Spiral (6×12) Preview
by Gayle (@DensiLand)
Written by Dave Kalstein; Directed by Larry Teng
Official CBS press release – “Spiral” – While Callen is undercover in the mail room of an office building to investigate an arms dealer, it is taken over by terrorists and Callen becomes a hostage. When the team arrives to help, they discover the entire building is wired with explosives, on NCIS: LOS ANGELES, Monday, Jan. 5 (9:59-11:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network.
Happy New Year and welcome to 2015! If the team resolved to put themselves is less dangerous situations, then based on the promo, there’s one resolution already busted! Speaking of busted, that may very well be the diagnosis for Deeks’ butt after Kensi yet again effortlessly and literally manhandles him onto the mat. It seems some things never change between these two, even after their post-”Humbug” boldness. (Although there is a possible question as to the state of their ‘ship here since these two episodes were filmed in the reverse order of airing. Yet, we have strong faith in writers’ commitment to continuity and producers’ strategic planning.)
Zen Kens? The Wonder Woman who commonly battles her own demons internally, while regularly (& violently) expressing her frustrations externally seems to be trying a new tactic: meditation. Unlikely to stem from a voluntary effort, such as a New Year’s resolution, Bad Ass Blye confirms as much. Medically mandated? “Adrenal fatigue”? It’s a wonder the entire team doesn’t suffer from this malady! So what prompted this diagnosis? Remedies to this affliction include better nutrition (looks like all that junk food finally took its toll), improved lifestyle (turning down the techno & club outings), and dealing with negative emotions or stressful situations (with her past and occupation, good luck with that). Series writer Dave Kalstein first introduced us to the Filipino martial art of Sayoc; could Kensi’s shift reflect a glimpse into Kalstein’s own personal practice of neurofeedback?
As usual, stress is central to the team’s day. A mundane undercover with Callen posing as “the mailroom guy” has him investigating the boss, a presumed supplier to a weapons cartel. Yet, it’s not this criminal that serves as the operational cornerstone when gunfire erupts. Shots not from a nail gun, but rather a semi-automatic! Immediately discarded is the team’s original design for the case. Rapidly the op goes sideways as a construction team implements its plan to build a dastardly scheme. The investments firm is held captive resulting in Joelle’s Callen finding himself in an entirely different type of “securities” situation.
With this being Kalstein’s first script of the season teamed with regular “partner-in-crime (production)” director Larry Teng, it’s no surprise a few members of the team are in jeopardy. At least one expected explosive achieves its goal; Kensi engages in close-quarters combat; Callen is held hostage (along with Deeks & Kensi at some point); and the daring detective applies his now-common climbing skills with an unconventional approach to the op – dangling from a high rise! The episode is aptly titled as things “spiral” out of control! What are the criminals’ goals and how will the team find creative solutions to their mounting opposition?
How will the team resolve to keep the country – & themselves – safe in 2015? Next… on NCISLA!
