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I like that NCIS can go for more complicated plots stretched out over a few episodes, and the writers know not to overindulge in pathos (I'm looking at you, Castle). But let's be honest--the plot made little sense. This was Cobb's plan: (1) Leave EJ »»
The premise of "Swan Song"--Gibbs coping with Mike Franks' death--seemed a little implausible to me. I think it's just me, but I found it really odd that Gibbs would just call Mike and Mike would show up like that and then get killed. As for the deat »»
NBC won with The Biggest Loser (2.7) and The Voice (5.7). The Voice not only didn't fall from last week's amazing premiere, it actually went up!CBS was second with NCIS (3.7), NCIS: Los Angeles (2.9), The Good Wife (2.4). The Good Wife posting its fi »»
This week's episode brings us to Tony's past after his former partner is found dead, seemingly killed by the P2P killer. This dredges up the past--how Gibbs meets Tony and why Tony left the department--and we largely see the same guy we do now. As fo »»
"Dead Reflection" has a case with Mission Impossible masks which sets up the background for everything else going on. With EJ's team coming in, the port to port killer still on the loose, and some thorny relationship issues to work out, there's quite »»
With five episodes left in the season, things are starting to heat up, with the return of E.J. Barrett, the introduction of Ziva's CIA boyfriend Ray, and a serial killer who remains uncaught. "Two-Faced" is short on investigation and instead plays on »»
As fun as NCIS is, I sometimes wish the murders would actually be rooted in dangerous criminal enterprises instead of the familial problems. "Tell-All" begins with the death of two people who read a tell-all book about an operation to nab arms dealer »»
Even though NCIS is good in its natural state, solving murders of Navy personnel linearly, I like the occasional change of pace when the writers go out of their comfort zone and try something new. "Out of the Frying Pan..." is exactly that kind of ep »»
"One Last Score" feels like an NCIS episode, with the usual charm for the character interactions and an interesting case as well. I make this point because the episode is directed by Michael Weatherly who obviously isn't a full-time director. He probably won't be directing too much, but at least he knows what to do with NCIS. »»
Well that was boring... "One Last Score" is basically an episode of the writers trying to write about technology they have no idea about. They don't really get what MMORPGs are about (certainly not "high scores"), and the computer talk is both unimaginative and unrealistic »»
Now that's how to do an opening in medias res! Quick, shocking, and not entirely explainable. Unfortunately, the initial excitement over what could happen in the episode boils into a pretty typical plot about the daughter staging her own kidnapping. Not helping at all, loose pieces of dialogue about her friend and professor make little sense. »»
"A Man Walks Into A Bar..." is, ostensibly, a clip show, and that normally spells trouble. But because of the focus on Kate, the episode is fine to an degree. Personally, I liked Kate, so revisiting those memories--especially those from many years ago--was enjoyable and heartbreaking at the same time, seeing her get shot again. So in that respect, the episode was watchable. »»
"Freedom" misses out on an opportunity to explore Ziva's character and her experience in Somalia. I know NCIS likes to pass over the fallout of major events, but since it is brought up this week, why couldn't Ziva have elaborated? Aside from that, the main plot is decent, with everyone helping and good twists. »»
With the bill repealing "don't ask, don't tell" passing the Senate exactly a month ago, "Recruited" comes at the perfect time. Unfortunately, NCIS never takes a stance on anything and is barely related to the military. The show agrees that gays shouldn't be killed (obviously), but there's no monologue that would indicate something deeper. »»
"Ships in the Night" features Agent Borin in her second appearance on the show, and she acts similarly to the way we first saw her--assertive, confident, and as the writers intend, she is the female counterpart to Gibbs. Without anything new, however, she becomes a moot point who is pleasant but nothing more. »»
By and large, numbered list are useful only for entertainment purposes. Without standard criteria, lists reflect authors' personal feelings and tastes. And even if there were a checklist for television show attributes, this is still television where everything is widely varied. My mindset is that lists are immensely fun to read and write. It allows for reflection on the past which is sometimes necessary when episodes continue to be produced and watched. I didn't feel like writing much at the end of the year, but I typed some random lists--no criteria, no quantification, just whatever came to mind (and trying to avoid overlaps). »»
"False Witness" probably won't be remembered for the case--the disappearance of a Navy witness which leads to a DA keeping a secret, a murderer trying to help his daughter, and a guy who wants revenge for his sister's death--but it could be a turning point for Tony as a character, assuming the writers follow through. »»
Although the majority of the NCIS team is young, filled by Tony, Ziva, Abby, and McGee, there are a couple old farts with deep histories. "Enemies Domestic" brings everything full circle, largely ignoring the young characters, to tie up a bunch of loose threads, and makes for a very satisfying episode. »»
The big problem when NCIS goes for story arcs, whether they are long or short, is that too much is shrouded in mystery. The dialogue is crafted so the audience doesn't know what's going on, but it's also frustrating because it's unrealistic to think »»
It wouldn't be a new TV season without a remake of an old television show. This time CBS has decided to remake Hawaii Five-O. The original show ran from 1968 to 1980 and starred Jack Lord. Just your typical cop show ahead of its time set in Hawaii. »»
Here are all the nominees for the 62nd annual Primetime Emmy Awards: Outstanding Voice-Over Performance H. Jon Benjamin, "Archer" Dave Foley, "Disney Prep & Landing" Seth Green, "Robot Chicken" Dan Castellaneta, "The Simpsons" Hank Azaria, "The Sim »»
CBS announced today its Fall schedule with only 5 new shows, but some interesting day and time moves for some of their higher rated returning shows. Here is a quick day-by-day look at CBS's fall lineup: FALL LINEUP Monday 8 p.m. — How I Met Y »»
The third round voting has ended and it was the closest voting yet! In the beginning of the week, the majority of the remaining top seeds were in danger of going down, including the #1 overall seed Lost. But by the end of the week, they had all mostl »»
The third round voting has ended and it was the closest voting yet! In the beginning of the week, the majority of the remaining top seeds were in danger of going down, including the #1 overall seed Lost. But by the end of the week, they had all mostl »»
The third round voting has ended and it was the closest voting yet! In the beginning of the week, the majority of the remaining top seeds were in danger of going down, including the #1 overall seed Lost. But by the end of the week, they had all mostl »»
The third round voting has ended and it was the closest voting yet! In the beginning of the week, the majority of the remaining top seeds were in danger of going down, including the #1 overall seed Lost. But by the end of the week, they had all mostl »»
The third round voting has ended and it was the closest voting yet! In the beginning of the week, the majority of the remaining top seeds were in danger of going down, including the #1 overall seed Lost. But by the end of the week, they had all mostl »»
The second round voting has ended and there were some HUGE upsets! All of the #1 seeds are still alive, but the overall #1 seed Lost had a close call with Law & Order. But two #2 seeds, Glee and Survivor weren't so lucky. Another "rookie" show Castle »»
JAG: The Final Season wraps up the naval legal thriller series on a bit of choppy water. »»
Not only is [NCIS] the best crime drama on television right now, but it might be one of the very best shows period no matter what category it may fall into. »»
