The 3rd Choir (6×04) Preview
by Gayle (@DensiLand)
Written by Dana Scanlon & R. Scott Gemmill; Directed by Diana Valentine
Official CBS press release – “The 3rd Choir” – When the NCIS: LA team learns that someone from their past is targeting one of their own, they desperately search the city. Meanwhile, Operational Psychologist Nate Getz visits Nell to help her through her traumatic experience, on NCIS: LOS ANGELES, Monday, Oct. 20 (9:59-11:00 PM, ET/PT), on the CBS Television Network. Peter Cambor returns as Operational Psychologist Nate Getz and Gerald McRaney (“Jericho”) guest stars as a retired Navy admiral.
Head’s up – Dr. Nate is back! Nell just experienced her first “killshot” and presumably is struggling to handle the repercussions. Yet with Hetty being targeted, her extended absence from the team, the hunt for Mattias and the NCIS mole, as well as Kensi’s troubling response to recounting her Afghanistan mission, might Nate have more than one team member to assist? With the DoJ still in the Mission, might they rattle yet another member of the team? Don’t forget Nell and Eric also know of Hetty’s pre-op connection to Jack….
Season 6 seems to be providing more sneak peaks. The first this week shows the fearless Hetty propelling herself out a window! Is this some sort of vision/nightmare or simply another creative escape for the mysterious manager? Yet the prime question remains: Who within (or access to) NCIS would purposefully betray Hetty to the level of mortal danger? And more importantly, why?
Hetty makes a reference to “sacrifices”. Is she recalling one (or more) of her own? An undertaking of the team, as a group or individuals? Is it specific to a particular event, a personal toll, or perhaps a professional responsibility? Do such sacrifices serve as points of pride or result in disturbing regrets?
As expected the team is being led by Callen, who unsurprisingly takes personal action to hasten the capture of Mattias and presumably reinstate the safe return of Hetty. Let’s be honest, they will still sooner follow Callen rather than Granger, who technically is in charge. While Granger’s recent words and actions are warming more viewers to the curmudgeonly character, has the Assistant Director accomplished the same among the LA-based unit? The group instinctively closes ranks and it seems they may be ready to include Granger now that he’s demonstrating his concern for the team as much as Hetty. Honestly, who has the… courage to “distract” the DoJ as pointedly as he did recently? Oh wait, Eric did! (These guys may be hanging around Deeks too much!)
Speaking of the mop-topped man, within a matter of moments he and Kensi are volleying a possible record-setting number of confounding, fan-baffling innuendos! Only these two (with the primed pen of Mr. R. Scott Gemmill) could bundle future kids’ names, pregnancy, strippers, stage names, Superman, underwear, and the returning “pantaloons” into a believable conversation. With Scott Gemmill continuing his writing effort for his fifth straight episode and the show reclaims it’s “mojo”, NCISLA and Densi fans may soon declare him their savior!
Partnering with Mr. Gemmill this week is another new voice among the writers, Mr. Dana Scanlon. Previously serving as assistant to the executive producers when the show launched, it’s likely he will bring a level of familiarity to the script. Likewise, Ms. Diana Valentine returns to the Director’s Chair for her fourth iteration as she melds into her new full-time role.
As the internal saga advances, can anyone confidently speculate what’s NEXT… on NCISLA?
I wonder where the NCIS leak is? Surely it can’t be one of the main cast? Will they find the mole during this episode? Personally I think (hope) that it’s an undercurrent that runs throughout season 6 and maybe leads to the finale.
Who could get access to Hetty’s personal and personnel records? Well Kielson back in S1 had two boxes on Hetty so the info is out there. And what about the rogue NCIS Special Agent Angelo from S5E21 ‘Three Hearts’. He may want to burn Hetty….The only other NCIS Agent we have met who is not a regular, is Grace Stevens (I can’t think of any other, but she has no reason to betray Hetty).
Loving season 6, it has the best start of any season yet and is still promising to deliver. I’ve enjoyed the continuity of narrative and of the writing by R. Scott Gemmill – and with two episodes after this penned by Frank Military – my hopes and expectations remain high.
Having a season long arc has become my favorite, particularly since this show has pulled it off so spectacularly in the past. Don’t know about Angelo for this one, but I can’t wait for that character to return and stir things up! Yes, S6 has definitely returned the show to its expected awesomeness! LOL!
wow, I really can’t wait to see this episode… I mean, have you had a look at the guest stars ?? phew… Nate will be back… Mattias of course – though I wouldn’t want to switch with him… then there’s Gerald McRaney as a Retired Navy Admiral… and last but certainly not least ARKADY… geez, I wonder how all these characters are involved with Hetty’s story and finding the leak…
sindee: You can tell the season and this episode have turned up the excitement level for me to forget to include Arkady in the Preview! Blasphemy! He’s always a fun time!
I love seeing Nate back in the show, and Vance, ánd Matthias!
What bothers me most is that there appears to be someone, somewhere, who leaks information.
The only one I can think of is that agent from 5×21, Angelo. Hetty let him walk and it was clear he really disliked her.
So far the storyline from eps 2, 3 and 4 are connected so well – to be continued.