NCIS: Los Angeles - TV Fanatic

NCIS: LA Promo: Callen vs. the Crimeleon

steve@iscribelimited.com (Steve Marsi) — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 13:40:56 EST

The NCIS: Los Angeles team hunts for an elusive international killer with the ability to transform personas - a "Crimeleon" if you will - next week. As if that weren't enough, he's got one team member in his sights.

I'm going to kill you, soon.

With Assistant Director Granger critiquing their every move, the team must track down the chameleon-like killer who has evaded law enforcement agents, including their very own G. Callen, across several countries.

Callen finds himself in harms way every week, but he doesn't often face threats so direct. How will he respond? Read our NCIS: LA review from last night and take a look at next week's teaser below ...

NCIS LA Promo: Crimeleon

NCIS: Los Angeles Review: Happy Anniversary!

carla@tvfanatic.com (Carla Day) — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 01:42:19 EST

Happy Anniversary to Callen and Hanna! I'm not sure why, but it seems like they have been together much longer than five years. At the same time, five years is a long time to work side-by-side with the same person.

In "Partners," the case of the stolen diplomatic shipment provided further insight into Callen and Hanna's relationship and what their future could look like. They have a trust that is unparalleled, even more so than that of Dunross and Clark.

While Sam already has a family, Roger wanted that for himself, while Callen is all alone, just like Diane. They all lean on their partners in a way that transcended friendship and family - a unique support system. But could Diane or Roger have betrayed this partnership and turned to the dark side?

At first I didn't think so. I bought that the boss, Ed Gornt, was behind the illicit shipment even though both Diane and Roger acted a little suspicious at times. What I knew without a doubt was that even though the episode started with Sam hitting Callen, it wasn't real. There was no way that Sam would really try to kill Callen. It had to be an undercover situation that was going bad.

I'm getting a little tired of shows using this plot device of depecting a future scene and then flashing back to the beginning. In this case, it didn't add to the story and I wish the episode had just started with the anniversary gift exchange.T hat is my only complaint.

The case was suspenseful and I didn't foresee the twist ending at all. Even Granger's appearance worked well. In fact, it was satisfying to watch his mistake unfold. Until Sam and Callen confronted the couriers at the end, he didn't have a clue what was truly going on. He had offered the wrong courier a deal; at least he was smart enough to not give immunity for the crime.

In the end, Diane pretended to be Roger to set up the deal. She worked with her boss to smuggle the ephedrine out of India. Roger was lucky that he was in a remote Malta town when it happened, otherwise, Diane may have gotten away with setting him up.

What a shame that she turned on her partner of 10 years because he wanted to make a life for himself and have a family. They weren't even romantic. It would've make a little more sense if she was a scorned lover, but to not want your partner to find happiness is just sad. How unfortunate that she decided to set her future up on money, rather than finding someone to share her life.

I don't see Sam and Callen heading down this path. Do you?

When Granger first showed up a couple episodes ago, he was universally disliked. Did you find this appearance less abrasive or do you still hate him?

Kensi and Deeks to Get Married* on NCIS: LA!

steve@iscribelimited.com (Steve Marsi) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 09:26:47 EST

* - As part of an undercover investigation ... sorry Densi fans.

Given how many fans are longing for NCIS: Los Angeles' dynamic duo Kensi and Deeks to take their “thing” to the next level, an upcoming episode should be a real treat, even if their nuptials are all a ruse.

The boat house partners in undercover military crime-solving will partner up in matrimony in an episode airing later on in Season Three, according to executive producer and show-runner Shane Brennan.

“There’s a Kensi-Deeks episode where they go undercover as a married couple in suburbia, and it is hilarious,” Brennan told TV Line, adding that Densi fans will not be disappointed by its outcome.

“Everything you wish for when want characters to get together, we put in this episode.”

Bear in mind that Brennan never specified that the hard-nosed agents are a blissful bride and groom. Quite the contrary, in fact: “They’ll be throwing things at each other. It really is so much fun.”

NCIS: LA returns February 7 right after NCIS' big 200th episode.

Who Will Die on NCIS: Los Angeles?!

steve@iscribelimited.com (Steve Marsi) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 09:33:16 EST

Hope you're sitting down for this one.

The NCIS: Los Angeles Season 3 finale in May will feature the demise of someone we know well.

Seriously, “Someone’s gonna die that we know well,” executive producer Shane Brennan said.

Gulp. The rest of his quote to TV Line about the upcoming arc teased that, “I’ve got the target, I’m just choosing which missile to fire. And there’s a character or two coming back to tie some things up.”

Which missile to fire? This sounds like no joke. The question is who it hits.

As we've seen on both NCIS and NCIS: LA, which dispatched one of its core cast members in the first season, the characters serve the overall show, not the other way around. Brennan really will go there.

It's unclear if the victim will be a core cast member in this case, though. Someone "we know well" leaves the door open for it to be a (somewhat) extraneous, ancillary character (Lauren Hunter for example).

Peter Cambor's Nate, who was initially a series regular but quasi-left the show to partake in covert ops, is another good possibility. Still, it makes you wonder if there's a surprise much bigger than that in store.

Perhaps the most devastating loss would be Linda Hunt's Hetty Lange, who's cheated death a few times already this season. We really, really hope it's not true, but it certainly would rock the team to its core.

Who do you think dies in the NCIS: LA finale? Share your comments below.

In other NCIS: Los Angeles news, there is a major Kensi-centric double episode coming up titled “Blye, K.” That arc, Brennan says, goes to the very heart of why the character played by Daniela Ruah joined NCIS.

It also sets the stage for the NCIS: LA and Hawaii Five-O crossover during May sweeps. The show is looking for a late 40s actress to play the estranged mother of a female character ... gotta be Kensi, right?

Hawaii Five-0/NCIS: Los Angeles Crossover to Come!

matt@tvfanatic.com (TV Fanatic Staff) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 08:13:58 EST

CBS has scheduled a fun crossover event for May.

As first reported by TV Guide, look for a spring episode of Hawaii Five-0 to feature special appearances by Chris O'Donnell and LL Cool J of NCIS: Los Angeles, as their agents Cullen and Hanna fly over to help with the outbreak of a deadly virus.

In October, Daniela Ruah's Kensi Blye also made an appearance on the island opposite McGarrett and Joe. Why repeat the gimmick?

"It was great fun earlier this season to see Danni soaking up the sun on Hawaii Five-0, so when CBS asked if we were interested in doing a double episode crossover, we jumped at the idea," says Shane Brennan, the creator of the NCIS franchise. "What we've come up with is an enormously entertaining, high octane story that showcases the very best of both shows. It's going to be a fun ride."

Hawaii Five-0 producer Peter Lenkov agrees, adding he's curious to explore "the relationship between McGarrett and Hanna, both SEALs with a little history."

NCIS: Los Angeles Review: Sam Can't Forget

carla@tvfanatic.com (Carla Day) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 00:35:23 EST

One of the notable characteristics of NCIS: Los Angeles is the show's willingness to bring old cases back.

Along those lines, "Exit Strategy" was the continuation of November's "Betrayal," the episode where Sam went to the Sudan to bring down the war criminal Tahir Khaled. Unfortunately, Khaled's sister Jada was caught in the middle. She thought Sam was in love with her, but instead he was using her to catch her brother.

Jada was brought to the United States to testify against her sibling, but someone didn't want to see that happen and tried to kill her. While being transferred, her transport vehicle was attacked, though the assassination attempt was unsuccessful.

This was a difficult case for the team because it knew how emotionally invested Sam was in Jada. Despite having a family, Sam did genuinely care for Jada, just not as deeply as she grew to care for him. He also felt responsible for her because it was his actions that put her at risk.

The scene between Sam and Jada in the interrogation room was very touching. You could see the pain on both of their faces. Jada hadn't forgiven Sam and he hadn't stopped caring for her. After "Betrayal," the comments were mixed regarding whether or not Sam had crossed the line or not. Was he just doing his job and befriending an asset or did he go too far?

During their conversation, we found out she was not initially part of his mission. He didn't set out to use her to bring down her brother. Instead, he talked to her and befriended her because she "looked lonely." While that doesn't absolve him of responsibility for the situation, it makes it more understandable. While Khaled was her brother, he didn't treat her well. Sam was using her to bring down a criminal, but also to try and protect her.

In the end, Khaled was not the one who put the hit out on his sister. Instead Montalban International, a go-between for Khaled and the French government, kidnapped Elmslie's family and forced him into killing Jada. Elmslie faked the assassination in order to bring NCIS in to investigate.

The NCIS team was able to protect Jada, Elmslie and his family, while taking Montalban into custody. This case is not over, though. Khaled was in hiding, but Eric was able to track him and found out he was headed to the United States. It's only a matter of time before the team brings Khaled down. Perhaps they will be in a situation to kill him and save Jada permanently from her brother.

Odds and Ends

What happened to the opening credits? One of my favorite parts of NCIS: Los Angeles is the theme song that played at the beginning. I missed it! I hope the short one-screen opening was temporary.
Granger left, but Hetty said he will return. It was refreshing to know he won't be a permanent fixture in the boat house. I'm not awaiting his return.
The undercover stunt by Deeks and Kensi was enjoyable to watch. Deeks was great at being mean. And Kensi played the crying, incompetent assistant well. They definitely are the best NCIS team for uncover plays.
Jinx! Always love the interplay between Nell and Eric. Nell may have paid up, but Hetty always seems to win.
I hope that we see Jada again and she forgives Sam. He didn't mean to hurt her and if she could move on it would be a great ending.

NCIS: LA Promo: "Exit Strategy"

steve@iscribelimited.com (Steve Marsi) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 13:38:43 EST

On last night's NCIS: Los Angeles, Assistant Director Granger (guest star Miguel Ferrer) stepped into the boat house and immediately started stepping on toes. As we said in our NCIS: LA review, what was Vance thinking? Seriously!

This season has been by far the best of the NCIS spinoff's three so far, though, and the team dynamic seems to grow by the week. Even an unwelcome addition like Granger brings about some great moments, as Tuesday prved.

Next week, when a vehicle transporting Jada Khaled is ambushed, NCIS must track down the culprit to save her and their case. That puts Sam, once again, in the middle of an impossibly complicated situation.

Watch CBS' promo for "Exit Strategy" below and see what you think ...

NCIS: LA 'Exit Strategy' Promo

NCIS: Los Angeles Review: A New Boss in the Boat House

carla@tvfanatic.com (Carla Day) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 03:06:21 EST

Director Vance must be crazy to have thought that sending Assistant Director Granger to the boat house was a good idea. What was he thinking? Seriously!

Just a few months ago, Hetty took off and Lauren Hunter was brought in to oversee the NCIS crew - and that didn't go well. Even if Vance didn't send Granger, he would have to know about it since he is the director. Unless... it's a rogue operation of some sort. But assuming Vance sent Granger and briefed him on Hetty's team, why in the world would Granger use Hetty to bait the unit? That was a disaster from the beginning; he intentionally sabotaged the relationship before even meeting them.

This season has been by far the best. The team dynamic has been amazing. The show has hit its stride, so I'm going to trust the writers... for now. The incredibly annoying Granger has to be around for a reason and hopefully it will be a fun ride.

The addition of Granger wasn't all bad. The back and forth between Grhimanger and Eric was hilarious. Not awesome NCIS: LA banter level, that would be sacrilegious. With Nell out in the field, it was enjoyable to see Eric have to interact with someone new that didn't really get him.

The team was working several cases before Granger showed up and dropped them to work the suspected murder of Brent Bolton. This is what gets interesting. In the end, Brent and his wife, Mia, were both working for a research company. She unwittingly befriended a spy, who was working with the coffee vendor and chess player from the park across from her office. They were also stealing information from the shred bins at her office. But why?

Unfortunately, we don't know the answer to that, because Granger pulled the suspect out of the interrogation room before the team could uncover the full story. That was frustrating, but at least we supposedly found out who killed Bolton.

It was unclear as to whether this case is something that will be ongoing and come up again or if it was permanently transferred to another governmental agency. I'd love to see this case come back around again to provide a better picture of what Granger is doing.

Overall, this was an intriguing episode and a departure from the normal flow of the show. I despise Granger, but after reflecting on the episode I want to see more and find out what's going on. Sometimes it is necessary to bring in characters we hate to shake things up.

Odds and Ends for "The Watchers"

Initially, I thought Kensi had a Deeks-look-alike boyfriend, but it was much better that it ended up being part of a case they were working.
Why does Granger care about Kensi's recent trips to Hawaii? If you don't watch Hawaii 5-0, this reference won't mean nearly as much. But, on at least one of her trips she met with Steve and Joe to lip read a conversation between Steve's father and a Hawaiian crime lord.
Callen's aversion to authority was a tad annoying. Does he ever just accept what he is told to do? He is in a military organization. How did he get to where he is if he only trusts Hetty and his team?
Eric and Nell are adorable together. He gets jealous so easily. I'd love for the writers to finally let it out that the two of them have been secretly dating for months. The hints are there, but perhaps they are just flirting co-workers.
Granger saying that Eric reminded him of "one of the Twilight kids" cracked me up!
Callen and Sam scouting the park for potential spies was one of my favorite scenes ever on the show. It showed how their minds work and how they identify threats. The coffee man, the chess player, even the soccer mom (who ended up being "just a soccer mom").
Deeks undercover was a blast to watch. I've mentioned this before, but I enjoy that the writers bring in current events to add authenticity to the show. "Hey, I'm the 99%."
I'm not sure what kind of training Hetty was doing, but all I kept thinking was -- Hetty as Yoda doing Jedi training.
Granger isn't going anywhere and that's OK for now. But, Hetty better come out the winner because Granger is an ass and must go down!

NCIS: Los Angeles Promo: The Old Guard is Changing ...

steve@iscribelimited.com (Steve Marsi) — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 08:30:13 EST

NCIS: Los Angeles returns tonight after an all-new NCIS.

In the first installment of the year, Nell plays a key role!

When a researcher with the Department of Defense is found dead, Nell must put more than her high IQ to the test when she goes undercover as his replacement. Think she can pull off actual field work? We'll find out!

Meanwhile, Hetty’s ability to lead the team is questioned by the new NCIS Assistant Director, Owen Granger (guest star Miguel Ferrer). Suffice it to say he does not mesh with Callen, Deeks and Sam right off the bat.

The NCIS spinoff certainly has not lacked for internal power struggles this season, with Hetty's fate, and authority, appearing precarious on more than one occasion. But never count the diminutive shot-caller out.

Watch the promo for "The Watchers" below:

NCIS: LA 'The Watchers' Promo

NCIS: Los Angeles Review: Who Wants a Parker Pony?

carla@tvfanatic.com (Carla Day) — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 00:35:45 EST

It's Christmas at NCIS: Los Angeles, but all is not joyous. A Flux Compression Generator has been stolen and the team must hunt it down before it's activated and kills people. That sounds like an exciting and complicated case, right? Well, just a little.

Don't get me wrong; it wasn't a bad episode at all. However, after Sam going undercover in Sudan and Deeks pretending to kill someone to get kicked out of NCIS, "Higher Power" was a ho-hum outing. Not bad, but not the edge-of-your-seat action-packed and emotional brilliance of the two previous episodes.

NCIS: Los Angeles is one of the few shows I've watched that has addressed the real threat of an EMP attack. If the power outages from the early snow storm on the East Coast or those in California last month from high winds are any indication, we would be in real trouble if there was a long-term, extensive power outage. It would be even worse if all electronic devices themselves were destroyed. No phone, computer, TV? Disaster!

The professor was right to be upset and angry that no one was taking the threat seriously, but stealing the device was clearly not the best way to go about resolving the issue. Though, why would he think someone with less scruples would steal it from him to cause real damage?

While the threat from an EMP attack is real, so is the desperation of the many unemployed, including college students. This story and the way it played out seemed a little far-fetched, but at the same time it's something I could see happening. Desperate times call for desperate measures, whether you are a college professor that isn't being taken seriously about a real threat or college students with a bleak looking future.

To offset the serious nature of the case, there were some lighter and funny moments. I wonder if in the writers' room they came up with this storyline just so Deeks could make the Back to the Future cracks. They were hilarious. I love the comic relief we get from Deeks.

The back-and-forth between Eric and Sam about the Parker Pony was priceless. Is there an impossible-to-get toy this holiday? I'm not aware of one; but the story, however unoriginal, played out well. It was the perfect way to bring Sam's family back into the picture. The Comic-Con comment was a nice callback to the cast members own NCIS: Los Angeles panel in San Diego this summer. There weren't Parker Ponies, but they did give out awesome Hetty t-shirts (I gave mine to my mother, who loves Hetty).

This episode was back to the normal NCIS: Los Angeles after a couple highly emotional situations. That's not a bad thing at all! And, as Hetty said in closing, "God bless us, everyone!"