(S04E19) Those pesky writers at NCIS just continue to tease us with the Tony/Jeanne story. I saw that Scottie Thompson was going to be in this episode, and after the way the last one ended I was hopeful that we would get tipped off to just what is going on there. No such luck, but I'm ok with that. There were a lot of other things to like about this installment. Things like the case. The conflicting results from Abby and Ducky had me all confused. Having the plan hinge on the voice modeling software was an interesting way to go with it. The magic door was also a fun twist, and made even more so thanks to Tony's scene both discovering it, and trying to defeat it.
Once that cat was out of the bag I was ready to finger either of the two guys from the coalition for peace. I had that much right, but totally missed the motive. My theory was that he was so bent on making the conference a success that he was willing to murder his partner in order to draw attention and sympathy to the cause. As the week to week cases go, this was a pretty good one.
But as good as it was, it was a small part of the episode. Of course, the big story was the return of NCIS Agent Paula Cassidy (Jessica Steen). Ok, that was what led up to the big story. We haven't seen Paula since the season three episode "Mind Games." I was curious to see what the reaction to her would be. I've always got the feeling that Gibbs isn't exactly a fan, and the dynamic between her and Tony would have to be altered now that Jeanne is in the picture.
There was a little bit of the tough Gibbs just after the attack, basically telling Paula to quit crying and do something about it. We also got to see a little of the kinder gentler Gibbs later as they gathered to pray for the dead. Something that I thought was also shown in a very subtle way when Gibbs stopped to help McGee up off the floor of the lab. He's rough around the edges, but there is a soft side.
Tony and Paula back together was interesting, especially in the scenes where they found the hidden door. Having him come clean about Jeanne, and her give him advice about it built well through the episode. Combine that with his continuing realization that it was supposed to be him manning the tip line, and Paula's death, and it led fairly well into the reunion with Jeanne. And I gauge that "fairly well" with the fact that we are watching a procedural here. That scene wasn't the stuff of Shakespeare, but they put in the effort. I'm curious to see if this doesn't just further complicate things when all the cards are finally out on the table.
I also enjoyed the relationship between Ziva and Paula. The butting of heads was to be expected because these are two very stubborn agents. The ongoing battle over the pronunciation of David was fun. What really sold me on the whole thing though was Ziva's admission to Gibbs that she was doing it all on purpose so she could help by being the focus of Paula's anger. It's interesting because that is a different Ziva than the one we first met. She's grown.
But back to Paula... What about that ending? I didn't see that coming. The case was wrapped up, snag the perp, send a damaged Paula off to regroup and come back later next season. Not so fast. It's obviously not the most shocking death the NCIS scribes have thrown at us, but it's up there. I think it might have even been a better note to end the episode with. Following that scene up with reactions from the team and leaving the Tony/Jeanne stuff for next week. Their scene did fit in with the episode, but given the ongoing nature of that story, nothing would have been lost by pushing it into the beginning of the big Tony/Jeanne episode that has to be coming.
Speaking of next season, maybe I'm reading to much into it because I'm really not a fan of Director Shepard, but it seemed like there were a couple more hints that she's not long for that gig. Her reaction after the attack for one. It just seems like the job is really weighing on her, like she might be ready to step down. Add to that the conversation that Mann had with Gibbs. When she started talking about retiring I started thinking about her taking over for Shepard. Gibbs on the other hand, he started thinking, "Oh crap, another wife." The way he shoveled food into his mouth to avoid responding made me think of those "Need a moment?" Twix commercials.
Overall, another really good episode. A solid case, a shocking death, and some good character stuff. I'm somewhat disappointed that we were once again teased with the big Tony story, but that's disappointment born from impatience, so not really a mark against the show. I'll just have to wait.
Doctor Who panel - Comic-Con Report
NBC's Kings panel - Comic-Con Report
The Dharma Initiative wants you - VIDEO - Comic-Con Report
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
4-04-2007 @ 9:43AM
Doug said...
Another very good episode, and I always enjoy your reviews. It would be fun to have Bob Sassone review the show to get a different point of review. It would give me something to get upset about.
Reply
4-04-2007 @ 10:07AM
Jon88 said...
"prey for the dead" I like it. Save it for your next revenge and/or zombie story.
Reply
4-04-2007 @ 10:41AM
Brett said...
Thanks Jon88, I totally missed that one. It's fixed now. Glad you are enjoying the reviews Doug.
Reply
4-04-2007 @ 12:50PM
PB said...
I have to say, I'm incredibly intrigued with the Tony/Jeanne story. I wait every week to see where it progresses. It's kind of neat to see Tony (Mr. Girl in Every Port) be so smitten. AND, that revelation a few weeks back about Jeanne's ex-boyfriend was a good twist.
That said, I'm waiting for the other shoe to drop. Why has someone taken pics of them? Do you think it goes back to that assignment Tony worked on for Shepherd? That it's not over yet? In many episodes, Tony seems to exchange an "uh oh" look with the director ... doesn't bode well.
REALLY like these reviews! Thanks so much, Brett!
Reply
4-04-2007 @ 1:22PM
Brett said...
PB, until they give me a reason to think otherwise, I'm still going with the idea that Jeanne is somehow connected to La Grenouille. Daughter or grandaughter possibly.
Reply
4-04-2007 @ 2:14PM
DudeBoyz said...
I really enjoyed this episode. It worked well for me overall. The Ducky / CafPow lady thing was odd. Someone should have at least thought that the phone call may have been recorded.
Director Shepard had an improved hair style. :)
I thought when the Director talked to that other lady about coming over to NCIS, she did not mean as director, but as an agent equal in status to Gibbs.
Tony continues to evolve, and I was impressed by his reaction to the agents death. He saw that stalker government guy get shot down in cold blood and that shook him, and now this. Plus the realization that life is short and it was almost their team that got killed seemed to finally push him over the edge and enabled him to tell his lady how he felt.
Good stuff.
BTW, what's the deal with Gibbs and the boats?
Reply
4-04-2007 @ 4:06PM
TomB said...
I want to add my thanks for reviewing these also, Brett.
Gibbs seems to be running the show here. Director Shepard isn't a very strong leader.
I liked the play between "we've got to kill him" and "we've got to catch him."
Reply
4-04-2007 @ 7:59PM
Stephanie said...
Definitely another solid episode! I loved the interaction between Abby and McGee - especially when McGee waved to Abby as they were leaving and Gibbs had to pull him into the elevator.
They are too cute together.
Reply
4-04-2007 @ 8:58PM
paisley said...
I just love this show and it's always getting better.
I assumed that perhaps Tony and the team were supposed to be the targets, but had the weekend off instead, like someone knew they would be on call, so they planned this for them. Especially after the look Tony shot the director earlier in the epi.
I liked Cassidy, so was a bit saddened they decided to kill her off in such a big way, way to take one for her team I guess. Altho I thought she could have pushed the bomber back into the other room considering how fast they showed the secret door closing, I think the door could have closed before the bomb went off. But whatever.
The look on Tony's face, when he called her name and then the explosion. He cared for her more than he'd admit I think.
If you've watched since season one, then you'd know that Gibbs is always working on a boat on his basement, this is the second one. He finally finished the first one either last season or beginning of this one, I forget now.
Can't wait to see what else they dig up and how this thing with Tony and Jeanne will go.
Reply
4-04-2007 @ 11:43PM
Hill said...
I think you may be on to something with Mann replacing Shepard as director. Shepard seems to be playing fast and loose trying to settle what seems like a personal score with La Grenouille. Why else would she be hiding what she's doing from Gibbs but using Tony? I still think they are setting it up to kill off Jeanne sending Tony farther down the Gibbs path. Only it will caused by the director's vendetta with La Grenouille.
Reply
4-05-2007 @ 10:47PM
melissa said...
hello!
i really enjoy these reveiws! thankyou!
I really like(d) cassidy and the way they ended it was very spectacular, just like kate's death! very uncalled for!
anyway thanks for the reveiw...
:)
Reply
4-06-2007 @ 5:50AM
Kate said...
I thought that it was a nice touch, ensuring that we know where everyone's motives lie. I thought there should have been a little more 'reaction' time for Tony, considering they were once obvious lovers...
But overall, I loved this episode.
Another great touch was her dead team mates appearing, moments before her death.
Reply
4-14-2007 @ 7:33PM
Fran1226 said...
Good review. It summarizes nicely. I really, really hope that Hollis Mann is written out of the show. She and Gibbs would be constantly competing with each other and she talks down to the team. Tony's relationship with Jeanne still seems to be uncertain despite the ending. This was a great show. I, too, liked the interaction between Ziva and Paula.
Reply