Review by Phillydi

Recruit (4X02)

Written by: R. Scott Gemmill

Directed by: James Whitmore, Jr.

After a successful opening premier episode, the team gets down to business doing what they do best…going undercover! This time it’s investigating the death of a retired Marine sergeant who was found dead in Afghanistan after an American drone hits a bomb making compound where he was living. Callen, Sam, Kensi and Deeks get to go undercover together but far from the streets of Los Angeles. After seeing Deeks perched on top of a camel in promotional pictures, I couldn’t wait to see what trouble the detective and his colleagues would get into. Written by R. Scott Gemmill (author of one of my fav episodes Tin Soldiers), the agents have to find out whether our rouge ex-marine was a traitor to his country or if he was mixed up in some form of espionage.

Sounds like pretty heavy stuff but Shane Brennan claimed this episode was the funniest episode they have made yet and that Densi fans were going to love it. They were definately throwing the barbs around furiously. It was like watching a tennis match! We got to find out what Deeks did on his summer vacation over and over again to the dismay of his co-workers. Except maybe for Sam who we found out loves Deeks pictures! Who would have thought? And I don’t think I ever heard Sam and Deeks laughing so loud together. Callen: I love it when our boys get along. Me too, Mr. Callen!

Of course we all love a heart to heart with Callen and Hetty. It was sad to hear them talk about all the people who have gone before, including Hunter. How could we even consider Hetty ever leaving this blessed coil? But you got to love her no business attitude about death. No tears for Hetty Lange….except from all her fans.

The search for the missing Marine made for an interesting backdrop which allowed the teams to creatively work together to find out why he may have turned traitor. We haven’t seen this much case work in awhile. I enjoyed watching the partners find the answers they needed to solve this case. Who knew their were groups out their kidnapping American service men to extort information from them. Another form of human traffic. Alarming and so very scary. The rescue was a satisfying end to the mission. All in all, I would have to say it was a fun show..maybe not the funniest but a lot of fun to watch.

Show Highlights

Poor Sam, all the man wants is his chair back. Will someone give him his chair back, please, before someone gets hurt!
Eric and Nell discussing their favorite elements was a riot. (Nell: Do you use this line at the genius bar?) Too much geek for me, but funny never-the less! I think I like Hetty’s favorite element better.
If that wasn’t good enough, Eric and Nell doing their Men in Black imitation was terrific. Can never have enough Eric and Nell out in the field! And it’s good to know that Eric is safe with Nell. That scene was getting a bit hot towards the end, and the poll taken on the Ipad app agreed!
Hetty’s talk with Sam and Callen about their trip to Dubai was classic. The last time we saw the whole team together overseas was Romania. And their activity in the airport was pure NCIS:LA! I love when they work together with such precision.
Hetty laughing at Deeks falling asleep on Sam’s shoulder was wonderful! You had to giggle along with her.

Best Lines from the Show

Callen: From what I hear Granger is going to have you stuffed in a life like pose for his office. Hetty: Don’t be cheeky. Though I wouldn’t put it past him.

Deeks: So he’s an equal opportunity exploder? No? Alright, at least I’m trying.

Deeks: You have to admit I’m like rocking that turbin. That’s like Lawrence of Arabia.

Sam: Look at these posters. What is this… security by Abacrombie? These guys couldn’t protect a frat party.

Bromance Watch

Sam is always watching out for Callen including his latest culinary habits: Sam: How can you eat someone without even knowing what it is? Callen: Carlos is the iron chef of the food trucks!
Callen: I seldom shudder. Sam: That’s true I’ve never seen him shudder. Ha!

@cbs

Densi Watch

Deeks sharing his vacation pictures with Kensi was a riot. He seemed to really miss Kensi on his travels. He emailed her every day! Although Kensi did her best to make it seem she wasn’t interest. Not buying it, Kens.
The touche inappropriate discussion was so much fun to watch. Only Densi could have a discussion like that and make it hilarious! (Deeks: Let me just drop some knowledge on you.) The double-entendres were flying! Kensi: Touche, touche, you can’t touch my touche! Deeks: Ok, that’s a human resources violation that is going into my report to Hetty.
Somehow I can’t believe that Deeks’ favorite numer is 4.0026. Even Sam can’t believe that his favorite number is the atomic weight of helium. Of course it’s because it makes you talk funny! Would there be a better reason for Deeks?
Sharzies? And don’t say sharzies!

It was great to see Anthony Azizi guest star in this episode as Ahamadi. Check out Part One of our interview now with Anthony and on Thursday, Part Two where he shares his experiences on set and a funny story that happen while working with Daniela Ruha.

Don’t forget our interview with Felix Ryan too! He was a delight to speak to and really enjoyed his time on set as well. We’ll be back again next week at NCIS:LA Magazine to review The Fifth Man (4X03). Make sure you’re here!