NCISLA Case Briefing: “Talion” (S7E24)

NCISLA Case Briefing: Talion (S7E24)

“Talion” – When Sam receives a distress code from his son Aiden (Tye White) that his school has been taken over by an extremist group, Sam, Callen, Kensi and Deeks rush to San Francisco to protect Aiden and free the hostages, on the seventh season finale of NCIS: LOS ANGELES, Monday, May 2 (9:59-11:00 PM, ET/PT), on the CBS Television Network. Written by: R. Scott Gemmill | Directed by: John P. Kousakis

The finale is upon us yet again. As teased earlier in the year, Sam faces challenges on various fronts as his son is in a threatening position. From the episode promo we discover that threat is the man who has become Sam’s arch nemesis. As Janvier is to Callen, Tahir Kahled (Jada’s brother) is to Sam. This man has not only terrorized Sam, but many of the people he cares about the most. First it was Jada, then Sam himself, followed by the entire Hanna household.

Does Tahir lash out based on the perceived mistreatment of his sister or the jeopardy Sam placed on Tahir’s “operations”? Is this personal, business, or both? Regardless of Tahir’s intent, when you endanger a family member the perception is personal. Very personal. For Sam. For the team. For their “family”.

Now the target centers on the primary Hanna heir, his military cadet son, Aiden. And if there’s one thing we know is of unquestionable priority to Sam, it’s his family. The lovable dimpled teddy bear will be fully replaced by the man, father, and Marine. Can’t you already hear his deep bellow of, “Oh hell no!”

When it comes to a season finale, one likely to offer multifaceted cliffhangers, only the “starting lineup” will suffice. In this case, it means a tag team of executive producers. While R. Scott Gemmill regularly receives praise for his lines of humor (particularly within a Deeks fandom), he just as often presents complex dramatic and action-filled story-lines. Working to evoke riveting emotion from both the actors and audience is the impeccably attired leader known simply as JPK.

Special Agent, former SEAL, Sam Hanna is a near real-life Superman. While he may not be faster than a speeding bullet or be able to leap tall buildings in a single bound, it’s doubtful anyone would argue he fights for “truth, justice, and the American way” (and may very well be more powerful than a locomotive). This leads us to the title of the episode, always telling yet equally cryptic in its selection. Talion. Commonly present within ancient law, it equates the punishment to the crime. Or more simply, “an eye for an eye”. How might Sam interpret and apply this concept? With such a personal matter, might his emotions overtake his sense of justice? Could it morph into questionable overt revenge?

Deeks’ Week: The mission has Sam at the core with the rest of the team as supporting players. Each member has and continues to deal with very challenging family issues, most of which are out of their control. So in this case, when they have the opportunity to direct the outcome, we can be assured each with give their own specialized best effort. Yet even in its darkest offerings (I’m looking at you Siderov), NCISLA has presented only the rarest instances of 42 minutes of high-tension drama (Now I’m looking at you, “Spoils of War”) without even an ounce of humor. Might this be another? Or could we potentially be startled with a light-hearted or tender Densi moment woven within the fabric of the dialogue?

Regardless, the entire team is in this together and we’ll be right there with them. As Chris O’Donnell effortlessly shared in one of the sneak peeks, “‘Cause after all, this is family.”

 

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