So, is the San Diego NCIS office the farm team for the OSP?

That's a question that came to mind while watching NCIS: Los Angeles Season 10 Episode 16.

First, it got established the Fatima was sent to San Diego, with the subtext that it was for some seasoning. But Nell noted that Fatima is from Los Angeles, so maybe she'll be back.

I vote yes, once they figure out how best to utilize her. The OSP could use a probie on its own. Everyone else has been around for the better part of a decade now.

Then DeChamps, who also is stationed in San Diego, returned for a third appearance this season, this time subbing for Deeks. More on "Fun with Deeks" later.

Related: NCIS: Los Angeles Season 10 Episode 15 Review: Smokescreen, Part 2

DeChamps has been a good choice when the powers that be want to shake up the teams a bit. That way, they don't have to break up Eric and Nell in Ops, even though I love the Nellverine in the field.

And Anna's not an option anymore, as she's imprisoned. Let's hope that can be resolved sometime in the little bit of season remaining.

Like Kensi, DeChamps is one of the guys and fits right in. Let's face it; there are only two high-maintenance members of this team: Deeks and Eric. 

Related: Watch NCIS: Los Angeles Online: Season 10 Episode 15

I did like the interaction between Kensi and Nicole. Kensi seemed to like having another female with whom to talk, and she did give DeChamps an effective pep talk before they were rudely interrupted by action.

However, two permanent field teams work well. Too many bodies aren't as good, as was proven in the post-DiNozzo years on NCIS. 

So I'd prefer DeChamps to recur regularly ... in the office.

But, as Callen hinted relentlessly throughout this episode, perhaps there's another role for DeChamps, as Sam's new love interest.

I don't see it myself. Sam and Nicole strike me more as drinking buddies who get together regularly to talk about work and life. 

But the broad hints from Callen wouldn't be in the script if this wasn't a distinct possibility.

Sam seems content to be a single guy with a pet sea lion, so why float a trial balloon like that if not to get a reaction from viewers?

It's feasible because Sam has already had a wife in law enforcement. So a relationship with DeChamps can't be totally ruled out.

But why force it?

Now on to the case of the week.

A dead reporter seemed a bit afield until it was revealed she was investigating a SNAFU mission in Afghanistan which had a retired and missing Marine at the heart of it.

Related: FBI: Most Wanted Nabs Julian McMahon for Lead Role

Rogers, my least favorite adult supervision, returned to add very little to the episode, although he did manage to use his clearance to cut through red tape.

I did see something in the previews to give me hope that this revolving door of leadership is coming to an end.

There were a couple of worthwhile twists in the case, including the Marine housing a native survivor of that mission gone wrong and a rescued contractor who was running a drug operation using a fake Mexican gang.

But truly, that wasn't what the episode was all about.

It was mostly about the Densi wedding on NCIS: Los Angeles Season 10 Episode 17, which CBS has again bumped off another two weeks. I like Aretha as much as the next guy, but come on!

I understand CBS is trying to make 22 or more episodes of NCIS: Los Angeles last for seven-plus months, but boy do they stretch it out. Between the pre-emptions and the late starts because of sports, it's hard to locate fresh episodes.

That's not as bad as wedging a whole series in between two halves of a season like some shows do. 

But how about running through a season of episodes, then giving a launchpad to a promising new series? Continuity isn't a bad thing.

So the two weeks must be needed so Kensi and Deeks can take care of the 13 items on their to-do list.

It's always fun to watch Deeks and Roberta joust, and this was no exception.

I pitied the poor health inspector that got caught in the middle. No wonder the bar passed so that he could get out of there.

Related: Get CBS All Access via Amazon Channels for Hit Shows, Exclusive Originals & Live TV!

Still, while there, he dropped some pearls of wisdom on them, helping them to get the root of the problem: Roberta's insecurity about her dancing.

After seeing how Kensi can dance, you can't really blame her.

It was sweet at the end when Deeks and Roberta got past all the usual noise and told each other how they truly felt.

Now, based on the preview, I think Hetty will be back for the wedding.

A small car crashed through a wall; then a tiny foot stepped out of it. That's got to be Hetty, right? They couldn't have the wedding without her, could they?

To catch up during another hiatus, watch NCIS: Los Angeles online

How do you like DeChamps?

Did you enjoy Deeks and Roberta together?

Will Hetty be back for the wedding?

Comment below.

Dale McGarrigle is a staff writer for TV Fanatic. Follow him on X.