NCISLA Case Briefing: “An Unlocked Mind” (S7E7)

NCISLA Case Briefing: An Unlocked Mind (S7E7)

“An Unlocked Mind” – Kensi and Deeks go undercover as cult members to rescue a former Department of Defense employee brainwashed into revealing classified information, as the rest of the team works to prevent the cult from selling the government secrets, on NCIS: LOS ANGELES, Monday, Nov. 9 (9:59-11:00 PM, ET/PT), on the CBS Television Network. Written by: Frank Military | Directed by: Chris O’Donnell

Before we jump into this week’s episode, a brief travel to the past is in order. If you’re unfamiliar, NCIS:LA has gotten into the practice of filming an additional episode or two at the end of each season. Those “extra” episodes are then infused into the following season’s schedule, which is the “case” this week. Thus, what we will view on Monday was actually captured back in May!

With this writer/director pairing, an especially intriguing presentation is highly probable. Writer Frank Military is known for some of the show’s darker, more complex plots, such as “Little Angels”, “Descent” and “Spoils of War”. With these notable storylines, perhaps this should have been the “Halloween” episode – he has a strong record of giving NCIS:LA fans (and its characters) nightmares! How might he leave fans tossing and turning on this dark fall night?

Meanwhile Chris O’Donnell is pulling double-duty in portraying Callen as well as taking residence in the Director’s Chair. Many fans owe the seasoned actor immense gratitude for the highly-regarded episode of “Wanted” – a milestone along Densi’s journey. (Mr. O’Donnell likely also deserves “hazard pay” for enduring the seemingly endless improv from his co-stars!) With this episode centering on a Deeks/Kensi undercover mission in a cult, it appears Chris may be dealing more with intense dramatic aspects rather than the more common humor-filled offerings of the Olsen In-Laws. How might he have again mined the very best from his colleagues?

Wait. A cult? Brainwashing? This is certainly something new for the show and team. How did this federal employee get mixed-up with such a dangerous group? Was their target abducted? Or perhaps more simply deceived? Is the cult selling national secrets from a perceived moral obligation or sense of justice? Or is this organization simply presenting a front as cover for their traitorous, profit-seeking purpose?

In somewhat of a rarity, this cover takes advantage of Kensi’s beauty to lure the apparently lecherous leader. Additionally, this time Agent Blye uses her real first name for the cover. Does that strike anyone else as odd? Will the same be true for our liaising detective?

Deeks’ Week: Oh buddy. The promos do not paint a soothing picture for Deeks this week. He’s working his own cover; meanwhile, we see Kensi collapsing. Will his focus and priorities again be tested? Might this cult actually influence their thoughts in some way? Then there’s escalation to the point the senior agents serve as the “cavalry”, perhaps swooping in to both halt multifaceted criminal activity as well as rescuing their teammates? Let’s hope Deeks maintains his wits at this Church of the Unlocked Mind – and mind “locked up tight like a Samsonite”!  

(Quote credit to Very Special Agent Tony DiNozzo from NCIS’ “Agent Afloat” S6E2)

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Gayle H. is a contributor at wikiDeeks.com. Follow her on Twitter: @DensiLand