What I’m Watching: NCIS & NCIS: Los Angeles (Season Premieres)

NCIS: Season 8, Episode 1 “Spider and the Fly” (B) / NCIS: Los Angeles: Season 2, Episodes 1 & 2 “Human Traffic” & “Black Widow” (B+)

This will likely be my last review of these two shows. Although it’s probably less than usual, it feels like there are so many new shows premiering, and I imagine I’ll be swamped in the coming weeks and months with a number of new and returning shows. Additionally, I’ve found it increasingly difficult to review both of these programs because the characters are fun but the plotlines are much more procedural than the other shows I tend to watch. Since “NCIS” ranks as the longest-running show that I’ve watched since the first episode was originally broadcast, I figure it’s worth bidding it a proper farewell, and though I don’t have the same loyalty to the most recent spin-off, the two-hour second season premiere did leave me with a few things to say about it.

To address the original show, this seemed like an appropriate episode for closure, as it sealed up the plotline begun late last season without providing enough intrigue to make me want to stick around (the text from Eli David to Vance saying “I found him”). This was a living in fear episode just like the season three premiere after Kate’s death, though this time that target was Gibbs’ family rather than the NCIS team. It also featured another pair of duplicitous siblings, although this time both were actually bad guys rather than last time when Ziva ended up killing Ari. I do have a bit of a problem believing that a legitimate law enforcement agency would allow someone to be intentionally murdered as part of a sting operation, but I won’t press the matter.

The L.A.-based spin-off definitely earned points with me for opening the episode in media res with Clint Mansell’s “Lux Aeterna” track from “Requiem for a Dream” thundering in the background, not to mention all the jumping over cars and mall structures. The new intro images are fun, and the first episode would definitely have been more suspenseful regarding the mystery of Deeks being dead or alive if Eric Christian Olen hadn’t been officially announced and credited as a regular cast member. The second episode featured the cool plan of having the agents pose as members of a crew only to discover that they were posing as the wrong members (only a test, as it turned out). I couldn’t place the actress who played Emma, and after a quick IMDB lookup, I learned that it was Liane Balaban, recently seen as Auggie’s open source-thumping Russian ex-girlfriend on “Covert Affairs.” The sting operation in the supermarket was also definitely pretty intense.

So that’s it for me and the “NCIS” shows, unless you’re watching and think I should too. Leave any thoughts in the comments; otherwise, adieu.

What I’m Watching: NCIS: Los Angeles

NCIS: Los Angeles: Season 1, Episode 24 “Callen, G” (B+)

As the first season of this show comes to a close, I find myself thinking something that I thought quite a bit toward the beginning of the season: this show is just so exciting. The action scenes are so well done, and having Sam or Callen driving furiously in pursuit of a suspect is never a disappointment. I do love how the whole team directly disobeys Hetty’s order to have Callen taken over the case. Obviously Sam is going to do that, but it’s very enjoyable to see Eric let the phone keep ringing and Nate detail his plan to let Callen observe his information while standing over his shoulder. Callen’s interaction with the woman posing as his sister was certainly a dramatic one, and it’s very interesting to see more of his past, even if not quite every question was answered. The notion that someone was watching Callen all those years is intriguing, and I’m sure that’s something that will endure as a background plotline for seasons to come on this show. This first year of episodes was pretty great, starting out decently with three okay episodes and then staying strong. To me, this is a validation of the procedural, an indicator that even though serialized dramas are very popular today, some shows like this do work where it’s based on a different case every week. What’s needed is a sharp, entertaining cast and a good sense of humor, and this show definitely has that. While I might have considered giving up on this show early on in its run, I’m very happy I stuck with it and I’m looking forward to season two.

Season grade: B+
Season MVP: Linda Hunt

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.

What I’m Watching: NCIS: Los Angeles

NCIS: Los Angeles: Season 1, Episode 22 “Hunted” (B+)

It’s a good thing that Dom’s death hasn’t been too quickly forgotten and that it’s really affecting the whole team. The effect is especially intriguing when it comes to Hetty since she hasn’t really had much of a chance to show too much emotion over the course of the show’s first season. Her spirited defense of her position to Leon in front of the rest of the team was quite a feat, and the way she says “you’re not going to change my mind” so determinedly is terrific. Hetty handing in her letter of resignation to Vance was an unexpected development, and while it was unlikely from the start that it would be lasting, it still seemed like a big deal. The closing conversation between Callen and Hetty was a magnificent one, and I truly love their relationship. Hetty definitely isn’t going anywhere, thought it’s possible that a new agent will be added to the team come the beginning of season two, unless Adam Jamal Craig, who played Dom, was let go for budgetary reasons. In terms of the people we do have around and the specific case of this episode, I love Sam’s passive-aggressiveness and the anger with which he responds to new people he meets and doesn’t really love. His trouble deciding who he dislikes more is very funny. While it’s nothing new to have an agent of the law be the one complicit in the terrorist-related activity, it still works well here as a good and effective twist.

What I’m Watching: NCIS: Los Angeles

NCIS: Los Angeles: Season 1, Episode 21 “Found”

It’s been eight episodes since we last saw Dom, and while it didn’t seem to make sense that he would just have been gone with no explanation, now all of a sudden he’s back. It’s quite surprising that he doesn’t survive the episode, especially considering the fact that he never left Los Angeles, managed to escape the terrorists without any help from NCIS, and was even with Sam when he took fatal fire. It’s now achieving a “24” level of tragedy, where the characters will likely be serious for the next episode or two and really work hard to commemorate the memory of their fallen teammate. It worked wonders for the two-part third season premiere of the original “NCIS,” when the death of a member of the team made for great drama. We knew that character well, though, which wasn’t the case here. Is it perhaps a ploy to get a new cast member for season two? I’d be happy having Deeks come back full-time, but maybe someone else new and exciting could be fun too. In the search for Dom, Hetty makes quite an impression both on the powerful people she was trying to influence and in yelling at Eric to motivate him to get the computer working. Callen actually spelling out what NCIS stands for makes a lot of sense, and it would probably be better if they did that more often. Sam just shaking his head when the guy pulls out a knife was pretty funny. Carlo Rota was a fun guest star, playing a simply seedy character after playing the seedy but ultimately likeable Morris O’Brian on “24.” In the midst of all the action, it’s the stellar music which really makes this show great.

What I’m Watching: NCIS: Los Angeles

NCIS: Los Angeles: Season 1, Episode 20 “Fame” (B+)

I’m so glad that the new LAPD Liaison Officer stuck around for another episode, and while it’s unclear whether he’ll be featured extensively or at all in the future, it’s been great to have him. I remember actor Eric Christian Olsen from his two-season stint of FOX’s short-lived comedy “The Loop,” where he starred as young airline executive Sam Sullivan’s goofy older brother Sully, who always managed to wreak havoc on his brother’s life and career, shaving half of his head or cutting off the sleeves of his work shirt as pranks while Sam was sleeping. Obviously, Deeks is nothing like Sully, but it’s fun to remember all of the shenanigans pulled by his former character and see how easily Deeks riles up all of the NCIS agents. It’s as if the same character has grown up and become a bit more serious, still able to elicit the same fury out of those he irks. His ability to get Hetty to sign off on a somewhat limited limitless credit card was impressive, but not quite as memorable as her threat of hurt if he went over the designated limit. Regarding this week’s case, a romance between an heiress and a random individual isn’t something completely original, but fortunately this worked out well and didn’t seem stale at all. Kensi was doing a great job of maintaining her cover, but having the head of the household come in and juts blow it so spectacularly was a crying shame. At least the heiress herself managed not to take a hint.

What I’m Watching: NCIS: Los Angeles

NCIS: Los Angeles: Season 1, Episode 19 “Hand-to-Hand” (B+)

This episode was a whole lot of fun because it was the first time that L.A. NCIS unit has come across murky jurisdiction waters where they find someone else undercover in the midst of their operation. It was particularly enjoyable because that part was played by Eric Christian Olsen, who usually portrays more comic characters, like on FOX’s short-lived sitcom “The Loop.” His role here was entertaining because it worked well before he was revealed to be a police officer and continued to work when his true identity came out when he was bailed out of jail. Sam going undercover is just as great as Callen going undercover, and it’s especially exciting when he is forced to display his athletic and martial arts-related abilities. That skill comes in quite handy when defending against an angry platoon of trained and dangerous marines. The subtle moments when the team is in the middle of a briefing and one of them lets out some surprising fact about their personal life are what make this show individualized and worthwhile. Kensi’s muttered remark about the DJ at the club being awesome and a girl “needing to get her freak on” was that kind of moment in this episode, never referred to again but well worth it when it happened. The coolest part of this episode was the opening sequence. It’s hard to find an original way of a body being discovered with hundreds and hundreds of “CSI” and “Law & Order” episodes having done it in the past, but catching a glimpse of a bloody person in the back of a paparazzo’s photo felt fresh.

What I’m Watching: NCIS: Los Angeles

NCIS: Los Angeles: Season 1, Episode 18 “Blood Brothers” (B+)

For a show that features an awful lot of violence, the opening to this episode was fairly intense, featuring a drive-by shooting that left the victim riddled by an excessive number of bullets. Unlike the show that spun it off, this series really is delving into the kind of least-connected slayings of marines, with a street race plot last week and now this. I cite that as a positive rather than a negative thing since it allows the cases to be more diverse and exciting. The interaction between the cast, as always, makes the episode, and therefore the plot is almost inconsequential. But whenever Sam goes undercover, it's especially entertaining. The presence of Hetty's rather dangerous sword provoked some amusing conversation where Callen reminded Sam about the "numbchuck incident" and told him he'd be driving himself to the hospital this time. The arguments over Callen's code names were also great, with Callen expressing annoyance over being called Ernie and then referring to himself as Gordo later on. On a more serious note, I am a big fan of the dramatic conversations between Hetty and Sam where they mention Dom and Sam's desire to help everyone. The most powerful exchange came when Hetty told him "you can't take it upon yourself to save all of them" and Sam responded "yeah, but at least I can save this one." Hetty really is the most fun part of the show, and Callen had a great way of summarizing how he feels about her: "I have a guardian angel. She's tiny, but very tough."

What I’m Watching: NCIS: Los Angeles

NCIS: Los Angeles: Season 1, Episode 17 “Full Throttle” (B+)

This feels like something out of “The Fast and the Furious.” That’s not a bad thing however, especially when it gives us the wonderful Dichen Lachman, most recently seen as Sierra in “Dollhouse.” Her appearance was so exciting, though it was quite obvious from the start, to me at least, that she wasn’t just an insurance agent since Ms. Lachman is a mistress of duplicity and more than capable of playing a double role. The incorporation of all of the driving references in this episode was fun, starting with the disagreement about which freeways are most efficient. Sam’s refusal to partner up with Callen because of the route he knew they’d be taking was hilarious, and Callen subsequently asking Kensi if she wanted to stop for donuts to make Sam jealous was quite amusing. Hetty enrolling Callen in a comedy traffic school was brilliant, and I especially enjoyed Hetty trying to test him but giving him all of the wrong answers. During the pursuit, Callen’s remark that “clearly this guy hasn’t read the California driving manual” was great. Sam had a few fantastic one-liners too, including “maybe I should drop off some of the dead weight” referring to his less-than-helpful partner. Callen’s assertion that “we’re better” elicited a terrific response from Sam: “we?” After a recent episode and now this one, I’m convinced that this show is recycling music from “24” or another similar show, which is fine but just a little strange. The parting shot in this episode was spectacular: a delighted Hetty zooming across the screen on Eric’s new toy.

What I’m Watching: NCIS: Los Angeles

NCIS: Los Angeles: Season 1, Episode 16 “Chinatown” (B+)

While the case here is certainly a quality one and far more engaging and accessible than some of the recently-featured ones, it’s still the banter that kills me every time. From the first post-credits scene, where Callen claimed to be working out and Sam responded first with his observation of Callen only running when people are shooting at them and then putting on a very high-pitched motherly voice, this episode was full of hilarious one-liners. I particularly enjoyed how they decided to let Nate out for once and how his partnership with Kensi didn’t quite pan out as he might have hoped. His rush to cuff the suspect’s feet elicited an especially negative reaction from Kensi. Hetty saying no to his question before he even had a chance to ask it then staring him down until he went away was funny, but even better was her subsequent answer, letting Nate know that an operational psychologist who became an agent was killed in the second week or maybe even the second day on the job. The little-seen Eric got a chance to get a zinger in there when asked what he knows that the rest of them don’t: “the words to every TV theme song.” Hetty’s seemingly serious explanation that “this video was caught by some bachelorettes” was extremely entertaining just because of the way she said it. I did burst out laughing once in this episode, when Sam asked Callen “do you know what today is” and Callen said, “Wednesday,” only to have Sam angrily respond, “no, it’s Tuesday!” The way these guys talk is just flat-out hilarious, even if their conversation was a run-up to a reference to the still-missing Dom.

What I’m Watching: NCIS: Los Angeles

NCIS: Los Angeles: Season 1, Episode 15 “The Bank Job” (B+)

This is one case where the “24 hours earlier” device works alright with pulling the rug out from under its audience by revealing that all was definitely not as it seemed. The fact that the whole thing was staged was sort of cool, and definitely helpful because it enabled them to track the bank employee tangled up in the case and reveal the bank manager’s complicity. While it’s interesting to learn a bit about Kensi’s background and her relationship with her father, what’s considerably more intriguing and entertaining is the way the rest of the team interacts when the notion of keeping precious and prized possessions safe comes up. Everyone fishing through Kensi’s box produced several enjoyable scenes, and I loved Kensi’s comment to Nate: “you need to get out of the office more often.” I was surprised and amused to learn that among Sam’s beloved holdings is the entire run of the Silver Surfer comic book series. The relationship between Callen and Sam is certainly unique, and it’s very funny. Callen pressing Sam with “that’s your ‘I’m hiding something’ laugh” was just one memorable instance, as was his extremely casual first comment after being shot at: “you really have tickets to the Lakers game tomorrow night?” Their conversation with Mike Renko about something with a horse which wasn’t technically illegal but still disturbing was a perfect aside that serves to catch viewers off guard for just a second without devoting too much time to it. The scene near the end of the episode with Ketty holding a gun much bigger than her and Nate having to ensure that it’s not loaded was a hoot, and a great way to send off a particularly fun episode.

What I’m Watching: NCIS: Los Angeles

NCIS: Los Angeles: Season 1, Episode 14 “LD50” (B+)

It’s weird that things are proceeding as normal with hardly any mention of Dominic’s disappearance. It certainly seems like the active search for the missing agent should absolutely still be underway, and references to him shouldn’t be relegated to far-too-casual insistence from Hetty that Sam fill out forms recommending a replacement. Dominic’s absence, however, doesn’t really weaken the show since he was never a strong presence when he was around. It’s just a bit strange that his case isn’t even acknowledged. Most of my favorite moments in this episode came towards the end. Kensi’s quick thinking proved ineffective but was still entertaining when she decided to grab that guy’s tray in order to try and take out the guy with the bomb. All of this action occurring in the middle of a crowded shopping mall was pretty intense, I must say. The slow-motion shot of Callen catching the bomb as it was about to drop on the ground and explode came off as more than a little cheesy, but it’s hardly a big problem. Only moments later, I truly enjoyed Sam tackling Callen and pushing him into the water, forcing him to keep the bomb in the water. His subsequent surprise pumping of a needle into Callen’s arm without warning was particularly hilarious. Callen was also a major part of another funny exchange at the very end of the episode, where Hetty insisted on synthetic fibers in the pillow that would be used to be smother her because she’s allergic to feathers. Oh, how delightful the relationships on this show are.

What I’m Watching: NCIS: Los Angeles

NCIS: Los Angeles: Season 1, Episode 13 “Missing” (B+)

It’s interesting that the first team member to really find their life threatened on this show is the one who’s actually been least in the spotlight. We’ve hardly seen anything of Dominic, especially in comparison to the rest of the characters. It did seem weird that Dominic was missing in action last week when the whole team went out for their outing at a karaoke bar. He also seems the least well-equipped to defend himself in such a life-threatening and dangerous situation, therefore making his predicament all the more serious and not nearly as entertaining as the cases on this show usually are. It’s fascinating to see how his disappearance affects the rest of the team and how they all talk about how they should have trained and mentored Dominic better to prepare him for such a situation. It’s pretty crazy that they didn’t end up finding him, and ending the show on such a desolating note sets the tone as far more somber than it has been in the past. I wonder if they’ll end up finding him, because it’s not as if he’d be terribly missed, but that’s quite a dramatic and depressing plunge for the show to take so early on in its run. In any case, it was no surprise to see guest star Onahoua Rodriguez in a very similar part to her recurring role on “The Shield” as a good-natured girl caught in between some very dangerous people and the law. I also enjoyed Sam counting down the seconds to his diversion. I suppose it makes sense, but it was particularly entertaining.

I forgot to mention last week that “NCIS: Los Angeles” has been renewed for a second season, therefore we’ll have plenty more action-packed hours to look forward to in 2010 and 2011.

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.

What I’m Watching: NCIS: Los Angeles

NCIS: Los Angeles: Season 1, Episode 11 “Breach” (B+)

This episode showcases a number of strong aspects this show has to offer. The presence of Hetty, Hetty’s relationship with Callen, Callen’s Russian past, Sam’s time and secrets abroad, and a strong guest star are all used enormously well in this episode. Hetty’s discussion of finances with Callen, who simply places the blame on his alter ego, was a fun start to Hetty’s unusually visible involvement in this case. Callen also had a lot to do, name-dropping a Russian village that should certainly have tipped off the stripper he was interviewing that he was more than just a transportation executive. It was very informative and interesting to see a new layer of Sam, and how the loss of the boy he had saved and mentored bothered him so much. LL Cool J is an awesome action star, but he’s also surprisingly skilled at making the more dramatic moments work. The comedy in this episode worked well too, particularly the inability of the morgue technician to focus on anything other than asking if Nate was available. Sadly, I don’t think Callen and Sam are remotely interested enough in Nate’s love life to pass on the message and aid in the facilitation of some real relationship. The big villain in this episode didn’t seem at all Hispanic to me, but perhaps that’s because I know guest star Henri Lubatti well as, among other things, a French author on “The O.C.,” a hitman on “24,” and, most crucially for his prerequisite for this role, a terrorist on “Sleeper Cell.”

Top Ten New Shows of 2009: #7

My annual TV Awards, the AFT Television Awards, are given out during the summer. But this year, during both the spring and the fall, produced many impressive new television series. As 2009 closes out and 2010 begins, here’s a look back at the best new shows of the year.w

#7: NCIS: Los Angeles
This loose spin-off from an above-average procedural didn’t quite follow the original’s premise, and kicked things up a notch instead. The team still investigates navy-related crimes, but they do so at a far more action-packed pace. LL Cool J and Chris O’Donnell are a spectacular duo to headline all the action, and Linda Hunt is hilarious as the occasionally grumpy and always immutable leader of the team.

Best Episode: “Pushback”
Pilot Review | Episode Reviews

What I’m Watching: NCIS: Los Angeles

NCIS: Los Angeles: Season 1, Episode 10 “Brimstone” (B+)

This show is always about the action-packed start. This one was particularly up close and in the middle of the action, with the marine’s cell phone exploding as he received a fatal phone call. From my experience with television and movie watching, it’s usually a good idea to pay attention to what you’re doing when you’re at an ATM taking out money, because that’s often a time when people get murdered or robbed. In this case, the murder was much more carefully planned out, and investigating all of the members of the unit was a cool way of narrowing down the suspects. LL Cool J speaking Arabic didn’t quite sound right, but I will admit that it is pretty awesome that Sam is able to read Arabic perfectly off of the back windshield of a car on command. I’m even more impressed by the effort that the killer put in by bothering to etch out a whole sentence in Arabic where most people would simply write “Wash Me.” More seriously, the theme of atonement and punishing the unit for their misdeeds overseas was very interesting, and it seems that whenever the team gets involved with something having to do with Iraq or Afghanistan, it’s always very intriguing and a bit more exciting. It’s worthwhile to note that the original “NCIS” also featured a Muslim-centric plotline this week, yet another similarly linking the two otherwise mostly unconnected shows. This is the last “NCIS: Los Angeles” episode until January, and I anticipate its return next year.

What I’m Watching: NCIS: Los Angeles

NCIS: Los Angeles: Season 1, Episode 9 “Random on Purpose” (B+)

This show is often reminiscent of the series that spun it off, and having one of that show’s signature players guest star in a front-and-center role is a nice treat. Abby never gets much of a chance to leave her lab unless she’s the target of a crazy stalker or psychotic killer, though it’s certainly fun to see her outdoors. Eric’s excitement at having Abby come work with them is a great way of welcoming the forensic expert to the Los Angeles office, and it’s terrific to see Abby agree so readily to go out on a date with him. I’m curious how viewers of this show who have never seen the original reacted to the character of Abby, since the other main link to that series, Director Vance, is a far less developed character, and much of what defines him has transpired on this show. It is a good thing that Gibbs and crew aren’t seen or heard at all, and that this is the only time Abby really gets puts in serious danger. The Los Angeles team doesn’t take any crap from anyone, and therefore their take-no-prisoners attitude is just what’s needed to rescue Abby before some violent serial killer chops her head off with an axe. The part of the dynamic that didn’t pertain to Abby was still very strong in this episode, starting off with Hetty’s reorganization of the desks and ending with Callen’s affirmation that it did in fact increase productivity. The most entertaining moment was the rescue attempt by Sam and Callen, where their debate about going in resulted in Sam’s allusion to Peter Pan. I’m glad they decided to use the fire hose instead of trying to fly. It was a good plan.

What I’m Watching: NCIS: Los Angeles

NCIS: Los Angeles: Season 1, Episode 8 “Ambush” (B+)

Opening the episode with the marine’s paranoid flight into the aquarium and having his death captured on FishCam was a great jump-start for a very action-centric episode. Bringing back Special Agent Mike Renko, who appeared in the two-hour backdoor pilot that aired as part of the previous season of “NCIS,” was fun because he doesn’t distract from the main players of the team but has an entertaining rapport with the whole team and Kensi in particular. It was also cool to incorporate the murdered marine as Renko’s informant and connect him in that way. This show might be better named “NCIS: Undercover” since chameleon Callen always seems to be donning a fake identity for the same of the case, and most times at a moment’s notice. The reveal that Callen was seated in the prison van and that Sam was posing as a guard was treated so excitedly – it’s clear that this show is proud of itself when it manages to pull off a stunt like that. Callen’s back-and-forth insulting act with the brainwashed marine who kept holding a gun to him was really funny, and the other guy ultimately taking back his insults was a nice touch. Hetty’s trip to D.C. was highly interrupted by her desire to still supervise her team, and the relationship she has with Vance is truly superb. It’s impressive that Hetty is still able to motivate her team members to race each other up the stairs to be the first to the briefing room even when she’s not actually physically there.

What I’m Watching: NCIS: Los Angeles

NCIS: Los Angeles: Season 1, Episode 7 “Pushback” (B+)

It’s fitting that this series references events that occurred in its backdoor pilot on the same night that the very show that launched it features a crossover of Vance’s villain nemesis that appeared on this show just a few weeks ago. The opening sequence was an intense start to the episode, and exploring Callen’s mysterious past was a great focus. Nate’s concern over all the holes in Callen’s file was both intriguing and amusing, and his notion that perhaps Hetty was the one responsible for all the redactions was fun. Callen is a nice enough guy who certainly has better social skills than his partner, and it’s interesting to think that he has this international history behind him rife with secret identities and numerous friends and enemies. Callen certainly isn’t as intimidating or fearsome as someone like Leroy Jethro Gibbs, and he’s far more diplomatic in his relations with his co-workers and supervisors. His undercover job with Kensi was quite entertaining, and that seems to be what the two of them do best together, and it’s certainly the best way to incorporate Kensi into the team. Sam’s efforts to appease Hetty by trying to share her love of tea made for a hilarious situation, and his distaste for the tea wasn’t nearly as funny as her realization that it just wasn’t good. The relationship between Callen, Sam, and Hetty, and even some of the other cast members, is absolutely priceless, and definitely serves as the driving force of the show.