Take Three: NCIS: Los Angeles

NCIS: Los Angeles: Season 1, Episode 3 “Predator” (B)

I’ve always found it rather strange when a show that’s supposedly about navy-related cases expands its jurisdiction to terrorist activities. It makes a whole lot more sense on here than on the original “NCIS,” but it’s still a bit bizarre. The three leading cast members continue to be the reason to watch this show. Chris O’Donnell and LL Cool J make a great team, and their good cop, bad cop routine just seems to make sense as part of their dynamic rather than as a silly, overused gimmick. It’s important to have one loose cannon who’s able to produce results and another one who’s able to do just as well by generally following the rules but isn’t insistent on holding the other back. Linda Hunt is absolutely terrific and far better as a character than Jenny and certainly than Vance. Her asking a random question about a YouTube video not playing properly when Eric thought she was yelling at him for hacking into the website was a fantastic scene. The incorporation of the personal lives of the supporting characters, like Kensi and her dating rules and problems, adds something to the show, and even though it’s not nearly as effective as on the original series. I couldn’t necessarily identify the supporting characters and their functions by name, but I’m definitely coming around to them more than I was at the start.