What I’m Watching: NCIS: Los Angeles

NCIS: Los Angeles: Season 1, Episode 12 “Past Lives” (B+)

Having another episode dig deep into Callen's undercover background is great because that's probably the most intriguing aspect of this show. It's also probably the best role that Chris O'Donnell has ever had, and that's now something I think anyone expected. Seeing him slip so easily back into his old cover and deal with a former friend of his, even if he was undercover when they new each other, get shot and killed right in front of him was quite powerful. His surprise at discovering his former girlfriend's child also felt pretty real. Kenneth Johnson, best known as Lem on "The Shield," was a great choice to play her new fiancée with a questionable past but only the noblest and most protective of intentions. The reactions from the rest of the team to Callen's immersion in his undercover work are just as compelling. This episode was particularly exciting because it provided the most comprehensive look at all of the team members. Nate's excitement at trying to put together an outing, coupled with Hetty swooping in to decide that they would be going to a karaoke bar, was very entertaining. This episode also provided a fun look at Kensi and her romantic preferences, even if the man courting her with flowers turned out to be a corrupt JAG lawyer who threatened her life and ended up dead. By far the coolest part of the episode was his final question about Callen and Sam's response that he had never heard of him. Callen's reputation is one thing that should sustain this show for a long time.