NCISLA Case Briefing: “Matryoshka, Part 2” (S7E16)

NCISLA Case Briefing: Matryoshka, Part 2 (S7E16)

“Matryoshka, Part 2” – While they’re in Russia, Callen, Sam and Anna (Bar Paly) craft a plan to break Anna’s father and his CIA agent companion out of prison. Also, Special Agent G. Callen finally learns what the “G” in his name stands for, and in Los Angeles, Kensi and Deeks take Eric into the field on an assignment, on part two of a special two-part episode of NCIS: LOS ANGELES, Monday, Feb. 22 (9:59-11:00 PM, ET/PT), on the CBS Television Network. Written by: Kyle Harimoto & R. Scott Gemmill | Directed by: Terrence O’Hara

Mother Russia welcomes back (or perhaps not) Callen and Sam, with Anna in tow, as the duo search for both the team leader’s provoking pal, Arkady Kolcheck, and an unknown CIA colleague. What is Arkady doing with a CIA agent? Is the agent holding Arkady hostage or on a mission to aid escape? Yet, simply getting to their old friend will be as much as a challenge as successfully plotting his release. Gaining access to the LA-based Russian Consulate? Been there. Done that. Got the T-shirt. Breaking into a Russian prison? Looks like the partners are leveling-up.

Two-parters are always enjoyable in providing elongated stories. The additional time allows for more detail, more complex plots, and expected, compelling character development. This time both parts are led by Kyle Harimoto and R. Scott Gemmill. An example of a previous offering in which both episodes were written and directed by the same people was presented by Terrence O’Hara & Frank Military. Which ones, you ask? Oh just a couple of episodes titled, “Descent” and “Ascension” – that became immediate cornerstones of the series and which no NCISLA fan could ever forget! No pressure, gentlemen.

Wait a minute. Doesn’t that guy look familiar? Is…? Is that the silent figure we spied in the Russian cafe in the closing scene of the Season 6 finale?! It is! We knew he was alive and connected to Callen’s past, but now G knows too! Will our Lone Wolf finally find the answers he seeks about his past? Will all his questions be answer or will some loose ends remain?

Based on the guest star list (which we know Tess will detail in the wikiDeeks’ “Classified Preview”), this intriguing character’s name seems to be Garrison. How coincidental might this name starting with a “G” be? Like Hetty in similar situations, we don’t believe in coincidences. Thus, let the ever-unknown first name speculation of Special Agent Callen continue to build. On that note, is Callen even his real last name?

The press release solidly states Callen will learn what the “G” stands for. Really? Finally? The enigma of the team leader’s first name has been an anchor in the evolving story line of this show and character from Day 1. How might this apparent revelation impact the man and this series overall? What might be the next puzzle to fill the place of this long-held unknown?

As the team leader’s personal mystery heats up, it’s combated by the winter chill of the former Soviet Republic – causing Sam to don a traditional Ushanka. Might the Big Guy actually yearn for Deeks’ often-mocked “Viking mane”?! (Fate can be so cruel.) Adding insult to injury, the muscle car enthusiast is forced to trade his usual horsepower for the real deal! How might the generally even-tempered agent handle these cultural challenges?

Deeks’ Week: As the senior agents depart for the other side of the globe, the “kids” are left at home. Among the promo photos is Kensi and Deeks presumably on a stakeout. But they’re not alone. Taking residence in the backseat (literally and physically) is Mr. Beale. Wait, what? Eric’s out in the field? How did this come about? Obviously Mr. Beale has accomplished far more field agent training than we could have imagined and certainly more than has been made apparent to viewers. Anyone else recall a near-traumatized Beale at the mere thought of having to carry a weapon in “Rocket Man” (2×21)? Talk about professional growth and character development! (Of course, it has been 5 years.) So hang onto your motherboard; we might be in for a bumpy ride!

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