Review: NCISLA “Joyride” (S10E11)

It’s that time of the year and last night marked the 9th time we have been treated to a special Christmas episode by the NCIS:LA team. Be sure you go on over to this week’s poll, and vote for your favorite Christmas episode and let us know which one you will always remember and what made it so special.

Yet no matter which one you pick, it’s hard not to enjoy the festivities because despite this particular case drama, the agents tried not to let a few bad guys or drug heists get in the way of the holiday spirit. This week’s episode Joyride, written by Erin Broadhurst and directed by Tawnia McKiernan, kept the Christmas craziness at a fun pace so we were able to concentrate more on the festivities than the actual case assignment. There are a few things that I could pick at, but what’s the point? Why don’t I go down the list of some bits and bobs that caught my attention and then we can compare notes in the comment section. Here goes….

Memorable moments in Joyride:

• I think Eric’s relationship with Nell is helping his self confidence in a big way. He’s come a long way from the familiar nerd image we have come to know and love to playing the feisty mountain goat. I’m liking this new bold Beale too, Nell.
• Was that the adorable Hugo the French bulldog I spied on Nell’s smart phone? I’m glad to see he was able to make his NCIS:LA debut for the holiday episode. So handsome in his Santa’s hat too! Oh this squishy face on this little boy! I guess there is still a bit of a nerd left in the mountain goat.
• You’ve got to Deeks the Halls! I got a kick out of how protective Deeks is regarding the bar. If he thinks he going to be able to keep that place spotless, he is really delusional. But Kensi has the right attitude and puts Deeks on the straight and narrow. I even think Daniela got ECO to break into a tiny giggle as he walked away from her shenanigans. And I got a golden frickin’ shark, right? and they are going to come here and break all my stemware!
• Arkady is back and he’s not a very happy camper, is he? Due to Anna’s injuries from a prison fight, his usual sense of humor is missing and I don’t think he’s ready to make Callen his son-in-law anytime in the near future either. But it seems G feels compelled to show his compassion and how much he cares for Anna despite all that’s gone down between them. He might be feeling guilty for telling the truth but he had no choice and Anna, and I suspect Arkady, knows this too.  I’m sure we’ll find out as the year goes on what’s up with Anna being transferred to a state prison. She must have pissed someone off big time.
• Deeks carrying an armful of gingerbread cakes and suggesting they throw a pot luck party instead was typical Deeks. Did you notice he also gets real cranky when he’s not in control!?
• Why do I get this feeling DeChamps is trying to find out if Sam is on the market again? Sam’s a great catch, but I still don’t feel he’s ready to take that next step in finding a new partner.
• I have no idea what makes Rogers think he can babysit our special ops team? His actions are just so bizarre and he’s ridiculous, almost in an autistic or socially backwards way. He has no idea what he’s doing acting in this self-appointed role as Assistant to the Assistant Director. But he does make for a great foil as the team tries to work around his stupid ideas and evade his person at every turn.
• I liked Callen’s Charlie Brown Christmas tree he set up for Anna. Yes, it was the thought that counts.
• Sam’s encounter with the ‘amazing’ girl getting high on the candy Christmas tree was a hoot. I’m not sure if it was Sam or LL Cool J who was finding her so amusing but it made me laugh.
• I knew it! Elves are real! So if Tiffany, Kat and Mandy saved the day, where were they?? I really wanted to meet Kensi’s friends!
• Finally, some loving interaction between Densi! Deeks: Gotta love those elves. Kensi: Gotta love this barkeep.
• They are so cute, like the cutest. I’m not sure what’s worse, Christmas sweaters or Christmas ties?
• Finally, the best part of the entire episode was Deeks’ toast to Christmas ghosts, past, present and future. Remembering fallen friends and missing their mentor and mamma hen Hetty was a sweet and poignant way to end the scene. This time of the year makes it harder when you are missing loved ones and I didn’t realize how much I was missing Henrietta Lange until Deeks held up his glass in tribute. Let’s hope that we see Hetty back again soon with the team she loves.
• What did you think of this festive holiday episode? Leave your comments below and as always come back in January for new reviews as the show returns for the second half of the season. From the wikiDeeks team to you and yours, have a wonderful holiday and a happy new year!