NCIS Reviews

[kristen999]

I actually wrote out thinky thoughts/ reviews for NCIS which I enjoyed with a few caveats and my mixed reaction to NCIS L.A.




At first I wasn’t blown away by the flashback way of telling the episode, typically that style tends to ruin any tension, not create it. However, as time went by as did the months, it flowed a little better.

I enjoyed all the scenes between Tony and McGee, we don’t have enough of them bantering in the show as I’d like and seeing them do the replacement interviews and having dinner! Was very cool.

I id enjoy Tony’s sense of humor while describing all the vital members of his team, threading the theme to that last pivotal scene where you knew Gibbs had not be mentioned. Speaking of Gibbs, did anyone else notice how he and Tony tended to mirror each other throughout the episode and how the boss man seemed to be waiting on the rest of his team to catch up to him in his worry over Ziva?

Again I wasn’t a fan of the ‘fanfic’ type plot device at the start of the show with Tony captured by the big bad guy, however, as the eppy went on, I liked the interplay between the two. That final scene of sniper!Gibbs taking the kill shot I thought was the coolest moment, up until Gibbs in full sniper cameo waited out in the hall, that moment was made of win!

And I adored the end scene, the battered team returning to the office clapping, a show of support instigated by all people Vance.

I hope they don’t sweep what happened to Ziva under the rug...it doesn’t appear that’ll happen which is good. She was captured and assumedly tortured for three months, don’t care about your training, that’s a tough recovery, however I do hope there is resolution between her and Tony as I prefer them as friends vs. distrustful of each other.


NCIS L.A


I was very hyped for this show and I know about preconceived notions of spin offs, how much to keep from the original and how much new stuff to introduce.

I love the chemistry between Sam and Callen, I think that is one of the biggest reasons I was attracted to the show. That being said I think TPTB had a real mess on their hands.

If L.A is all about Callen and Sam being the “Splinter Cell’ type agents, guys who do special ops and undercover operations with a support team and secret government office-- if that is the case, then should they be investigating “normal crimes”?

If they are a normal NCIS team, then why do they have spy gadgets and a secret office? And where was the science?

Pick one and stick with it and I’ll be fine. If this is supposed to be the more action based show, I’ll go with it, but you need to give me a reason for it. And I’ll love it.

It took me a while before I realized Callen was the head honcho. Speaking of, I’m all for the angsty character with mysterious past, but they might be pushing this aspect of Callen a bit much so early. He doesn’t stay in once place, was an orphan, doesn’t know his real first name….okay cool...give it to me a little at a time and I’ll eat it up with a spoon.

I’m withholding my verdict. I was entertained and I like the psychologist from the support team, but got very little from anyone else.

I also hope they make Hetty a little more three dimensional over time as I adore Linda Hunt.

I want to like L.A…there a good amount going for it…but it needs to decide what type of show it is supposed to be and I’ll give it time to find its place.

Comments

[kriadydragon.livejournal.com]

I was iffy about the NCIS premier but I really dug it. The part with sniper Gobbs on the hill - that rocked beyond words. We had Tony, we had McGee, we eventually had Ziva. But where was Gibbs? Then bam! There he is, right where he needs to be. NCIS is on on/off show for me, in that I enjoy it but don't lament when I miss an episode. Some seasons draw me in more than others, and so far it looks like this season I may be more involved in. We'll see.

I didn't pay too much attention to LA. I liked the two main characters - the chemistry is already great. I didn't like all the extreme tech as it felt too James Bond and it weirded me out. I didn't like that there was a little less military-ness to it (at least to me there didn't seem to be, but like I said, I wasn't paying close attention). One thing I like about NCIS is the constant respect it has for the military, which is rare in most shows (most shows try to make the military the bad guy).

Other than that, though, I think it does have potential. Though I can't say for myself if I'll get into it or not. I'm trying not to get into new shows in order to cut back how much TV I watch.

[kristen999.livejournal.com]

I agree about the extreme tech I was feeling a bit Jame Bond about it which is why my brain had issues with them being a normal NCIS--if they're going to be the extrem action spies or whatever--them say so and be done with it.

But I'm a sucker from great chemistry and Chris and LL have it in spades! I want to get into it since I only watch SPN and the other NCIS with an occasional Bones eppy.

[katikat.livejournal.com]

I loved both shows, as I said in my LJ. Like... LOVED! I love that NCIS is all about team. I love that NCIS:LA is more of a buddy show, where G. and Sam can say everything with a single look.

It's great to have something that fills out the SGA team!void for me. And in double package, too! Watch me bounce! *bounces off*

[kristen999.livejournal.com]

Oh, Tuesdays are going to be my new fun night! I'm excited about both teams and let's face it Sam And G are made of win!

[reen212000.livejournal.com]

Anytime I can get a beaten DiNozzo, I will take it! That being said, I kind of enjoyed the flashback parts. (Not at all sure about that hair, DiNozzo! Are you wearing mascara, DiNozzo? Damn. He did look perty though..) Ahem. Anyways... The truth serum plot device is making its way into modern tv again, and I quite enjoyed Tony's reference to 'True Lies', the only Ahhnold movie I like.

I'm going to need more Tony/Tim banter! McGee is so often written off, and this time he got to shine a little. We know he can hold his own when it comes to DiNozzo's jibes; it's just nice to see it more. Bonus! Tim's unconscious on the ground. They don't hurt him nearly enough. Loved the three of them circling in Abby's lab, and the newbie leaving.

Ziva has always been an on again/off again character for me. Her feelings that she didn't deserve rescue or deserve to live kinda made me sad for her. Betrayed by everyone closest to her, can she ever trust again? I noticed that she keeps people at a distance more when that hair is bound tightly.

As for L.A... I liked it. I didn't understand the whole covert thing. I do understand being on the border and having an active base in S.D. could lead to some Vice squad type deaths and busts, but they should do one or the other. I've never been a Chris O'Donnell fan, but I really like his nameless character, and his ties to Gibbs. He could be pitiable, but he's not.

I like Linda Hunt, but the Edith Head thing was creeping me out. I know she's in accounting.. I think. But with her picking out his wardrobe, it was too Edith for me. May have been the glasses. She more or less revived her role in The Incredibles. And don't ask me why I like Nate. I can't tell you. Maybe it's because he's not a weird when going out in the field. I'll have to observe more...

[kristen999.livejournal.com]

I did enjoy seeing Tim get to shine AND be captured with Tony. I adored the scene with Abby, I just love the whole family vibe going on which is why I hope Ziva and Tony work things out somewhat soon--he did go to a terrorist camp to find her!

And you';l never hear me complain about any of my guys whumped!

I hope they do allow the implications to what happen to Ziva go on, while cementing where her true family lies.

I love the characters of L.A, I just want them to choose a path and stick to it, so my brian doesn't get tripped over the odd logic of the set-up.

[saltyd.livejournal.com]

Hmmm, so is there hope you'll turn your fanfic writing abilities to whumping Tony???

[reen212000.livejournal.com]

Who me? Goodness no! LOL I don't know if I can write NCIS, let alone Gibbs. However, I can keep up with Tony's movie knowledge. I need to try to write for a new fandom!

[crashbarrier.livejournal.com]

NCIS: The episode was okay... They have done better in previous episodes in terms of layout and storyline. But I the ending reveal is beautifully pulled off and makes it completely worth while watching.. because I spent most of the episode wondering why they were doing so much talking.. then I realised I think about 30 second sbefore Tony smiled and delivered the cool line...

Although I do feel that the very last scene was a bit heavy handed. To be one minute heading out of a torture/prison situation and teh next stood in a lift at NCIS.. was a bit to big a leap

Still need to watch LA.. I wasn't that impressed with its introductory bit in NCIS so its not too high on my priorities right now given how many other series started and finished this week.. I need a pocket universe.

[kristen999.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I was surprised that they'd return to the office straight from the camp...weren't they even wearing the same clothes?

Other than that and the few things I had already mentioned, I enjoyed it for the unusual way they scripted it.

I only watch two shows so I have room for L.A :D

[maxieroc.livejournal.com]

Hi kristen999

How are you,? good I hope.

I enjoyed NCIS, but found the scene typical of hostage interrogation, I must say, I loved Gibbs standing there at the end, he did look great.

I liked LA, but expected more, like you I will give it more time

Nancy

[kristen999.livejournal.com]

I've been busy hon, no net at home, lots of writing.

I applaud NCIS for going 'there' with the whole capture thing, even if the plotline read kind of fanfic in nature...however I enjoyed the show overall so I'm happy :D

[saltyd.livejournal.com]

I loved the ep - I've spent the last 5 months catching up on seasons 1-6 so this was the first "live" ep I watched. I thought it was a great recap for new viewers as Tony went through each member of the team.

I felt robbed by the whump though - we saw Tony and Tim get captured but I wanted more beating - one hit across the face wasn't enough for me. And I thought MW's performance was awesome with the struggle to not talk under the influence of the truth serum.

Now to get some good "fill in the blanks" fanfic out of this one! *hint hint*!

[friendshipper.livejournal.com]

I see what you mean about the "what are they?" aspect of the show. I'd actually wondered how on earth TPTB could get a second murder/investigation show out of what is really a fairly limited premise (I was amazed that they could come up with seven seasons' worth of unique and unpredictable plots for NCIS) but apparently they're doing it by expanding outside the purely military purview of the original show. Which, well, okay ... but you're right that it doesn't make a whole lot of sense -- they seem more like an ordinary investigative team for any law-enforcement organization. Hopefully future episodes will clarify things a bit (assuming that the writers have any idea).