(S07E05) Happy Halloween from your friends at NCIS! There was definitely some creepy stuff going on with this case, and for the first time in weeks, the concentration of the show was strictly on the mystery. No Ziva flashbacks, no Gibbs questions about Mossad, no Vance at all. It was just about how a Marine recently back from Afghanistan wound up dead in his car on the night before Halloween.
Tony was in fine form, although not a single gag about Halloween movies or TV shows. I was expecting some reference to Jason or the Cryptkeeper or even the Great Pumpkin. Alas, not tonight. Instead, he was in cop mode, zeroing in on the beautiful blonde as the most likely suspect in the death of Korby, the Marine with a predilection for practical jokes.
Korby's neighbor did supply some source of humor for DiNozzo. His name was Rogers and he wore cardigan sweaters. Mr. Rogers wasn't happy with Korby in his neighborhood.
Another gag that had me smiling was Gibbs visiting Abby's lab where there were motion-activated Halloween paraphernalia was on display because it was all evidence from Korby's prop shop. Watching Gibbs slow to a crawl in order to keep the critters from activating was fun, especially when Jethro doesn't have the patience for that pace.
But Gibbs was clearly in a happy mood, calling Ziva "Agent David," and actually bringing the team cups of apple cider instead of coffee. He even gave Palmer an affectionate smack on the head when he did something right (and Abby a kiss, natch).
As for the case, it was fascinating to watch Ducky discover that Korby wasn't a suicide, didn't die of liquid nitrogen, but had been poisoned two months earlier with paint thinner while with his combat unit.
And then it was Ducky who confirmed that Korby had been beaten in a specific way. He had been the victim of a "code red," which if you know the movie A Few Good Men, is a severe beating by fellow soldiers to send a message to a member of a squad who doesn't fit in. Jethro recognized the bruising as a "code red" right away.
Overall, it was a lighter episode for NCIS, perfect for pre-Halloween. The killer was the step-daughter, in case you're keeping track. She did it to get her hands on the trust fund. The blonde, the body builder, Mr. Rogers and the disgruntled officer were all red herrings.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
10-21-2009 @ 7:34AM
Alana said...
A wonderful episode this week. It was fun hearing Tony call Ziva "probie". Gibbs has been awfully cheerful as of late. Smiling more, bringing the agents cider, and just generally in a better mood. Let's hope he's not getting married. Again.
Getting back to the mystery of the week was nice to see. While I very much enjoyed the first three episodes for their character building, that isn't all this show is about. It's about catching bad guys and I'm glad to see we're back to it.
Thanks again for the review!!
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10-21-2009 @ 9:25AM
D said...
Two minor points:
The different materials IDed as "paint thinner" were NOT paint thinner.I suppose that was easier for the writers but it wasn't correct.
Why didn't anyone wonder where liquid nitrogen was obtained.That was never looked into and you know if this was real the cops would be looking at places to get that from etc etc.If they're going to use exotic things like that they should follow up.
Otherwise yes it was a good solid episode,every one is good form.The Ziva is a probie thing was kept under control which is good.
One last thought...a rerun already next week?Sheesh...
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10-26-2009 @ 9:38PM
Tyler said...
Actually, acetone, benzene, and turpentine are found in paint thinner. Acetone is pretty common, turpentine is probably what alerted Gibbs, and benzene is the aromatic hydrocarbon which is the base for various types of solvents - and is also poisonous. The N2 is from the liquid nitrogen.
Also, while the N2 could have pointed them in the right direction, the odds are that she stole it; such a small amount would've gone undetected from a school lab.
10-21-2009 @ 10:37AM
Gary said...
It was good to see them finally move on from the Ziva story and get back to a case driven episode. In my opinion the whole Ziva thing lasted about three eps longer than it should have. I do wish we would have gotten to see Abby in costume this year. I think she's to Goth to dress as Wonder Woman but she would make a good one.
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10-21-2009 @ 7:11PM
The1337 said...
After so many good episodes this season, the Halloween episode was a letdown. The procedural part was bad and the conclusion totally random.
The interaction between the team was average, and could have been much better considering the theme. Full review of the episode.
http://th3tvobsessed.blogspot.com/2009/10/review-ncis-season-7-episode-5-code-of.html
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10-21-2009 @ 10:09PM
Drew said...
One minor correction. Korby did die from the liquid nitrogen.
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10-24-2009 @ 2:29AM
rich said...
Has anyone else noticed how much calmer and focused Abby seems this season so far? To me and my wife, over the past couple of seasons she went from eccentric forensic scientist who had child-like qualities to being a child-ish goof who happened to be smart enough to help solve crimes. Her conversations were not playful anymore in that mischievous way they were in the first few seasons (i.e. - intelligent but fun adult banter) - they were just plain whiny. Was getting really annoying.
But this season the pendulum seems to be swinging back to the Abby that's much more balanced between got-it-together scientist and only-Abby-would-do-that friend. The first glimpse showed itself right off the bat at the first of the season where she plays both sides beautifully while both welcoming and scolding Ziva upon her return to NCIS. It was so refreshing! I even noticed it during her brief cameo on NCIS:LA this week and her calls with "Leon" -- great stuff!
Frankly, overall, I think this is by far one of the best seasons NCIS has delivered so far. Of course, there's still quite a bit left, but I have high hopes...as obviously so does the rest of the TV viewing audience at large.
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