NCISLA Case Briefing: “Internal Affairs” (S7E10)

NCISLA Case Briefing: Internal Affairs (S7E10)

“Internal Affairs” – While Deeks is under arrest and interrogated for the murder of his former partner, the team races to try and prove his innocence, on NCIS: LOS ANGELES, Monday, Nov. 23 (9:59-11:00 PM, ET/PT), on the CBS Television Network. Written by: Chad Mazero and R. Scott Gemmill | Directed by: Eric Pot

Let’s just state the obvious: This entire episode “briefing” is speculation about Deeks’ Week.

It’s here! It’s finally here! The internal affairs investigation takes its long awaited, well-earned place on center stage! Deeks fans rejoice! Or not. Oh that’s right; someone had the gall to haul our beloved detective away in cuffs! Oh Deeks. What did you do?!

Mr. Deeks is being accused of murdering his former partner? Seriously? What series of events would lead someone to this conclusion? Let the fan investigation commence!

The Who – Could someone be targeting Deeks? Is this the result of a “witch hunt”? Could there be a supposed eye-witness? Has he been “set up”, (falsely) accused to draw attention away from the real criminal? Is someone executing a vendetta against the detective? If so, why?

The What – Is there a pile of condemning evidence? Disclosure of classified or historically hidden testimony? What happening (or combination of happenings) prompted Deeks’ arrest?

The When – Did this supposedly occur when Deeks was assigned to LAPD? Did this happen during a joint assignment or perhaps an undercover? Could it have unimaginably occurred during his liaison assignment with NCIS?

The How – Among the many methods of murder, how did his partner succumb? Gunshot? Strangulation? Poisoning? Car crash? Exfixiation? Physical violence? Stabbing? Electrocution? Incineration? Acid bath? Decapitation? (Ok. This is getting out of control.) Could there be an actual literal and physical “smoking gun”?

The Why – Intent is as important as the supposed action. Why does someone believe Deeks is the murderer? Why was his partner murdered?

Openly-biased Deeks fans in no way could honestly consider their favored liaison a murderer. However, let’s consider the objective facts. We know he shot his father. We know he’s had to end the life of many evil beings. Could his former partner be among those? (No. We know Deeks’ sense of justice is honorable.) We’ve seen him previously struggle with rare bouts of rage. (“Human Traffic”, anyone?) We’ve even seen a post-torture Deeks (as recipient in “Impact” and administrator in “Spoils of War”) question his own abilities, self-control, and humanity. Could one of his inner demons acted out uncontrollably?

So that begs the question, did Deeks really murder his partner? If so, what plausible explanation could there be? Might the Deeks’ life have been in mortal danger? Could it have been the horrible result of an innocent accident?

This team always takes care of their own. Always. Even if they are forced to resort to questionable, unethical, and at times, illegal tactics. They’ve demonstrated it repeatedly. Notable examples include tracking Hetty to Romania; Callen (regularly) going rogue; instances of Sam working to protect those personally close to him such as Michelle, Aiden, & Jada; and Kensi hunting her father’s killer.

So how will Hetty handle this instance? Easy – by any means necessary. (Remember, Deeks is Hetty’s “favorite”, right?) For as much as his colleagues regularly dole out mocking and grief to their (yes, the possessive “their”) liaison, he’s considered no less of an agent than any of the rest of them. Always has been, always will be. This was communicated clearly and directly all the way back in Season 2’s premiere of “Human Traffic” when Hetty declares, “Detective Deeks is still our liaison officer with the LAPD. Which makes him about as close to one of us as it gets.” “Close” is no longer an accurate descriptor; for all intents and purposes, he is one of them.

Yet we know all too well that he isn’t. Not officially. Not technically. (Just sign the blasted papers! Oh. Sorry for the spontaneous rant.) Will this issue create an insurmountable challenge to the situation? Perhaps. However, it’s safe to speculate Hetty will craft a “creative” solution.

Knowing the detective as we do, it’s easy to surmise Deeks will be fighting a battle on two fronts. First is the external effort in a physical aspect. (Everyone knows how supposed “dirty cops” are treated both in prison and by their peers.) Second is the internal mental war. Deeks is likely conflicted over how he came to be in this situation, the position he’s unintentionally put the team (particularly Kensi), and/or the factual circumstances that brought him to this place.

Or could this all be some elaborate scheme? An undercover for which Deeks is portraying the role of criminal in order built trust (or misplaced confidence) of a sinister lawbreaker? (Hmm. Suddenly there are flashbacks of a wrongly accused – & supposedly fired – Deeks from “The Debt”….)

As if this wasn’t enough, add in his former/current(?) boss of Lt. Bates from LAPD. Can Deeks ever be sure if the man is working for or against him? Then as perhaps the final “straw that breaks the camel’s back”, Mama Deeks arrives, which surely only further complicates Deeks’ muddled mind.

On the topic of Mrs. Deeks, how did she find out her son has been jailed? The thought of Deeks calling her doesn’t seem the most likely explanation. Hetty? Perhaps. Kensi? Hmm…. An interesting probability.

So what insights might we glean about Mama Deeks herself, as well as any explanation as to why/how Deeks is the person(ality) he is? Will she present as a warm caring mother-figure, one who reserves judgement because she’s not sure who/what to believe, or perhaps some form of “tiger mom” ready to take some prisoners of her own. (Watch out, Bates!)

On a more serious note, will this significant event impact his relationships with his mother, the team, and/or Kensi? If so, how?  Might it strengthen and solidify, or irrevocably damage? With all these factors in play, will Deeks be able to maintain his M.O. of using humor to diffuse tension (beyond the “porn ‘stache” reference)? Might this beckon a rare appearance by Deeks’ darker side?

“Internal Affairs” indeed.

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