What I’m Watching: NCIS: Los Angeles

NCIS: Los Angeles: Season 1, Episode 23 “Burned” (B+)

I haven’t been paying attention too closely but, with the exception of when Dom got abducted, this may be the first time that an NCIS agent is seen before the opening credits as part of the episode’s crucial case. Learning more about Callen is a welcome thing, even if the notion of finding out what the G stands for is a bit on the hokey side. I much prefer the line “if you ever wanted to find out the truth about yourself, now’s your chance.” It’s nice to see the close and dependable relationship between Callen and Sam, and also a pleasure to see that Hetty is conscious of it and understands it. Sam’s quote – “you once told me that we ain’t working hard enough if no one’s trying to kill us – was a good summary of why this show differs from its predecessor in terms of pacing and excitement (both are good shows, just to be clear). Hetty’s stern command to “turn them off” was a powerful moment, followed by Eric’s ominous announcement: “we are officially offline.” Next week’s first season finale should prove to be both very enlightening and exciting, enabling viewers like us the same chance to get to know Callen as he’ll get to know himself. I’m also hopeful that they’ll be more entertaining banter mixed in, like the back-and-forth between Sam and Kensi about her being picked up in a bar that lasted for a good part of the episode and was fantastically referenced by Callen at the end.