I have to admit that when I initially heard that Abby's character would be crossing over from NCIS to NCIS: Los Angeles, my reaction was meh. What could they possibly do that would make the transfer of the ultimate forensics goth geek from the cozy confines of her lab in D.C. to the high-tech, touch screen caravan in L.A. compelling?Well, I tip my cap to Speed Weed (that has to be an alias!) for writing the episode, "Random On Purpose," which struck me as one of the best examples that NCIS: Los Angeles is coming together pretty nicely. I could definitely see now how this show is evolving. More on that and the rest of the episode (including spoilers -- be warned -- after the jump).
This was a chance for NCIS' Pauley Perrette to really shine. Abby is a wonderful character, but NCIS rarely gets her out of the white coat and into the field. Her field trip to Hollywood was all field trip. Her expertise was the showcase; Abby's obsession with a serial killer whom she's named "The Phantom" because he leaves no forensic trail. But for Abby nothing is something and she was out of catch the guy.
That she had a web site devoted to the case and groupies following her blog was probably not the wisest move for Abby Scuito. She should have known better. But in a twisted way, her actions were bait for the killer and he took the bait. Abby get abducted was the result, but that gave the NCIS: LA team a six-hour head start on finding her -- saving her -- before Gibbs, DiNozzo, David and McGee arrived. And, yes, the cavalry was on their way.
Two scenes stood out, the first being Abby's brilliant idea to use the camera feed to communicate by doing sign language with her right hand. It may not of worked, but it did. Why is it not surprising that Abby is smart enough to have thought of it?
The other scene showed me that the new NCIS: LA characters are settling in; Sam and G deciding who should go through the skylight to save Abby. That moment's hesitation, the reference to Miami, the cool under pressure was great. It showed an understanding they share, and finally. Yes, LL Cool J and Chris O'Donnell are still a bit too much Starsky and Hutch-ish, but the chemistry is clicking.
Finally, this episode also had Linda Hunt as Hetty asserting her authority to organize the team, get them situated at desks. She also admired Abby's stylish attire, functional but stylish. Too true. Also, Hetty's assuring Callan that there was no fuzziness to the chain of command -- he shoots the duck and she rows the boat -- was well-written.
All in all, an excellent installment.
[To watch episodes of NCIS: Los Angeles, check out SlashControl.]
Henry Louis Gates, Jr. on 'Faces of America' and the Beer Summit
Six Reasons Why '24' Has Jumped the You-Know-What
The Super Bowl Commercials: The Best
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
11-25-2009 @ 11:36AM
Bree said...
Have to disagree. I love Abby. Abby was on NCIS-LA because they were going up against DWTS and Biggest Loser finales. I found it was an OK show. I find the show can stand on it's own.
Reply
11-25-2009 @ 11:35AM
litehousebeacon said...
Every time I see Linda Hunt all I can think is "Edna Mode!"
Reply
12-05-2009 @ 11:35AM
callum said...
i do the exact same thing =]
11-25-2009 @ 1:32PM
the_0ne said...
I fully agree with you that this "mash-up" if you will was actually thought out pretty well. They didn't bring Abby on just for ratings (even though it seems it did help out from tvbythenumbers.com). The idea of her researching this serial killer that nobody else is even noticing, which brings her to LA and then haves her the victim. Perfect.
But then again, Abby could just come on and say hi and I would love it. Abby's character is awesome.
Reply
11-25-2009 @ 1:02PM
beergas said...
Very good episode. Speed Weed caught my eye too!
Abby (PP) been a fan of her since film days. Note she was
wearing plaid pants which is/was a NYC Fashion Week season
fave. So knowing.
Signing was a nice touch. And leave her in D.C.
Reply
11-25-2009 @ 2:15PM
KVC said...
Was this episode supposed to be the season opener? I found it odd that Callen asked Heady's character who was in charge after the shake up...
Reply
11-25-2009 @ 2:19PM
Ryan said...
I watched for the first time in a while, and I was amused to see things that there complained about here and other sites (ie. Chain of command, and looking like they lived in the office) was directly addressed.
Reply
11-25-2009 @ 3:08PM
Chele said...
I love NCIS LA and it gets better week after week. Abby is my favorite character on NCIS and this episode of LA gave here a chance to really shine without overshadowing the cast of LA.
I agree with the writer about the standout scenes, but have another to add. The scene right after Abby is rescued when she looked at Callen and said thank you, and he said your welcome. It was touching without being overdone.
Reply
11-25-2009 @ 4:25PM
andrea Willis said...
What did the bartenders call G and Sam? I couldn't make it out and wasn't sure what it was referring to. By the way I love this show. I also love the original. They are both great.
Reply
11-25-2009 @ 7:19PM
keh said...
Who killed Jeanne's father? I seen the episode 2 times where he is floating in the bay but I don't know who killed him.
Reply
11-25-2009 @ 8:01PM
Editor Deb said...
The bartenders called them "muggles" out of Harry Potter. I'm not a HP affictionato but I think it means regular people, not wizards.
I believe it was strongly implied that Jenny killed Jeanne's father although no one said it flat out. When Jeanne claims to have visited her father and see Tony shot him, Jenny knew she was lying because Jenny was on the boat and knew exactly what happened.
Reply
11-26-2009 @ 7:39PM
Jana said...
Love this show second only to the original NCIS! The comradary between LL and Chris is infectious and impressive. I had a little trouble getting into this show at first, I think because the regular is so well oiled, but this one is falling into a good organization in it's own right. Love the fact, as someone else pointed out, that they finally stated the facts as to who is in charge and that their roles are more defined, etc. It was a little hard to tell before. Love Heddy and the wonder girl (can't remember her name). She's almost as impressive as Ziva.
Reply
12-10-2009 @ 3:54PM
Katnan said...
I am a fan of both shows and really, really liked this episode. I don't disect every line. I just watch and enjoy.
Reply