NCIS Los Angeles Review: Love is Complicated

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Did Hetty promote the Densi relationship?

The note that she had Kensi give Deeks at the end of "Parley" would seem to indicate that. It said "Sunshine and Gunpowder." Two seemingly unrelated words, but very important to both Deeks and Kensi.

In "Wanted," that is how Deeks described Kensi's scent, "You smell like sunshine and gun powder. Two of my favorite things." Aww.

Kensi Watches Deeks

Ever since Deeks' arrival to NCIS, I've been adamant that these partners never get together. Never. That was until I started to soften towards the idea a couple episodes ago in "Resurrection" when Kensi and Deeks talked about playing house. In that moment, their partnership banter moved beyond the sexual innuendos and showed the substance beneath their feelings for each other. 

And, now remembering the "Sunshine and Gunpowder" scene, I'm beginning to wonder if I began to shift my opinion much earlier than I realized because I remember that as a very positive, loving moment between the two. After looking at my review, I realize why I still held firm that they shouldn't cross over he professional to romantic line back then. It was because of the warning words from Agent Sobatino. Though, Hetty's support changes everything.

Deeks has gone undercover before, but this time was different. When Deeks was Max Gendry prior to coming to NCIS, he fell for his best friend's wife, Nicole. And, Kensi was shocked by the reveal when he had to resume that cover on one of their cases. That history had to grate on Kensi even if it wasn't mentioned. But, Monica was not Nicole.

Initially, it was awkward because his involvement with Monica was kept a secret from Kensi. At least it was clear that Deeks had absolutely no interest in a relationship with her. Going undercover is never easy. Deeks and Sam have both struggled with feelings for their assets and how the lies have hurt them. Even though Deeks didn't have feelings for Monica, the situation caused friction in his partnership with Kensi.

Their last interaction was painful to watch. 

Deeks: I was just gonna see if you were good.
Kensi: Yeah. You?
Deeks: I'm good, if you're good.
Kensi: I'm good.
Deeks: Okay. That's good. We're good. Which is, you know, great.
Kensi: I'm glad we cleared that up. ... See ya tomorrow. | permalink

As they said everything was good between them, their body language and vocalization of the words revealed the truth. They aren't good. And, they definitely aren't great. Neither of them was willing to express their feelings for the other. What held them back? The job? Fear of rejection? Or, perhaps that once they put their feelings out, there they couldn't take them back?

With Hetty's letter to Deeks, he now has permission to love Kensi from his boss. And, more importantly, the acknowledgement from someone else that those feelings are legitimate and even support that they are reciprocal.

Will Deeks go get the girl? From someone who didn't want to see it happen, the romantic in me wants him to to go and sweep Kensi off her feet. And, for them to remain partners, have kids, and live happily ever after. Okay, it's definitely not going to work out that way, but it was fun to think about for a moment. If he went after her now, it could also work against him. I'm not sure she trusts him enough. Love is complicated.

With Monica's help, NCIS got the lead they needed in order to try and stop Sidorov's sale of the stolen nukes. Sam's wife, Michelle, is still undercover as Quinn and will be back in the Season 4 finale, "Descent" with the team off in search for the nukes. That means the resolution of Deeks and Kensi's relationship may be put on hold. If that's the case, it will be a long wait until September and NCIS: LA season 5!

Do you want Deeks and Kensi to finally admit their feelings for each other? Did Hetty's note mean that she's supportive of the relationship? Are you looking forward to Michelle's return and perhaps the conclusion of the Sidorov storyline?

Odds and Ends

  • This episode was almost overwhelmed by banter. If lines were counted, I wouldn't be surprised if there were more lines of banter than there were about the actual case. Callen and Sam were on fire tonight. Plus, the ear wig stuff between Deeks and Kensi. At least it was all hilarious, especially the super hero stuff.
  • Monica's interrogation by Deeks (not Max) was uncomfortable. His guilt was palpable and she didn't let up for even a moment.
  • What did Monica whisper to Deeks? My first thought was that she's pregnant, but I can't imagine that Deeks would have let her go through with the undercover meet then. And, after she was shot, he would have made some comment, right?
  • And, why was Monica so determined to make Kensi question Deeks? Was it jealousy? Or, was there more to her "trust" comment?
  • After all the doubts, remember "Sunshine and Gunpowder."

Parley Review

Editor Rating: 4.5 / 5.0
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User Rating:

Rating: 3.4 / 5.0 (328 Votes)

Carla Day is a staff writer for TV Fanatic. Follow her on Twitter and on Google+.

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NCIS: Los Angeles Season 4 Episode 23 Quotes

Callen: I'm sorry. Did I miss something? Who are these guys?
Kensi: They aren't guys. They're WODs. W-O-Ds.
Callen: Is that like a B-F-F with an S-T-D?
Kensi: W-O-D is Work Out of the Day.

Deeks: I was just gonna see if you were good.
Kensi: Yeah. You?
Deeks: I'm good if you're good.
Kensi: I'm good.
Deeks: Okay. That's good. We're good. Which is, you know, great.
Kensi: I'm glad we cleared that up. See ya tomorrow.