Review: NCISLA “From Havana with Love” (S8E20)
In episode 20 of Season 8, “From Havana With Love,” the NCIS team investigates a defense contractor, Rebecca Larmont, who works for a weapon development company designing nuclear submarines. The OSP operatives are called in after her soon to be ex-husband, Victor Larmont, says he has proof she is selling Navy secrets to a foreign government. Also, Kensi goes undercover as a professional dancer at the Cuban club where Victor works, while Deeks is undercover as… wait, not the custodian this time… but the bathroom attendant! Moving on up, Deeks, moving on up!
In the guest cast department, we have Lou Ferrigno Jr. as Victor Larmont and Shanna Collins playing his estranged wife, Rebecca.
If you are too young to recognize the name, Lou Jr. is the son of the Lou Ferrigno who played the big green guy in the CBS TV series The Incredible Hulk from 1977 until 1981 and three made-for-television movies in the years after. He starred with the late Bill Bixby, who became Lou senior’s friend and mentor. More recently, he made cameo appearances as a security guard in both the 2003 film Hulk and the 2008 film The Incredible Hulk, in which he also voiced the Hulk. No disrespect to Edward Norton or Mark Ruffalo, Lou Ferrigno will always be (to me at least) the original, Incredible Hulk. Lou didn’t use computer animation, just his massive physique and some green body paint to topple cars, tear through almost anything, and he even fought Sasquatch once (turned out to be an alien-built robot, but it was still pretty cool).
I haven’t seen much from Lou Jr., so I was interested to see what this young actor might bring into the mix with our favorite family at NCIS:LA.
Just the facts ma’am
“From Havana With Love” (I’m guessing this is a nod to the James Bond movie, From Russia With Love, which starred Sean Connery as the unflappable 007) was written by Joe Sachs, who brought us “Drive”, “The Livelong Day”, “Fish Out of Water” and “Core Values”, among other episodes as well. Sitting in the director’s chair, we are graced with Dennis Smith, who led us through “Fame”, “Rocket Man”, “Exit Strategy”, “Patriot Acts”, “Granger, O”, and “The Queen’s Gambit” just to name a few.
I missed the preview for the episode but I checked out the two inside previews that the extraordinary Tess DiCorsi put up in the wikiDeeks preview page. (Thanks Tess, you ROCK!) Anyway, in the initial meeting with Callen and Sam, Victor looks like he’s grasping at straws with the mysterious texts and the new Porsche that his ex just bought. I could see the looks on Callen and Sam’s faces that said, “Are you kidding? Sounds like you’ve been watching too many spy movies and are just looking for a way to get back at your wife.”
Lots of viewers were looking forward to seeing Kensi make some moves out on the dance floor and we weren’t disappointed. Daniela Ruah did win the celebrity dancing competition Dança Comigo, the Portuguese version of Dancing With the Stars, so she had a lot of experience to pull from. I’m not sure that Eric Christian Olson ever had a job as a bathroom attendant, but with a new little one and a toddler running around the Olsen household, taking care of the bathroom at a fancy club would be no big chore. I’m sure his wife, Sarah, has him well trained.
Ah… the banter
I actually enjoyed this episode (I do like most of them) where we had a pretty straightforward who-done-it mystery as the team works together to find the clues that lead to the bad guys. There was plenty of the usual team banter at the beginning and, by the way, nice card shuffle Eric, even though it was, technically, cheating. And the word count competition Deeks? Was there an off screen “You talk too much” directed at either Kensi or Deeks? At least they seem to be taking it in good humor and no serious issues with their maturing relationship. It was cute watching them struggling to keep count of their words through the suspect interviews and interrogations. Leave it to Kensi to enlist the Wonder Twins to keep her app in neutral. Bad form, Kensi! Loved their entry at the development center when it looked like Deeks was taking notes but instead, he’s tracking the words they each used. And here I thought Kensi was the competitive one in the relationship!
Is it me or are Sam’s little snide comments directed toward Deeks getting a little old? I thought we had moved past that level in their relationship but I guess it’s easy to fall back into old habits.
Poor Victor seemed lost and desperate most of the time and even was going to try to act as his own attorney. Trying to serve the papers to his wife almost got him shot by Kensi but that was a sweet open field tackle by Deeks… I was all-state in high school and that was a beautiful take down; drop the shoulder, roll into the guy’s thigh, and up into the air and back to the ground he goes. Part of me was screaming, “Be careful, Deeks! That’s the son of the Hulk! If he starts turning green, RUN!”
I almost felt sorry for poor Victor though, feeling like he was just a cash cow for his wife who seemed like she was just looking for a better meal ticket… that’s got to do a lot to a man’s pride. And then there’s a mysterious Cuban doctor waiting to marry the wife when the divorce is final? Talk about waiting to swoop right in!
It’s all about the characters
The best shows to me are the ones that allow my favorite character (and the others as well) to really shine and this one gave Deeks the chance to do just that. From the fluent Spanish, to the physicality in his repeated Victor tackles, and the final dance with his ladybird. Even the humor had me cracking up… the “petite condoms” made my side hurt and the Costco interruption of the dirty dancing Kensi was enduring with Perez was simply classic Deeks. The WWCD (What Would Columbo Do) is going into my lexicon as one of my go-to phrases (if you don’t know who Columbo is… first, shame on you and second, Google him and discover another great detective from years gone by). And before you ask, yes, I’m old enough to have watched Columbo on broadcast television with my dad; it was one of his favorites.
The use of the non-digital ham radio was a little old school but still effective as pointed out by Hetty (one of the reasons I still favor my trusty compass to a GPS that might just lead you down the wrong road from time to time). I was jotting down notes as I watched the show and was making a point of the rather ineffective trash bomb that would have barely scorched off Victor’s eyebrows, much less actually caused any real harm, when the team figured it out for themselves. The case kept us going back and forth as to which one was really the bad guy and that kept me interested and guessing as to the outcome. I hate “knowing” who the real bad guy is before the first commercial and this episode had me going until the end. Hiding the sub plans in the bird drawings was a stroke of genius and I actually cheered the creativity in that one (“Bloody brilliant” as Ron Wesley would say). Good job, Mr. Sachs!
I did have some issues with the shootout at the end: why was it that the only bad guy who was smart enough to get behind cover before shooting was the doctor? Callen and Sam’s choice of observation position was pretty poor since they had no opportunity for overlapping fields of fire and they had all the bad guys shooting in the same direction, which was right at the two of them. It sure was lucky that with all that lead flying around, not one round found its way into Rebecca, who was tied up in the car trunk. I know it’s minor, but these are highly trained tactical operators and I expect more sometimes.
Lou Ferrigno Jr. was pretty cool through the first half, but he seemed to really come out of his shell when he and ECO are doing the dancing lesson scene. The “you can learn to dance in a day” delivery comes at just the right moment for Deeks, who seems to be doubting himself, and Lou Jr. delivers it superbly. The only downside was the cut-back to the club where Perez is putting the moves on Kensi. I was hoping someone would seriously hurt him, preferably Kensi with a place-kick to the nom de plumes. Thankfully, it is resolved when Kensi is able to literally dance away while taking out the creep at the same time. Too bad it was only a flesh wound but maybe it will get infected and fill with puss, leaving a nasty scar.
Was it odd that when Deeks learns that Perez is dangerous, he chooses to remain in the boatshed with Victor rather than race to back-up Kensi? I thought this was another instance where the characters are made to act in a way that is outside of established behaviors. I know the writers wanted the dance lesson for the ‘cuteness’ factor but how do you explain leaving Kensi alone with the loan shark who has already shot one person and blown up a defenseless trashcan?
Deeks asking Kensi to dance through the coded message was both sweet and keeping with the app word count war that flowed through the entire show. It was incredibly cute and Kensi’s attempts to protect her feet came across as both concerned and a little fearful for her metatarsals. Victor’s instructions paid off and I think Deeks made a really good impression on Kensi by showing her the effort he’s willing to put into “them”. I was hoping to see the end of the dance that suddenly turned painful but the director cheated as they faded to black for the body thump and the cry of “Deeks!” from Kensi. I just wonder who it was that went down in the end.
Deeks: Yeah, what do you got?
Kensi: Wait…
Deeks: Something wrong?
Kensi: Ummmm… it’s umm…
Deeks: Something wrong?
Kensi: It’s not a number; it’s… seven, two digit numbers.
Sam: Maybe you got hacked by the Russians.
Deeks: I don’t know, this is crazy but maybe you should try that ‘one time pad’ thing…
Callen: No, no… Sam was a mathlete; he can do it in his head.
Kensi: Okay, go ahead.
Deeks (chanting): Mathalete… mathalete…
Sam: W… I… L… L… Y… O… U…
Kensi: Will you? Will you… will you what?
Deeks: Will you dance with me?
Kensi: Oh Honey… no, I’ve had enough for today but thank you.
Deeks: Come on baby…
Kensi: No… no… I don’t want to dance with you…
Deeks (cues up music): Seriously…
Kensi: Deeks?
Callen: That’s our cue to leave.
Sam: Yeah, I think so.
Callen: Good night folks!
Deeks: See you guys.
Kensi (walking away): Last time you broke my metatarsal.
Deeks (tugs her back to him): Come on baby, dance with me! Don’t laugh at me, I need to concentrate.
Kensi: It’s very hard not to laugh at you.
They talk over each other, then Deeks starts to count: 5… 6… 7…
Kensi: Wow, he’s got rhythm.
Deeks: By the way, the word challenge thing, you totally won that.
Kensi: Not surprising.
Deeks: Wanna go best of three?
Kensi: If you want to keep losing… what happened to my app?
Deeks: Little help from the meerkats up in ops.
Kensi: Yes, they were supposed to remain neutral.
Deeks: Are you kidding me? A couple of gift cards from Dave and Busters and they snapped like peanut brittle.
Kensi: What did…
Deeks: Spin!
Kensi (impressed): Where did you learn that?
Deeks: Well you know, took a couple of lessons from our boy Victor.
Kensi: Sorry, Victor?
Deeks: Yeah, I know it sounds awkward, but it should be worth the big finish.
Deeks spins Kensi into a low dip: Ahhh… charley horse… charley horse!
The scene fades to black as we hear Kensi call out: Deeks!
And the look on his face when he asked her to hang onto the red dress? Priceless.
What kept me up last night
Now, I’ve already mentioned Deeks interrupting the little dirty dancing Perez was working on with Kensi but there was an idea that popped into my head during the scene in the dressing room that I want to mention. Could undercover operations where one of them has to play a lovey-dovey role with someone else become an issue? Deeks having to watch his fiancé, and eventual wife (fingers crossed on that one), putting the moves on some suspect or even having to go way beyond that for the sake of a case. Kensi seemed to have her own issues with playing the part as the single and available female, especially when Perez’s hands went too far south and he sought more than just her peck on his cheek.
These people are super at undercover work, but what happens when they have to watch their significant other go all out on someone else? Being able to separate the two worlds takes talent, training, skill, and a lot of hard work, but when will it prove to be too much? Of course, there’s Sam and Michelle that appear make it work somehow, but Sam didn’t see her smooching all over Sidorov either and he nearly beat Sabatino to a pulp in his own yard for getting a little too close. We had Joelle, who is apparently married with a young child, having an intimate relationship with Callen for several months. How different will it be to have to sit there and watch/listen while your husband/wife has to let someone take liberties or, worse, has to be the aggressor in being touchy-feely?
I bring this up for a couple of reasons. First, over the past few episodes, we’ve seen a little peak at this particular issue. In “Queen Pin”, the female PR rep at the lab was all over Deeks, who seemed very uncomfortable and later, Kensi was overly friendly enough with Sam’s SEAL friend to catch her boyfriend’s eye (and a slightly confused head-cock as well). I may be grasping at straws (and I really, really hope that I am) but my second reason is that there are little birdies telling us that the season finale will bring something dramatic to the Densi world. Now, most of us are expecting the finale to include the big proposal on the beach and jubilant acceptance by a very excited Kensi… but what if the “drama” isn’t of the happy variety we are anticipating?
This is my dark side looking at different angles that the writers could take to bring about a huge shift and additional angst to the show. What if Kensi, or Deeks, has to go undercover and part of their mission involves the aforementioned intimacy with someone else and the other happens to witness the… ahem… activities? This could cause a possible serious re-evaluation of the relationship and just how much they each can stand. What if the proposal doesn’t take place because Deeks can’t share Kensi or what if Kensi turns Deeks down because she saw how much it hurt him for her to act lovingly toward another person? I just had a full body shiver, but that’s where my mind went after watching “From Havana With Love”, wondering what Deeks’ reaction would have been if he had seen what was happening in the dressing room and if Kensi was unable to turn Perez away for the sake of the case.
As usual, I only covered the basics of this episode and the things that stuck out to me. There are a ton of things that I haven’t mentioned but I am trusting you all to fill in the blanks in the comments section at the end of the article. Let us know what you think about any little thing that you feel needs discussion and even those that seem trivial might generate a hefty debate between all of us fanatical fans. Now, it’s up to you, give us your thoughts on “From Havana With Love”.
And remember, WWCD?
Semper Fi.
JS
wikiDeeks | Marty Deeks | NCISLA 
Nice review, Jericho. I agree that the banter was good to see/hear, and that it was nice to not know who the bad guy really was until the end (I especially liked that the team seemed to keep going back and forth between suspecting Victor and Rebecca as well). I’m old enough to have watched the Columbo 2-hour specials live, but I watched the series itself in syndication (talk about knowing who the guilty party is from the get-go!). Regardless, I did appreciate “WWCD,” even though Deeks himself did that once before in one of the Blye, K. episodes. And thanks for confirming that Deeks’ tackle was in fact a tackle. I do not watch football, so I always assumed tackling meant knocking someone over by jumping and landing on top of them. Learn something new every day, clearly. And yes, Deeks collecting hash-marks and watching his speech was wonderful. I LOL’d when he introduced himself to Rebecca by pointing to himself and saying, “Deeks.”
Just a few thoughts to add. Regarding Sam’s “snide” comments, were you referring to the bullpen scene when Deeks was explaining the word count contest? I didn’t a “snide vibe” myself; more a friendly/funny and realistic response to what Deeks was saying. Honestly, I was scoffing at Deeks myself there, because how could he ever think he talks less than Kensi (or anyone on the team, for that matter)?
Also, regarding Densi potentially being undercover and having to deal with one another getting physical with someone else, I don’t think it will impact their relationship in a negative way. Though of course we’ve never seen it (and never will except in fanfic), I can’t imagine they haven’t had this talk already since becoming a couple. It is part of their jobs, and I’m confident they’ve found a way to deal with it when it comes up. In fact, it already has come up since they’ve been together, and it seems to have worked out fine for them.
In “Command and Control” (though we didn’t see it) Kensi had to date that very rich guy, and it didn’t seem to bother Deeks at all (Kensi affirmed to him that it shouldn’t because the guy was a douche); what actually bothered him more was that the guy was loaded and Kensi spent a week with him in a world where money was no object and Deeks knew he could never provide that for her (again, Kensi allayed his fears by telling Deeks she wanted to be with him and feel the way he makes her feel, no matter where they are). Contrast that to “Parley,” which took place before they were “all in,” but clearly feeling a lot of unresolved sexual tension, and Kensi didn’t handle Deeks’ relationship with Monica well at all.
I think that’s telling for a few reasons: first, because Kensi had been kept in the dark about Deeks’ assignment and “relationship;” and second, because Densi was not yet in a relationship themselves, Kensi was very insecure about Deeks’ feeling for her and Monica. I think the fact that this was not an issue for them by the time of “Command and Control” was specifically because they’d had some sort of conversation and come to terms with how they would deal with such assignments. Not to mention how happy and secure they were in their ‘ship by that time.
So yeah, I agree with the other interpretation of the “spoilers” re: changes to Densi’s world at the end of the season: that they’ll finally get engaged. (Not that this thought keeps me from thinking, “Oh, is this when he finally proposes (again)?” during every other episode – including this one).
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Funny review. I liked the episode, although I was confused at the end about how al the bad guys fit into the case. Also the chauvinistic pig workplace harasser was dumb to pull a knife in front of a club crowd, what was the logic in that?
My favorite scene was the dance scene between Deeks and Victor. A nice scene,although at first uncomfortable for Deeks, that showed a guy could help another guy in a situation. I liked Victor and felt bad for the fella.
BTW DR has nice spins. And I liked that Deeks dropped Kensi because it was funny classic Densi.
Almost forgot: I hated that Kensi said, believe or not he finished law school”. Can the show stop with that joke? It’s old.
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Nice review Jericho. Thanks. It was really enjoyment reading it. I also liked this episode, it tackled humour and drama and Agatha Christie’s eternal question who-done-it. I loved Densi dancing and Deeks showing Kensi that he is ready to leave his comfort zone for her (I really wish that my husband will do that sometimes for me – dancing with me – I mean), I liked Victor and I genuinely sympathized with him for his ill-situation and sadness we saw. I really, really loved very much hearing somebody saying to Deeks that he is the cool guy and that he can do everything. I pretty much think the same. I liked Kensi dancing. DR is obviously skilled and good dancer and that was one of the things I was looking forward to watch. The team was great and I also didn’t feel like Sam was back to “his old habits” when commenting Deeks. They are long way now from what was once and I do not think there is a way back. I am also one of those who watched Colombo and It was so cool that Deeks mentioned him.
I do not agree with you that Deeks and Kensi are (maybe) not able to accept all that they would probably have to do during possible undercover mission. Show runners showed us, in abundant volume, back in season 7 and especially in this one that they both are in the good place in their relationship and they, especially Kensi, are showing it to each other.
Now what I didn’t quite like is that I haven’t actually catch the fate of Rebecca in the end. I mean Victor was right, she was a traitor but she didn’t sell the military secrets for money but for love, but I really miss somebody saying it loud. I felt like the conclusion was somehow rushed and generally I do not like when team has to explain what actually happened. I also didn’t like the dancing scene between Deeks and Victor and the reason is homophobe vibe I got from Deeks. Unfo, not for the first time show runners and writers are showing Deeks as homophobe instead of cool guy who is laid back and able to accept and understand all the differences in people. The first time that was in Russian bath in “Wanted” and now again. I really tried to neglect it then but I simply cannot now and had to mention it. I would be very disappointed if Deeks is really like that, but I think it is more likely that writers want to make funny scene with Deeks which, in my opinion, is total flop so please do not try to be funny with such sensitive matter. I am sure that Deeks would not be that much “funny” and uncomfortable if he had to, let’s say, dance with deaf or blind person.
To end on the positive note do you think that “WILL YOU” in codes was the beginning of the final proposal? That was the first thing that came to my mind after I heard Deeks asking her to continue with the “less word” contest. So maybe we will see the second part of the proposal next time…
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Interesting point about the potential homophobia, Maria. I myself didn’t see it that way. I agree it was played for laughs, but I think if the character was truly homophobic, he wouldn’t have let Victor touch him, much less danced with him. I think he called it what it was, “awkwardly intimate,” because he is not used to dancing with another man. As a comparison, I also think Deeks would have responded the same way had he been compelled to dance with a woman other than Kensi in the same circumstance. “Awkwardly intimate” would have been a good description in that case as well, since he’s not used to dancing with/being in the arms of a different woman. JMHO.
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agreed,
Consider the reaction to Hetty telling Sam and Callen they would be next to dance the Waltz…
I did not take it as a phobia either.
Ed
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Hetty trying to teach them the waltz will NEVER not be iconic! or funny.
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Thank you so much for your review, Jericho.
These last couple episodes have been really good, I have really enjoyed them. In this episode I loved the music and dancing, the team working together and of course those Densi scenes. The Victor and Deeks scene where they dance is maybe the only scene that I would like to change a little bit, I do agree with Maria that I wish they had written Deeks differently in that scene (It reminded me of that scene where Hetty asks Callen and Sam to dance).
This would had been a great episode for that proposal. If the proposal will be in the season finale and if there is a big angsty storyline it will be interesting to see how everything works out.
I did love that “pre-proposal” in seventh child, but I am a bit nervous how they will handle the possible proposal if there will be even bigger (angsty? more complex?) storyline, maybe guest stars returning and maybe even a cliffhanger. I just hope that if there will be a proposal it will be a happy one (last two proposals were so emotional), “angst free” and that they give it enough screen time.
Maybe the proposal is a cliffhanger, so that there will be a proposal but then episode ends and we have to wait until season 9 begins for an answer 🙂 They seem to love teasing fans (like that “will you” in this episode) so maybe that is the next teaser, but come on tptb , haven’t we fans been through enough already 🙂
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A proposal cliffhanger would pee me off.
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here,
let me help you out to avoid the suspense…
Deeks: will you marry me
Kensi: yes, yes, yes, I love you so much
Deeks: I love you too…together forever
Kensi: for eternity…and you know I am still the flower…
IA: detective Deeks, you’re under arrest for murder.
…fade to black…
insert a very long summer here…
and…NO,NO,NO, this is not what I want either…
I always such an optimist…
…wait…did this help? maybe not, sorry.
Ed
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I could see that happening, but would get mad if the answer was the cliffhanger.
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me as well.
but just thinking out loud, we have heard that the end of season will drama will involve Sam, Kensi and Deeks.
My marginally educated guess is that the showrunners will “bless” us with the treat of a Densi proposal, Kensi saying yes, Deeks getting arrested and Kaled escaping from custody and going after Sam’s family….and a whole summer to vent about it…
I think there are some hints out there, but i may be misreading it.
As many of you know, I am way to suspicious at times.
Ed
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Deeks getting arrested after proposal would be like my “worst case scenario” but I, too, feel like we will be “blessed with” that too. I am so nervous about the finale, I really like Michelle and I am so worried what they are going to do with her character. The more hints/spoilers we get the more worried I get too and I really hope we are misreading those hints or the summer will be so long and frustrating 🙂
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I’m picturing a return of a recovered Whiting with the IA arc that won’t seem to go away but this time, she’s a bit more sympathetic and presents Deeks with a way out.
***Suspend reality for a moment just like they do on the show***
Whiting says that she has worked out a deal with the police commissioner and they won’t pursue the IA investigation any further … as long as Deeks turns in his badge and resigns from the LAPD. This puts his becoming a federal agent back into play and maybe something to ponder over the summer.
We know the proposal is coming and it would be cruel on the writer’s part to have us wait all summer to find out the answer. If we don’t get the proposal this season, I call cheating on the writers and will start the WWPN movement (We Want the Proposal Now) and I will hold my breath until it happens.
Or we could get another powerless congressional investigation into Hetty’s shenanigans … or we are introduced to the new Assistant Director of NCIS … Talia Del Compo!
Just kidding! Really, I am … put down the pitchforks!
Semper FI
JS
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agreed.
I truly hope they don’t play the the whole you did get a proposal already card.
that would be almost as bad as getting a proposal and a no because one or the other wants to wait until the IA thing is over….
They did technically say proposal and not engagement…Would they pull that garbage on us???
I hope not.
I have considered Whiting allowing Deeks to resign in exchange for dropping the investigation.
it would make sense, but the writers would be giving up a huge plot tool that can be used to insert drama into the Densi relationship.
The threat of having the liaison position canceled, Deeks being pulled back in for a long undercover opp, and so on. they are a constant looming threat, and a very easy way for a writer to create drama or regulate the pace of the relationship if they feel the need. I can’t see them giving all that up. they seem to love throwing in roadblocks and don’t want to allow a happy Densi for mor than a couple of weeks at a time.
I will trade you a pitchfork for two horse heads and an arrow.
Ed
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Thanks for the nice review Jericho.
I agree about Sam’s snide remarks about Deeks. It’s gotten so old. So much for Sam respecting Deeks. Aside from the remarks at the bullpen, he couldn’t help but make a snarky remark at Ops. When Kensi said Deeks “was losing,” the word count, Sam had to add “in more ways than one.” For a supposedly honorable man who is all about teamwork, he has a funny way of showing it sometimes. After all the support Sam has shown Deeks while Kensi was recovering, why regress back to this type of dialog. It’s tiresome how Sam and Callen are always treating Deeks like a bothersome little brother when they’ve seen his struggles and inner demons. Never liked Adam as find the character arrogant.
How about delving into how Sam and Callen were played by Joelle. I’d love for Michelle ultimately to be a part of the mole story to perhaps make Sam eat some humble pie.
Rant over. Thanks!!
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Fantastic review JS
Love the details.
I do hope it didn’t take too much time away from your next Broken Road update…
Just speaking selfishly.
Ed
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I agree that I found it odd that Deeks left Kensi alone at the club after things came to light about how dangerous it was.
Especially, considering how difficult it would be to hide a SIG in her dance outfit.
Then again, Perez the sleaze did a pretty good job of frisking her.
Ed
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I do wish that Kensi was more receptive of Deeks’ dancing offer, after being groped all day, I would have liked her to seek the comfort of her lover’s comfort, even if it was just a hug. Maybe Deeks needed that as well.
Yes, it was funny, but it could have been a nice moment, where she appreciates that he is trying to learn for her. A kiss and a thank you would have been nice.
Could have mixed in an” I love you” as well.
They just defaulted to Deeks the joke again and the show was funny enough without it. Just like Sam’s comments towards Deeks, a little over done.
We finally get a nice dance with the couple and it was full of discussion of work and Deeks the clown. No close hold, no hug, no kiss, no I love you or thank you.
It was nice, but it could have been so much better.
Ed
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I would have liked a kiss and then a drop, but I think the episode tone was more about humor. Plus the writer wrote Drive, so I don’t know if he is the most romantic writer.
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noted,
in relation to the previous work, this was a huge step up.
not being cryptic…I just refuse to say the title word” Dr*** “, as that it one of my most disliked episodes ever.
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I get the issue that could arise with Kensi and Deeks together and an undercover op getting overly touchy feely, but I have a slightly different point of view.
I think the jealousy issue was much worse when their “thing” was up in the air and unacted on.
Kensi’s reaction to Monica and rays wife were good examples.
They both handled things well lately. Deeks interrupting the groping session is what any good partner would do. Regardless of how you felt about your partner, it would be your job to attempt to distract, interrupt, or diffuse the situation so they could remain in character without getting too close to that line.
Last week Deeks did look at Kensi touching the ex Seal, but nothing came of it. Just like Kensi watching the PR girl flirt with Deeks. She did go into the building and leave him alone with her.
She had a smile on her face, so she wasn’t mad. I took it like she was confident and trusted him. And, she thought it would be funny to let him get himself out of the situation.
They have come a long way from the near cat fight with Talia.
I think Deeks was worried in Command and Control, but Kensi set him at ease.
With the guy buying Kensi a 3000-dollar dress and professing his feelings all being real. Just what did she have to do to earn such infatuation and desire inn just a week. It didn’t come from being a good Scrabble player.
They got through that and came out stronger. I think that now that they are committed to each other and admit their love, that it is far less of an issue.
Now it sucks, one feels bad for the other, and so on, but the trust is there and it is not a threat to them or the relationship. I think they will deal with it better now than before.
…besides, ring or no ring, they are fiercely loyal to each other, protective, and willing to fight for each other. That hasn’t changed…it was always there.
Ed
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JS,
In response to your angst idea.
It could happen that way, but I feel it will be IA that throws a wrench into the Happy Densi Train…
Especially when ECO is gone for the first 5 days of the 7 shooting days for the season 9 premier. The pour guy could be locked up to start the season…
Just sayin’
I hope not, but it wouldn’t surprise me.
Ed
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Great review. I will be upset if the proposal is a cliff hanger. Why is ECO gone for the first episode?
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He seems to be off this time of year. Over the last few years, he and his motorcycle friends seem to ride during this time of year – going to Coachella and other music festivals. He is still filming two out of the seven days.
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I believe they are shooting the first 2 episodes of season 9 this year,
this is usually done for either continuity, cost or both when there is a carryover to the following year.
they want to film their guest actors when they are available and not committed to another project. They also want to use the sets and locations before anything changes.
I don’t know why ECO is off, but the filming calendar has him off for the first 5 days of shooting.
there might have been vacation or other commitments already in place. after all, I do not think that shooting these 2 episodes this year was the original plan at the start of the season.
I am just guessing, no actual facts were harmed during creation of this comment…
except the calendar, that is real.
I am sure somebody far smarter than myself will fill us in on the “where’s ECO” blog…
Ed
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It is not necessarily the case that the episodes being filmed at the end of season 8 will be the first two in season 9. They have been known to film episodes and keep them in the bank for use early (but not immediately) in the next season. Unwritten Rule and An Unlocked Mind come to mind in that category, as well as Blame It On Rio (and I apologise for even mentioning that episode.)
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Aww man,
you were on such a roll…
then you had to go and mention the last one…
Now, I just cant even talk to you right now…
somebody needs a time out…
Ed
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Sorry Ed. I was going to call it The Episode That Shall Not Be Named, but unfortunately there are several that fall into that category.
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No worries.
I think our lists are very similar.
Maybe we need a code or something?
can we just abbreviate? Or use Pig Latin…
How about just the episode number?
We need some way to communicate without having to utter the filth of a select few episodes that should be stricken from memory.
If I could figure out how, I would scratch that part of my DVD so it couldn’t be played.
How about the the abbreviation followed by the ep#?
for example: BioR (7X5)
is that less nauseating to read than the actual title?
Although I don’t like even thinking about them, that would be far more tolerable to read.
Ed
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…because we have to wait an extra week and i happen to be bored…
things like this fly through my mind…
scary isn’t it.
I was recalling the conversation between Sam and Callen in season 5 about tattoos and Callen not being a tat person.
Then I got to thinking…never good right.
We have all seen Sam’s. We got to see Eric’s on his shoulder, but even though we are told that Kensi and Deeks both have tattoos, we haven’t seen them yet.
We have had the bath house and boathouse shower scene for Deeks, the red dress and the lingerie scene for Kensi and the pool scene for them both…
Them at the beach, on the boat ect.
No sign of any ink…
If Sam and Callen both know about them, then hopefully they just told them?
Hmmm,
My curiosity is increasing as I begin to wonder just where they could be.
I vote that we get to see them next year…perhaps while on their honeymoon…
These things happen when we don’t get an episode every week.
Ed
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As I was rereading the comments about either Kensi or Deeks crossing the line undercover or having to go farther that one or both of them are comfortable with.
We have seen it happen and I guess I assumed that they would handle it much better now that the trust and commitment is rock solid. I think that command and Control is a good barometer to use. Deeks as far more concerned about taking care of her and the long-term relationship that where she was groped. They talked about it, spent some quality time alone to reconnect, and Kensi confirmed that she was there with him and fully committed to them. Then we got a nice kiss.
I would think that seeking out that comfort and connection would be a big part of getting past an uncomfortable situation. Maybe neither of them thought it was a big deal. I would have liked it have seen a nice hug, an “are you ok?”, a kiss, a “I love you” …something.
I think this could be a way to provide some nice tender dramatic moments going forward. Their way of handling things…. their new version of the beer and takeout on the couch after a tough day, just spending time together to comfort each other.
That is something we have moved past as the relationship has evolved, and it would be a very nice replacement, I think.
I think this is why I would have liked to see Kensi more excited to dance with Deeks, or at least handle it a little different. Saying something like , just hold me for a minute, or I just want you to take me home, or how about you help me get out of this dress..are all better than “I don’t want to dance with you”, don’t you think.
I know the drop at the end was funny, and I did laugh, but then I immediately thought not again, Deeks the clown. I would have had Kensi say that she knew Deeks doesn’t dance and if he learned for her. Then he could say that he would do anything for her…then Kensi with the kiss and the I love you to close out the scene…
See, better right?
Maybe not, but that’s what I would have liked to see.
Ed
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I was actually wondering about that too also at the bathhouse Deeks said he was thinking about getting a badass unicorn one.
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I have seen that a couple of you have already commented, and I am in full agreement, that Perez needed to be kicked in the groin or had his ass beat.
Yes, he got hurt, but that was just Kensi defending herself.
I wanted to see a decisive retaliation for his obnoxious groping.
He is a very talented dancer and he and Kensi were great dancing together…
…but the character was a pig.
Keep in mind, he is not just the person hiring her, but her boss as well as the owner of the business. Wildly inappropriate, to say the least.
He stayed in her personal space and kept his hands on her hips while offering her the job. Really?…pig
When they are practicing, at the break he keeps her close, keeps his hand on her lower back, and slides one hand from her hip down to her butt. Pig
Deeks interrupting the hip grinding was funny and a good save to keep Kensi from getting mauled even worse.
The look on her face was one of humor and appreciation, not frustration due to him being overprotective. It allowed her to stay in cover, yet break the moment.
She seemed to really enjoy his character’s actions and his immediate ability to break Perez’s concentration. Hilarious. Kensi’s look was a combination of, thank you, oh my god I can’t believe you are doing this, really? And you really are good at this. She was entertained, impressed and curious as to where he would take the conversation.
Nicely done. We all know Deeks probably wanted to punch the guy in the face for groping Kensi. Then again, Kensi must have wanted to kick or knee the guy in the sack for groping her like that, especially in front of Deeks. They both handled it well.
Sorry, I got distracted and took a right turn there for a moment…
Back on track.
Perez coming into Kensi’s dressing room was way inappropriate. Pig.
Kensi’s sigh when Perez entered the room meant she knew what was coming.
Flowers on the first day, sitting so close on her makeup table, really. Pig.
Putting his hand in her bare back, “adjusting” her straps as a way to invade her space and touch her, running his hands down her shoulders…Pig.
Walking right up to her and touching the front of her dress. Pig
Trying to kiss her. Pig
Saying they have chemistry while putting his hands on her hips then sliding them down to grope and squeeze her butt. Pig, Pig, Pig.
Saying I will see you later my heart (love)…Pig.
Through intense scientific analysis, we have concluded that the guy was a pig that had an ass whuppin’ coming.
Kensi promising to see him later must have been tough. The look on her face when he left said it all. She had no idea that the case would wrap up by the end of the night, and had to wonder how she was going to keep the pig off her while maintaining her cover. She had made a promise, to hold cover and get him off her now, but later would be a much different situation. He now had expectations. A tough spot to be in.
He got to hold Kensi in one episode more than Deeks has in 7 years (well close anyway)…I really wanted to see the guy get a beat down. Pig.
Ed
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Wow, Ed. Tell us how you really feel. 😀
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Right on Ed! PIG! Hated him more than some of the villians on the show.
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Glad you guys understood what i meant, I wasn’t sure if I was clear enough.
More importantly, I appreciate that you both know that i was just talking about the character.
I seem to get myself in trouble around here when a few people seem to think that I am attacking the actor personally when I am critical of a character.
Note: disclaimer…
When I say the character was a pig, it in no way means that I dislike the actor George Akram, people from Venezuela, the country of Venezuela, the continent of South America, people that dance or just people named George…
I am glad we can draw a distinction.
Glad this didn’t turn into a Sullivan thing again.
great guy, can’t stand the character.
Whether you celebrate or not, enjoy the Holiday weekend.
Ed
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Way, way, way off topic…Welcome to my crazy brain.
As Monty Python once said…
And now for something completely different.
My thoughts on Hetty, her leaking info to IA and getting Deeks arrested, why I can’t stand her, and my doubts that she can ever fully redeem herself.
Just watched a little of season 5. As irritated as I was about how Kensi got sent to Afghanistan, Hetty not telling Kensi the truth, or at least more, the way it was handled, and how Hetty informed Deeks, which was horrible by the way, it just gets worse.
Enter Spoils of War.
Where we find out everything Hetty knew and did, how she manipulated everything, and how Hetty has photos of Jack and Kensi, knows they were engaged, knows he left the Marines with PTSD, knows he left Kensi…
But, also kept to herself and from Kensi… the fact that they were friends, the fact that he showed up in Afghanistan 6 years ago, worked as a military contractor, got married, had a kid, the fact that his family was killed, the fact that he worked for the CIA. The fact that he refused to return to the US and was a security risk by knowing names of contacts and agents in country. The fact that the CIA was trying to kill him, the fact that Kensi was sent to be the shooter…
And the fact that Hetty allows Deeks to still think Kensi is there because of him…
Horrible…
Then, she tells Sam to pull him from the mission if necessary, so she knows he is on edge.
When the fake death pic comes in, Hetty obviously spoke with Sam/Callen and knows that Deeks is not with them and is looking into a lead.
She stated herself that she thinks Deeks is too emotionally invested, she continues to allow him to think this is all his fault, and then mentions the picture of Kensi with her throat cut, knowing he will want to see it for himself…unforgivable. She does this on purpose to bait him, to push him over the edge intentionally to illicit a response.
If there was a desire to keep him focused, stable and on task, then why tell him at that point when he had no support around. The info is suspect and unverified. It has no relevance to Deeks task. Why even call him? Until it is verified, it has no bearing on the case, other than to change Deeks’ behavior.
She thought the pic was fake, showed him anyway and manipulated him.
She could have told him that they needed info and he needed to get it with any means necessary, a little honesty…but nope…just manipulate him instead.
She made him snap, and I hate her for it.
How could anyone ever respect and trust someone that did something like all of this to them. Not me.
Then, Deeks gets absolutely no credit for saving the entire team.
Unfortunately, this episode was the final straw. For me, it succeeded in firmly nailing closed the door to a likable Hetty. She has done many things since then. Both positive and suspect. She has at times shown moments of kindness, humor and humility.
…But none of it matters. I might be far too rigid and hold a grudge too long, but I can’t get past it.
Not saying it’s right…but it how I feel.
Maybe if she dies while sacrificing herself for the team in a final showdown with the mastermind behind the real moles or something?
…nope, still won’t matter. No matter what she does now, it can’t ever make up for what was done and the time lost in the past.
Ed
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Great rant, er…comments, Ed. I only have two points to quibble (if you even want to call it that). I will preface this by saying that I too cannot look at Hetty the same way since she the Afghanistan arc, and that was reinforced even more strongly when she sicced Whiting back on Deeks during the recent mole arc. Unforgivable, IMO.
That said, quibble #1: re: Hetty telling Kensi that Jack was alive/remarried/living in Afghanistan, etc. I don’t think that would necessarily have been Hetty’s place to share. Would Hetty have known Kensi’s assumption that Jack was dead? Had they discussed it? Since joining NCIS, Kensi probably could have done some research on her own (of course, whether she would have found anything is debatable since Jack was working with the CIA, but at least she probably would have learned that he wasn’t listed as deceased officially). Maybe if Kensi had ever once shared with Hetty her concerns about Jack (and maybe she did, who knows?), Hetty would have owed her a little, “I can’t tell you how or why I know, but he’s okay,” but certainly nothing more than that (like about his marriage or child). That, IMO is purely Jack’s responsibility. Like one day with all of his peaceful thoughts in his new life, maybe Jack should have realized, “I ought to reach out to my former fiancee, who I abandoned on Christmas Eve X years ago, and let her know I’m okay and happy, and tell her I sincerely hope she is too.”
Quibble #2 (and I only thought about this as I was reading your post): I don’t think Hetty (or Callen, Sam, or Granger for that matter) truly, fully, 100% believed that photo of Kensi was a fake. I think they all hoped it was, and certainly wanted it to be, but I don’t think the confidence was there. After all, Nell and Eric couldn’t find any evidence that it had been photoshopped or in any other way doctored (because it wasn’t). Thinking that, I agree that Hetty told Deeks about it and sent it to him to get a reaction from him, and to manipulate him into acting on it. Why? Maybe to “allow” Deeks to have some revenge on a man known to be connected to the Taliban, even if they didn’t know for a fact he could lead them to a possibly-already-dead Kensi. I put “allow” in quotes because if this was in fact Hetty’s intent, I do think it would have been more for her own benefit than for Deeks’. To use him to exact revenge on her behalf, especially since she knows the full extent of her deceit and betrayal of Kensi and Deeks, and perhaps (gasp!) even feels guilty for her actions? (I know, I know, not likely). OK, so maybe this wasn’t exactly a quibble of your point, so much as an alternate, but still deplorable explanation.
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I understand your points and agree with a most of it.
As you have figured out by now, I vent, don’t reread, format or spellcheck anything and often create a jumbled mess.
I really need to find a proof reader or beta for my rants.
I just happened to watch Spoils, and got irritated.
There was a lot of carry over from the episode “three cat vomits”( not mine, I stole it) that I had seen recently as well.
For point 1- Yes, not everything I listed should have been shared. I just listed it to show the totality of the secrets. However, once Kensi was sent to kill, or at least confront her fiance, a little info should have been shared as relevant. It would have completely changed the dynamic and Kensi’s reaction, avoiding everything that followed.
for point 2- I agree that nobody knew for sure the pic was a fake.
However, Hetty more than anyone knew that Deeks was emotionally compromised and what she did to him was despicable. If she cared about Deeks benefit, she would have been honest and not been so evasive and played games with Deeks and allowed him to think this was all his fault.
it is far more likely that Hetty, realizing that her stupid, deceitful, manipulating master plan may have blown up in her face…wanted revenge and despite knowing what it would do to Deeks mental state, chose to use him as a weapon for her own revenge.
Thanks for the conversation.
Far better that a thumb down.
The interesting thing is, that assuming I completely agree with all of your points, it still doesn’t change how I feel about Hetty…not even a little bit.
lets not loos sit of the fact that this only half of a season after the point where Hetty told Nate she didn’t want Deeks back if he wasn’t back mentally to where he was previously, after his dental work torture. She fully knew how affected he was before, and yet chose to do it to him again.
I really want to see her get called out on it at some point.
thanks,
Ed
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I don’t disagree with anything you wrote, Ed. As for Hetty getting her comeuppance, as much as I would love to see that, I doubt that we ever will (I could make reference to a season 9 spoiler that might give me unnecessary hope, but I don’t know people’s positions on such things here, and really, it’ll probably never happen no matter how one interprets it). I suppose that is what fan fiction is for!
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my previous thought was that the mole thing and end of season was redone once Miguel’s health issues became serious.
I think there was an effort to make him far more likable last season, get Nell set up to fill in, ect.
I do think there was the possibility that initially they considered having Hetty go out in a blaze of glory, saving the team against the mole, and leaving. either having her character retire due to political issues or actually being killed off.
Linda is a 10 years older than Miguel was, and I thought it might be a possibility.
There were a few other signs there as well.
I think that the unplanned change in direction might have saved her character.
Ed
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I mentioned something similar to DH, that I wondered if Linda wasn’t preparing to retire sooner than later and those plans were scuttled due to Miguel death. How sweet it would have been to watch her go out in a blaze of glory, hopefully redeeming the character as well.
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my exact thoughts. I got the feeling that Linda was ready to move on, Hetty would be allowed to go out on top and Granger would fill that role.
I really miss Miguel and Granger.
Ed
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The one thing that should have been avoided at all costs, was Kensi first realizing her fiance is still alive when she sees him for the first time in nine years while looking at him through her scope ready to fire and kill him.
That little tidbit probably should have been shared.
Hetty made a horrible decision, and the results were catastrophic. Unfortunately, lots of people paid the price…but not Hetty.
Ed
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True, that.
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WANTED.
Beta, reviewer, proofreader for random rants.
Someone to take my jumbled mess, organize it into intelligent thoughts, convert it into real words, remove all the irrelevant nonsense, and then translate it from what i write into actual English.
Fully realize that you will be in the same boat as me and may have to occasionally help remove arrows from both our backsides…
..hey, it happens…
Kidding.
Ed
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Back on track…
as I watch the dance scenes for the second time…okay, you got me…
the 32nd time,..
it came to me that Kensi waited far too long to tell Deeks she was in trouble.
First, just before the dance started, Perez (Pigrez) told her that someone saw her in the storeroom. at that point< Kensi should have said move closer, he knows, I think I'm blown, or something like that…just quick when they didn't have eye contact.
Then on the dance floor Pigrez (hey, I like that), said "what a waste", then Kensi twirled away.
At that point she needed to say something.
Deeks would have had plenty of time to get there and either tackle the guy or shoot him in the head.
During the show, no one is in the bathroom and the boss in on stage anyway.
Deeks needed to be far closer. Knowing she has no way of concealing a weapon. it was a big risk. They were all on comms, why the bad position and the delay in asking for help.
…and why just not stop and take Pigrez down once the shooting started anyway.
Ed
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Wouldn’t Deeks have heard Pigrez’s comment to Kensi since they were both on comms? If I remember correctly, he basically said it right into her ear.
Franklly, I find the most unbelievable thing about this scene that Pigrez was going to stab/kill her in front of an entire audience.
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yep.
you would have thought so.
one would think that there was no reason to maintain cover in the men’s room.
With all thew background noise, I guess an excuse could be made. for the someone saw you comment. with talking in her ear, the what a waste comment should have been heard by everyone, but then again, so should have the gunfight. no reason at all to hold cover after that.
I think the phrase “what a waste” would have made the hair on my neck stand up.
Deeks didn’t see the knife come out, and Kensi waited a while to even mention that bit of info.
it was all done to allow Kensi to rescue herself instead of having Deeks help her out (which I would have preferred.) After all, that’s why he was there. to have her back and protect her.
instead it made them both and specially Deeks appear out of sync and Deeks ineffective.
and yes again,
At that point, what was the use in Killing Kensi…just run for it.
Did he actually think that by killing her he would get away and no one would search the storage room??? rediculous.
Very few brain cells were used in the creation of that particular plot point.
Makes no sense. Agreed.
I het letting Kensi save herself, but she has a partner for a reason.
I would rather sen her kick him in the groin and then Deeks show up, shoot him or knock him out cold.
Densi teamwork at it’s best.
Again, just my thoughts.
Oh, and congratulations on the proper use of “Pigrez” twice in you comment.
Well done, I say, well done!
Ed
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Why thank you, I learn at the feet of the master. Like Die, Anna, Die! some things are worth repeating.
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Damn fucking Ed , sometimes put everything in one comment. I enjoyed the episode head to toe. The fact the birds had submarine plans was a nice little twist and oh yeah seeing Kensi dance, I can take that since we didnt have much after the ” Greed ” episode.
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Nicely said,
Very understanding, tolerant and forgiving, since it is Easter weekend and all.
How very appropriate, considering the timing.
So mature and grown up.
…or does the use of profanity make us all grown up?
With the holiday in full view, have a good weekend and best wishes.
I apologize for any inconvenience I may have caused you.
if you send me a bill I will reimburse you for the time wasted scrolling through my pollution of the internet.
Ed
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I find it unfortunate that a harsh comment has killed the discussion and the great mood on this thread.
That should never happen.
Well past two full days, and still no comments.
I find it sad, and hard to believe that no one has anything to say…
Well I do, so I will.
I am loud obnoxious and opinionated. Not a surprise to anyone.
I am frequently my own worst enemy, and this is quite likely one of those times.
Mostly, I would just like this to go away and hope it doesn’t happen again.
That being said. I feel that saying something is the right thing to do.
Apologies in advance to anyone that that thinks this is out of line.
Shipper.
Just to clarify.
First off, this isn’t about me, or attacking me.
In the past, due to some harsh or misunderstood comments, some people here have had disagreements or had their feelings hurt, gotten upset, completely changed how they engaged the others on this site, stopped posting, or even left the site all together due to feeling bullied or harassed by others. That’s too bad.
Unfortunately for you, I am not one of those people. Sorry.
So here we go…
It is not humanly possible for someone to care less than I do about what you think of me. No offense, but you don’t matter to me, not one bit.
I am not normal and don’t think normally. I have never expected everyone to agree with or even like what I have to say. In fact, it is far more interesting to discuss some of our differences only to discover that may times there is common ground. Discussing different perspectives is a great thing. People express themselves and communicate in vastly different ways. We are all different.
I would rather do things to stimulate a conversation than post once then sit here and see a total of twelve posts in the course of an entire week. But that’s just me.
Adult discussions have disagreements, that’s normal and heathy.
None of that is the issue. Attack me…I don’t care.
The issue is the language and the way you went about it.
After looking at your body of work, I have to reach one of two conclusions.
Either English is not your first language, in which case I will gladly send you a link to an online site full of synonyms so you can find some more appropriate adjectives to publicly describe people you disagree with.
Or, the other option is that English is your native tongue, in which cast you should have paid more attention in third grade English class…or just lack manors.
In any case, you seem to have fallen in love with the 4 letter words.
Your twitter feed often has plenty of profanity, so it is not at all a surprise.
Congratulations on discovering some words that can be easily modified to allow their use as nouns, verbs and adjectives…A real treat for a limited vocabulary or just lazy writing.
In any case, your feed is yours to do with as you see fit. Good luck with it.
In all honesty, I do enjoy browsing through it. I like a lot of what you post and write. A real shame, because from what I see we share many common interests and passions. We should have a lot to talk about and opinions to discuss. That’s not the point. The point is that it is an entirely different venue.
Language on your site is your business…but this isn’t your site now is it.
This fantastic site is the hard work of other people. It’s not yours.
You are a guest here and it would be nice if you would act like it.
Appropriate and respectful behavior and language would be appreciated.
There is a wide variety of visitors to this site, and some of them are more reserved or sensitive than others. We should be considerate of them all. Disagreements and expressing opinions are fine, but please try to do it in a manor more respectful of others.
Again, it’s not about me. The language doesn’t bother me. Not in the slightest. I would gladly engage you in a heartfelt discussion where we articulate our opinions using the most creative and colorful profanity we can come up with.
…But, this is not the place for it.
I will even agree to a maximum limit of 2 syllables and six letters per word so
no one needs a dictionary.
Respectfully,
Ed
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Thank you all so much for your responses to my review of “From Havana With Love” and I appreciate every single one of them.
I do hope that I’m wrong about the angst of undercover becoming too much for Kensi and Deeks (fingers crossed on that one) and most of you seem to think it will involve IA popping back up again. I guess we all will just have to wait and see … maybe the writers will throw us a true curve ball and bring something that we didn’t expect.
Semper FI
JS
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There was a bonus in this episode that I failed to point out in my review … NO ANNA! I guess Ed has been good this year and received an unexpected gift from the NCIS:LA powers that be. Maybe she was off getting killed by Joelle who has had a sudden change of heart and wants Callen all to herself.
Semper FI
JS
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I ate my peas, kept my room clean and did all my homework…I even walked the dog once.
So, in complete denial of reality, I am fully prepared to claim full credit for the lack of Anna.
I am more than glad to share my gift and good fortune with you all.
…hey, has anyone seen my dog lately???
plus, I have been forwarding them all the horse heads that the Anna fans have been sending me.
I have quite the collection in my garage.
Ed
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The points made about Kensi and the attack from Perez during the dance can really only be because the dance-knife-fight looked more dramatic than Deeks simply swooping in to save the day. The writers may also still feel the need to show that Kensi is completely recovered and back to her Kick A** self but it did detract from the fact that she had a partner who is supposed to have her back, especially when she couldn’t find a place to put her gun. The entire knifing her in front of a room full of witnesses made absolutely no sense and felt kinda silly and played for effect rather than reality. Perez could have played the victim to the evil KGB trained doctor then get Kensi in a vulnerable spot (alone!) then kill her and make his escape.
And don’t get me started on Hetty and the disaster that some of her decisions have been. You send a valuable asset to a war zone without providing ALL of the relevant intel? No, you just send Kensi off without back-up (except Granger – who was a big help, by the way), have her chasing an unknown threat (the mole) while hunting a kill target (the White Ghost), and then it all falls apart when … gasp … you asset finds out the truth about the target and then let’s herself get captured. Yeah, just a little more info at the start and you get 1) better prepared team, 2) Kensi in Afghanistan with proper back-up, 3) no capture and torture by the Taliban, 4) no almost lose the entire team plus a CIA officer and the Assistant Director in a shoot out … I could go one, but I think you see my point and that was just ONE operation.
See, Ed’s not the only one who can get on here and rant.
Semper Fi
JS
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Agree with everything you said, Jericho. But I do have to acknowledge, upon reflection (and watching the scene a few more times) the really cool choreography when Kensi wrapped the scarf around Perez’s wrist and make him stab himself with it: she did it in time with the beat of the music!
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I just read in the synopsis of the finale that Sam goes rogue to ensure his family’s safety once and for all. Hhmmm! Is he too close to situation? *sarcasm* What happened to Deeks not handling it well when Kensi was kidnapped by Sullivan/Ferris? He better not even lay a hand on Sabatino to get answers because when Deeks did it, Sam was all judgemental and stopped Deeks.
Ed, back me up on this.
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what is this *sarcasm* you speak about???
I have never heard of such a thing….note, it has been a very long day,,,I actually typed “herd”…
i completely agree that the cases where the team, or at least a member of the team is personally involved, are often the most interesting.
That being said, I am in agreement that while Sam, Kensi, Callen, and even Hetty get to go all rogue or stay fully engaged as they seem to see fit…that Deeks seems to get judged on his being to close or emotionally involved.
iI will be interesting to see just how big the double standard is this time…
hey, haw about something different,..
Maybe Deeks can reign Sam in, support him, convey that he truly understands how Sam feels when a loved one is in trouble. and help him go after her.
I would actually like to see a situation where Callen tries to calm Cam down to no avail…
only to have Deeks say that he understands and he has this…he has his back and will watch after him…
Ed
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Good points. I would like to see Deeks do exactly what you said. One can hope.
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well daid…
Once again, in spite of my inability to spell or punctuate correctly at all, you seem to do a fantastic job of translating Ed-ish into English.
The way Sam acts in protecting his family is not that far off from the way Deeks acts when Kensi is in danger.
It is the way the team reacts to their actions that is so different.
Deeks gets it, perhaps more than anyone else…let him help Sam deal with this…
Ed
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Yeah please! Let’s have Deeks be the voice of reason and then actually have the team listen to him this time instead of him constantly being the comic relief or ignored. When ECO is actually allowed to pull out his dramatic acting repertoire, we get some of the best scenes that have ever been on the show. I want to see the close Sam and Deeks that we had right after Sidorov but seems to have evaporated over the last season.
Semper Fi
JS
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it has been nearly 100 episodes…(about 95 actually) since Sam acknowledged that Deeks was a good cop. Ascension was a long time ago( Ep 5-1.
they had a good bond and Sam really seemed to turn the corner on accepting Deeks.
he said things like…
I owe you for the rest of my life for what you did for me. I just wanted you to know.
You’re a great cop. You’re gonna make a great agent.
Yeah, that was my mistake. I won’t make it again.
…things like that…
other than a few select moments, we have seen very little from Sam’s actions to confirm that his sentiments at that time were honest.
For a man that portrays so much integrity, he doesn’t always display it towards Deeks.
I would like to see it, and this is a great opportunity to do so.
Ed
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Of this episode I almost only liked Kensi dancing (the case honestly left me unimpressed) and I was so glad that they allowed DR to show what a good dancer she is and put off the episode until she was back in shape again after having her baby. Daniela is so gorgeous and her scenes were wonderful!
The ending between Deeks and Kensi was not bad, they were beautiful together, but I had hoped 1) Kensi was more eager to dance with Deeks than she really was 2) Deeks didn’t drop Kensi (the idea that the authors can’t decide if they want to allow Deeks to learn to do something properly or not is becoming quite annoying).
Now I’m quite scared of the repercussions of the season finale from the spoilers I have read and seen, some of which I didn’t like at all. After the irreparable damage to Joelle’s character, I don’t think I would forgive the authors if something bad, really really bad, happened to Michelle. I know we rarely see her, but her presence is fundamental in Sam’s life and I have always liked the idea that the Hannas (partners, lovers, married couple in the same dangerous line of work, proud parents) could be an inspiration and model for future Deeks and Kensi.
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Yes I’m sick of Kensi running hot and cold. Why wouldn’t she eagerly want to dance with Deeks. Why is she still putting him down? Don’t they all work out and in supposed great shape? A charley horse? Really? From a highly trained operative. Smh!
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I can’t say I blame Kensi for not wanting to dance with Deeks, given what we’ve seen/been told. Earlier in the episode, he described himself as really bad dancer (I can’t remember the exact words, but that was the gist), and when he asked Kensi to dance with him, she tried to beg off by reminding him that the last time he broke her metatarsal (whether or not that was completely accurate or her exaggerating, I don’t know, but I can believe he has likely stepped on her feet more than once, just like in “Greed”). I would have loved for the the dance to have ended with her acknowledging that he has improved and admitting that can’t wait to dance with him again (it was certainly headed that way–she definitely seemed impressed and pleased with his new moves). But NO, the writers chose to go for the laughs again and have him drop her. So the next time (like there will ever be one), I still won’t blame her for not being anxious to dance with him.
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I agree with you all,
yes, the moment was funny, but it would have been nice for Kensi to acknowledge that deeks learned to dance…for her.
she could have said something about him learning and not liking to dance…him saying he would do anything for her to make her happy, and her saying that is why she loves him so much…
seems pretty easy…
but not quite as easy as making Deeks the butt of a silly joke.
I feel it is a little overplayed by the writers
Ed
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I agree Daisy! Honestly this putting Deeks down by all team members is getting really old. He has done so much for the team but yet has not earned their true respect. In Payback while entering the house where Kensi was being kept she yelled out for him; he did not break protocol and go running to her; he checked with Callen (“are you good”) and Callen gave him the go ahead. Kensi running hot & cold is correct. I had wondered why viewers (not on this site) call her Bratty Blye; now I’m getting to see their point. I want her to be grateful to have such a dedicated and loving partner but she seems to take advantage of his love; that’s so unfortunate. I agree about the dance scene it could have been really sweet but no first she doesn’t want to; wth? Then he drops her; not funny. She also made that snide comment about him being a lawyer; the team still can’t seem to accept that either. Oiy! They are really wasting great talent of ECO; as Gibbs would say “don’t waste good” yet this show is doing exactly that.
On another note; the few pictures I’ve seen of the finale; once again Deeks is partnered with Nell and Nell is driving; what’s with that? And, why doesn’t he ever drive?
The good however is that NO ANNA! Keep her in the abstract or even better; Leave Anna Leave!!
My final thought is that the best part of this episode was when Deeks came in with the cart and talked endlessly about Costco; that was really funny!
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I have touched on this earlier, but you make some great points.
I would have liked for the writers to have her seek out some level of comfort from her boyfriend/lover after being mauled and groped by that pig Perez all day.
They both really should have wanted that, I feel.
then, I took a look at the final dance scene…for investigative purposes only…( because I won’t admit to watching it several dozen times)
although I have complained that i wish Kensi was more enthusiastic about dancing with Deeks,
the timing of the comments was softened somewhat after further review.
she did complain, but after Deeks hit the music and the rest of the team left, she did seem to come around.
I noticed the timing of her comments and actions.
even though she complained that Deeks broke her foot, she had closed her phone and started walking to the shelf to put it down. even though Deeks was still saying ” come on baby, dance with me”…she had already decided to do so, and was just going to put her stuff down first.
It still wasn’t great, but it was better than my first impression.
Ed
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on the comments about the finale, cliffhangers and such.
I have another uninformed thought about the final 4 episodes…
The next two appear to have Hetty’s old friends, and Chegwidden is quite the character
if Kensi and Deeks are the crush crew, then these guys need a nickname.
grey hair mafia
team geritol
the AARP squad…
in any case it seems like a couple of fun episodes.
then it appears that the final 2 episodes will be intense and stressful for the team.
Since Deeks is looking for the perfect timing to propose, I cant see him doing it when Sam’s family is in trouble.
so, I am gong to guess that we will get our long awaited proposal in the next two episodes.
again as usual..no facts or inside info..just my wild guess.
thanks for listening…
Ed
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I really hope you are right about that proposal in the next two episodes, that would be so much better than to have that proposal in the middle of all the drama and angst in the season finale.
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I agree that it was odd that it seemed no one had Kensi’s back even after they figured out Perez was not a nice guy. I actually wrote a little something about it in my latest chapter of Season Eight Extras and and Expansions on fanfic.net.
Also, if Deeks was an exotic dancer, shouldn’t he be able to dance? Or, maybe he just sucks at latin dancing or dancing with a partner LOL.
I am sure Kensi and Deeks have had an off-screen discussion about how far romantically they will go for their jobs. I wonder how far Kensi had to go in Command and Control? She definitely didn’t look comfortable in this episode. I think this issue could definitely come up again for them, but I don’t think it will by the end of the season. I definitely think they’ll be engaged by the end of the season, and I agree with some others out there that whatever happens in the season finale may have them wanting to get married sooner rather than later. I can’t wait for tonight! With the lack of Densi information on this episode I’m thinking the engagement could come tonight, but I’ve been thinking that for the last 4 or 5 episodes, so I guess we’ll just have to wait and see.
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I totally agree about Deeks’ dancing.
although he may not know the steps, he should have a little rhythm and be able to move his hips.
Even with a lap dance, stepping on the other persons feet would spoil the mood, don’t you think.
it is just more of the typical Deeks the inept clown thing we always seem to get.
a cramp…dropping her, really…what a joke.
Ed
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Excellent Review! Excellent Writer! As a former dancer I loved the whole episode! 💃🏿❤️
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