Beacon (6×21) Preview
by Gayle (@DensiLand)
Written by: Jordana Lewis Jaffe; Directed by: Diana Valentine
Official CBS Press Release – “Beacon” – Callen and Sam are shocked when an old acquaintance, who they thought was the recent victim of a murder, appears and asks for their help. As the team investigates, they uncover a possible breach of America’s economic sanctions against Russia, on NCIS: LOS ANGELES, Monday, April 20 (9:59-11:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network.
“The case that will change everything,” taunts the sinister voice in the promo. Everything? Wow, that’s a broad statement! “Everything” would be an incredible encompassing aspect in relation to just a single member of the team; to possibly apply this to the entire team is quite the overwhelming situation!
As the promo continues, we’re further struck with the realization of “They just don’t know it yet.” Well, of course they don’t; where’s the intrigue in that?! But wait. They don’t know? Not even Hetty? I doubt anyone is believing that!
An old acquaintance? Welcome back to our old friend Arkady! Life is always slightly more interesting (and usually in some form of jeopardy) when someone from Callen’s past is in the mix. However, based on a follow-up promo, might we be saying our final “do svidaniya” to the Russian comrade?
Is Arkady actually the (and/or only) acquaintance referenced? If he is, then it seems fairly simple to consider a notably long and distinguished list of those who might want the international transplant dead. Sam and Callen might have their hands full (and patience tested) if they have to investigate this familiar character! Yet as is the regular case with our beloved drama, the more important question is “Why might someone want Arkady dead?” Does he pose a threat? Does he know too much? (Just add these to the ever-growing, near-eternal scroll of queries true fans have accumulated over the years. Yes, we’re looking at you Executive Producer, Mr. John Peter Kousakis and your recent finale-related tweet of “Questions answered”.)
Keen viewers may have already taken note of another curious inclusion on the guest list: G’s woman, Joelle. Curious indeed. Will this episode present another instance of G’s precarious balance of work and social lives, or now that Joelle is part of their “inner circle”, have the two intermingled? Will Joelle provide needed comfort or only further complicate Callen’s focus? (This query could just as well be applied to his loyal partner as well.) Is there a possibility she is an element of this week’s mystery surrounding the team’s “lone wolf”?
On a lighter aspect the case seems to lead the team to an affluent pool area. We can only wonder what might force (other than Hetty, of course) Callen and Sam to be attired similar to “cabana boys”. (Wait. Isn’t Deeks the one with an affinity for cabanas?) Speaking of the detective, he and his partner broadly exercise their skills by investigating everything from a car trunk to an apparent mansion. (Could said mansion be the dwelling of the aforementioned Arkady?) Oh what a tangled web writer Jordana Lewis Jaffe has woven for us as the season winds down, but the tension continues to build!
Let us also recognize a very special milestone of this 141st episode. It is the first time an NCISLA offering has been written and directed by a pair of skilled and passionate women! We send an enthusiastic collective “Brava!” to writer Jordana Lewis Jaffe and director Diana Valentine. How might their female power be expressed through our treasured characters?
Which definition of Beacon will apply? Will these latest happenings serve as a warning or enlightening “Beacon” of hope to Callen’s past Next… on NCISLA?
