Category Archives: Next On NCISLA

Next on… NCISLA! One More Chance (5×22) Preview by Gayle (@DensiLand)

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One More Chance (5×22) Preview

By Gayle (@DensiLand)

Written by: David J. North; Directed by: Tony Wharmby

Official CBS Press Release – “One More Chance” – Sam is convinced that the theft of software for a new unmanned aerial vehicle is connected with the disappearance of the lead engineer’s 10-year-old daughter, a girl Sam once provided protection detail for in Saudi Arabia, on NCIS: LOS ANGELES, Tuesday, April 29 (9:00-10:01 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network.

This week’s adventure will clearly disturb Sam in both professional and personal ways. As is a near daily occurrence for the team, national security has been compromised. With top secret software presumably in the hands of the country’s enemies, the implications are both numerous and dangerous. Might the thieves apply, give, or sell the technology to a foreign state, effectively erasing any competitive advantage the United States might have with advanced military weaponry? Could this be part of a devious international plot to take control of an unmanned aerial vehicle in order to pose a threat to another country, resulting in a false claim of the US taking unprovoked action? Perhaps this is an effort in domestic terrorism, to maliciously use the vehicle against the US on its own soil?

As a recurring theme of NCISLA, the root of the matter likely returns to the quandary of “head vs heart”. While Sam is a die-hard military man, he often serves as the quiet yet emotional center and protector of the team. We’ve seen Sam highly distressed by a previously kidnapped girl in “Little Angels” (2×5). More recently, he’s openly expressed his heart-felt dedication to his own little girl. A combination of nightmare factors converge in this case – a kidnapping, a young girl, his past military background, and probably most upsetting is the issue of his previous direct connection to the victim. How will Sam balance his Navy SEAL head and his “teddy bear” heart? Will he engage in this mission in solitary fashion or will he rely on his steady and fact-based partnership with Callen to calm the turbulent waves of thoughts and feelings?

While all of these aspects make for a fulfilling case and episode, even more is in store for both the team and viewers! In the midst of the promotional video is an accustomed explosion that yet again leaves Kensi and Deeks hurtling to the ground in its wake. And if that wasn’t “explosive” enough, a new partnership will be introduced with Granger and Nell in the field together! Might Hetty and the Afghanistan mission be a topic of conversation? The knowledge they each hold on these topics could likely fill an entire library!

Will “One More Chance” be enough for Sam and the team Next… on NCISLA?

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Next on… NCISLA! Three Hearts (5×21) Preview by Gayle (@DensiLand)

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Three Hearts (5×21) Preview

By Gayle (@DensiLand)

Written by: Dave Kalstein & Kyle Harimoto; Directed by: Diana Valentine

Official CBS Press Release – “Three Hearts” – When an undercover NCIS agent is suspected of working for the smuggler he’s supposed to be investigating, the team takes him into custody to find his true intentions. Meanwhile, Kensi and Deeks discuss their personal relationship as Kensi returns to the field, on NCIS: LOS ANGELES, Tuesday, April 15 (9:00-10:01 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network. Daniel Henney guest stars as Paul Angelo, the undercover NCIS agent.

An agent gone rogue? The team is again faced with the unenviable question of “friend or foe”? While initial subjective judgments will be made, it will be their job to work through the facts, clues, and perhaps some secrets to discover the root of the situation. Has this agent actually turned traitor, voluntarily or under duress – or is this simply a deep cover? Will the team be forced to right the wrong of a colleague or come to his aid in a larger investigation?

It’s always toughest when it’s one of your own in the cross-hairs. As is often asked by this show, “Who do you trust?” Do you side with the evidence or your gut? Will the core of this agent come to light through a physical altercation with Callen and Sam, or more likely, losing a psychological challenge with Hetty?

This case may present even more significance given the notable guest star, Daniel Henney, who portrays the agent in question (Paul Angelo). Among his many acting credits was a recurring role on “Hawaii Five-0”, the previous professional home of co-writer Kyle Harimoto. Looks like the NCISLA “’ohana” will be expanding once again!

In this episode that appears to highlight the “head vs heart”, Deeks and Kensi are sure to be center stage. Raising the stakes even more is illustrious writer Dave Kalstein, who is known as the virtual keeper and protector of these characters. His recent tweets have revealed a “soul-searching” story that “picks up right where ‘The Frozen Lake’ left off”. For those of you who may have forgotten (but really who could forget?!), before Kensi was ordered off to Afghanistan, Deeks promised to be patient as Kensi (finally) admitted to their “thing”. For Densi fans, this is clearly the next highly-sought step in their evolution from partnership to friendship to relationship.

Following her physical capture, corporal punishment, and the emotional strain of coming face-to-face with her long-lost fiancé Jack, in what condition might Kensi’s mind and heart find themselves now? Is she still willing to cautiously forge ahead, having realized the value of life, or will the fallout from her time abroad result in a self-protective retreat, fleeing from and steeling herself from additional harm? Similarly, has absence made Deeks’ heart grow fonder or has he become too keenly aware of the precarious nature of fortifying their personal connection at the possible expense to their professional partnership? In this presumed turning point, Daniela Ruah and Eric Christian Olsen are sure to present a delicate balance of tone and emotion to their beloved characters.

As regular script supervisor Diana Valentine returns to the directing chair, a formidable trifecta of episode leadership is in place with Kalstein and Harimoto. With all three dedicated full-time to NCISLA throughout the season, a foundation of faith, excitement, and comfort is provided to the fans.

Will our hearts be overflowing with joy or sinking to the depths of despair NEXT… on NCISLA?

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Next on… NCISLA! Windfall (5×20) Preview by Gayle (@DensiLand)

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Windfall (5×20) Preview

By Gayle (@DensiLand)

Written by: Gil Grant; Directed by: Eric A. Pot

Official CBS Press Release – “Windfall” – When the NCIS: Los Angeles team investigates a case involving a former marine who is being tracked down by members of al Qaeda for embezzling money from Iraq, Hetty assigns Nell to join Deeks in the field. Meanwhile, Eric is given a new partner in Ops, on NCIS: LOS ANGELES, Tuesday, April 8 (9:00-10:01 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network.

In a season that has constantly switched up the partnerships, “Windfall” joins the ranks. This week viewers are presented with a second offering of “Velma and Shaggy” as Nell again joins Deeks in the field. As both were just in unenviable positions, might this provide the sibling-like duo a chance for a personal debriefing about the Afghanistan rescue mission? Deeks undoubtedly needs the support and inquisitive Nell could seek first-hand insight into being a field agent in a high-stakes, uncommon operation. Regardless of the foundational topic, bring on the team bonding!

While the rotating door of temporary partners was plausible during Kensi’s absence, this situation appears to be unacceptable now that the detective’s “real” partner is back on home soil. In this case, does Deeks really know what’s best for Kensi? Similarly, will Callen and Sam work to objectively assimilate Kensi back into her agent role or will they lean toward overprotecting her like the “big brothers” they inherently are?

With Nell in the field, Ops gains a “fill-in” to work with Eric and assist the team with the current case. Could this role be filled with the recently-returned Agent Blye? Following her harrowing experience, it would be customary for her to be “sidelined”, having her field-status suspended. Knowing what Kensi has been through, how will the naturally nervous tech handle being in such close proximity to Kensi?

Mirroring a similar situation with Deeks earlier in the season, Hetty indicates the need for Kensi to be assessed. Speaking of Hetty, it seems she has some explaining to do. Will Hetty be able to make peace with Kensi and help her recover? And how will Kensi react to learning Hetty knew all about Jack? Could this reignite her “trust issues”? Viewers have had years of “Bad Ass Blye”, but now having seen a genuinely broken Kensi, there’s no guessing what brilliance Daniela Ruah will bring to the next amazing turn on this emotional winding road.

Is Hetty concerned for Kensi’s physical health, mental well-being, emotional standing, or something else altogether? How will Kensi deal with both the personal and professional hurt caused by her assignment abroad? Which had the greatest and expected lingering impact: coming face-to-face with her former love, Jack, or the physical toll of being held hostage? Likely none of these issues exist independently; this is truly an issue of mind, body, and soul all being damaged, yet in very different ways.

Will Agent Blye have a smooth homecoming or struggle through a “crash landing” NEXT… on NCISLA?

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Next on… NCISLA! Spoils of War (5×19) Preview by Gayle (@DensiLand)

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Spoils of War (5×19) Preview

By Gayle (@DensiLand)

Written & Directed by: Frank Military

Official CBS Press Release – “Spoils of War” – After learning that Special Agent Kensi Blye disappeared and the Taliban may be he holding her captive, Hetty sends the NCIS: LA team to Afghanistan on a rescue mission, on NCIS: LOS ANGELES, Tuesday, April 1 (9:00-10:01 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network.

Finally. It’s finally time to reunite our LA-based team. Highly unlikely is the frivolity of last year’s April Fool’s Day prank, but instead a deep and possibly disturbing turn of events.  After more than four long months of worried separation critical news arrives and the team must once again coordinate their efforts to save one of their own.

Kensi. Tasked with rooting out a mole and assassinating a threat to national security (a.k.a. The White Ghost), it appears Kensi failed on both counts, a rarity for this federal agent and sniper specialist. Everyone is still left wondering about the identity of both targets. When considering allies and enemies into which category do Granger, Sabatino, Booker, Jack, and possibly others fit?

Jack. The man who deserted Kensi , leaving her damaged in emotional pain, is finally revealed. How could he be so neutral in facing his ex-fiancé? Is his story about conversion, family, and inclusion into the village to be believed? Can Kensi trust him? Is Jack simply applying a cover for his wrong-doings? Could he be playing Kensi, using her to gain information about her mission and team? Is he being used by another entity to gain information from Kensi about NCIS’s operation? Could Jack be a target himself in this foreign land, needing the assistance of NCIS? Will this mark closure of the “Jack” situation for Kensi, or simply the beginning of a new operation?

The team leaders. Hetty seemed genuinely struck and concerned when Granger announced the disappearance of Kensi. What exactly did Hetty know about this mission and its players from the outset? Could she have been aware of Jack’s presence and sent Kensi , even knowing their history? If so, why? Was Hetty suddenly questioning her choice to send Kensi on this mission? Was her reaction based on professional distress, personal guilt and care, or a combination of both? How might Callen lead this effort in which everyone is likely to react differently, based on their varied connection to Kensi? Hetty urges, “I need you to bring her home, Sam.” It’s no doubt Hetty would place a great deal of faith in Sam for this particular mission. As a SEAL, he would be the best trained and most experienced in a military extraction.

Deeks.  As warned by Hetty, the detective has endured a long, cold winter. One of his worst fears has come true. How might he react to the news of his partner’s disappearance? Panic? Anger? Fear? Determination? Will the normally expressive Deeks be able to contain his emotions, remain professional, and complete the most importance mission of his life – something the often stoic Kensi seemed completely unable to accomplish? Damaged from both his own traumatic mission gone awry and being suddenly severed from his partner and newly-minted “girlfriend”, what will this situation provoke in the already troubled detective? Withdrawal? Rage? Hopelessness? Purpose? Might it serve as a trigger for his own PTSD struggles?

The knife. Kensi left Deeks her (previously her father’s) knife, which was noted again with the Tuhon. Might this potentially lethal weapon play a key role in the mission? If handled during the anticipated “rescue”, will it be used to help or hurt? Employed with measured purpose or wild recklessness? Could it dissect someone’s heart (in a figurative sense)?

The details are sure to be keenly presented both in script and screen, as long-time NCISLA associate, Frank Military, both wrote and directed this episode – a tall order, especially for this pivotal point in the plotline. On that note, the emotion conveyed by all of the cast members when the news of Kensi’s status is revealed is sure to notably affect virtually every viewer. As seen in past episodes, particularly the most recent, Daniela Ruah is primed to take Kensi on a roller coaster of emotions. Likewise, Eric Christian Olsen is sure to expand Deeks’ numerous warring emotions, fighting between his detective, friend, partner, and boyfriend personas. As Densi fans have long awaited the duo’s reunion, can happiness actually result, or will only more torment lie ahead for the partners and viewers?

While the team is sure to bring Kensi back to LA, what will the fallout consist of and who will it impact Next… on NCISLA?

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Next on… NCISLA! Zero Days (5×18) Preview by Gayle (@DensiLand)

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Zero Days (5×18) Preview

By Gayle (@DensiLand)

Written by: Andrew Bartels; Directed by: Tony Wharmby

Official CBS Press Release – “Zero Days” – The NCIS: LA team is called in to determine if the computer system that controls Russian missiles is at risk after Eric overhears his friend, a computer systems expert, being attacked during online game play. Meanwhile, Kensi is shocked when a familiar face from her past shows up in Afghanistan, on NCIS: LOS ANGELES, Tuesday, March 25 (9:00-10:01 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network.

The Cold War returns as the team faces a relentless countdown from a Russian missile. Still short an agent, the issue of time is key to ensuring the safety of America and its citizens.

Criminals never rest, do they? Apparently those gaining the attention of the NCISLA team (this time) are up to no good late in the night or quite early in the morning. What else might prompt “Mr. Beale” to arrive at the mission clad in those familiar polar bear pajamas?! Speaking of our favorite “tech geek”, Eric is personally and professionally at the center of this case. Forced into the field, he’s sure to encounter distinct danger, but will it be at the level of physical peril or even a mortal jeopardy? In such an unfamiliar situation, will he rely more on the brawn of the “boys” or the brains of his customary Ops colleague, Nell? Will Eric yet again be forced to “break the internet” or perhaps tackle a far greater challenge that tests his undisputed expertise?

As the Afghanistan storyline takes a drastic turn, Kensi is held hostage by apparent insurgents. Having clearly taken this calculated risk to confirm the “familiar face” spied as her most recent target, Kensi’s mind is surely a whirlwind of emotion. Why else might she desert her reliable sniper rifle and depart basecamp without even a hint of her plan to anyone including her LA team?

Fierce fans of the show now know her discovery is none other than Jack, her previous fiancé, who she painfully and significantly described in “Disorder” (2×11). In his first solo script, how might Andrew Bartels interweave Kensi’s damaging past into her precarious present? Is Agent Blye focused on determining if Jack is the White Ghost; or is Kensi controlled by her emotions to learn why this man abandoned her those many years ago?

And will Granger finally alert the team to Kensi’s disappearance?

Which presents more danger: a lost missile or a lost love Next… on NCISLA?

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