NCISLA Case Briefing: “Core Values” (S7E12)

NCISLA Case Briefing: Core Values (S7E12)

“Core Values” – Kensi and Deeks go undercover at a decommissioned nuclear power plant as the team investigates the radiation poisoning of a Gunnery Sergeant moonlighting as a security guard there, on NCIS: LOS ANGELES, Monday, Jan. 4 (9:59-11:00 PM, ET/PT), on the CBS Television Network. Written by: Joe Sachs | Directed by: Karen Gaviola

Welcome to 2016! What a way to ring in the new year with a fresh episode of NCISLA! Yet, as always, there’s very little peace or goodwill on Earth for our trusty team. As the song prompts,

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,

And never brought to mind?

Apparently that should apply to both old and new acquaintances with this group! With a new year evokes both past and future, beginnings and endings. While the casual open centers on Super Dad Sam, perhaps we should hope the case reflects the referenced palindromes in having the same outcome regardless of the starting point. In this instance, it would mean the entire team safe and sound in the Mission!

Nuclear power plant. Radiation poisoning. (I don’t think this what we mean in reference to a “holiday glow”.) Is this the result of a targeted personal vendetta? An accident stemming from a nefarious scheme? A test-case for a larger plot with broad national security implications?

In attempting to discern who is friend or foe, one must tread carefully. Thus, there is a tried and true effort to suss out the suspect – It’s undercover time, people! There’s nothing so elaborate in this effort as Deeks dons the uniform and persona of a security officer. (Unless of course it does include those mentioned “lead-lined boxers”. Guess Deeks is trying to avoid the mutant part of “mutant Ninja assassins”!)

What version of Undercover Deeks will we be witness to this week? Serious? Playful? Dark? Inept? In these assignments Deeks is always unpredictable. (Good luck with that, Kensi.)

You know what is pretty predictable? A big boom! Yet again the junior partners are hightailing it away from a potentially fatal event. (I hope they made a New Year’s resolution to avoid getting blown up!) Yet it seems as though matters may continue to escalate when Callen and Sam find themselves face-to-face with a rigged explosive. And not just any run of the mill incendiary device, but as the melancholy music and Hetty’s solemn tone attest, a dirty bomb. What far-reaching consequences might it potentially command? Might the team be ringing in the new year with a special form of malicious pyrotechnics?

Deeks’ Week: Presuming everyone survived the family, friends, and food of the Hanna holiday party, it’s back to work. This undercover? Too easy. Cop, federally-assigned liaison, and security officer have so many similarities, the detective could likely succeed at this singularly with no effort. However, that’s not how this team rolls. Nope, his partner is at his side as usual. This begs the question of what cover or role the plain-clothed Kensi plays in their plan?

On the topic of the partnership and “Ninja assassins”, the Densi fandom experienced a minor freak-out when photos of the previously kid-phobic Kensi show the female fed cradling an infant. The supposition points to the child potentially being connected to the poisoned security officer. While that is obviously of great concern, fans immediately began speculating about how both parties in the Densi ‘ship are reacting to the image before them.

It seems some will always be on the lookout for hints pointing toward “ninja assassins”. However, as Nell might interject, “Slow your roll.” The pair just survived dualling moms and somehow (likely temporarily) halted the IA investigation, so as this show is prone to do – & as Kensi stated back in “Personal” (2×17) – “…let’s just respect the pace.”  

 

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