Author => Gayle (@DensiLand)

About Gayle (@DensiLand)

Gayle joined NCISLA Magazine in fall 2013 and contributes the weekly Previews. Known as "DensiLand" on Twitter, Instagram, & Tumblr, Gayle obviously "ships" Densi and has sincere love for the entire cast (& crew) of characters. In October 2013 Gayle attended the Fan Meet in Los Angeles, coupled with a set visit. She is blessed to (unbelievably) visit the set again in spring 2015.

Next… on NCISLA! Praesidium (6×03) Preview by Gayle (@DensiLand)

Praesidium (6×03) Preview
by Gayle (@DensiLand)

Written by Erin Broadhurst & R. Scott Gemmill; Directed by Dennis Smith

Official CBS press release – “Praesidium” (6×03) -The NCIS: LA team takes action to protect one of their own while being interrogated by the Department of Justice. Meanwhile, Nell goes undercover as Hetty, and Director Leon Vance gives Hetty disturbing news while she is in Washington, on NCIS: LOS ANGELES, Monday, Oct. 13 (9:59-11:00 PM, ET/PT), on the CBS Television Network.

In this continuation, the team hasn’t yet determined how to escape the investigation looming over each and every one of them. As Hetty’s still being watched and questioned, the Director of NCIS, Leon Vance, makes an appearance. It’s usually not good news when your boss’s boss tracks you down. We’re told the effort is to communicate “disturbing” news. Is this of a professional or personal nature? Perhaps a combination of both? The reminder of Branston Cole (from Season 2) seemed curious, don’t you think? Who is hunting Hetty and why? Someone from her past? Someone within NCIS? Could this be a continuation of the mole-hunt from the Afghanistan mission? As Hetty appears to collapse, does this mark her breaking point?

Penning her first script is Erin Broadhurst. Formerly Mr. Brennan’s assistant, she transitioned to the Writer’s Room last season. Having been a member of the NCISLA family since its inception, spending the past year with the writers, partnering with veteran director Dennis Smith, and apparently mentored through this script by Mr. Scott Gemmill, dedicated fans’ anticipation should be set on high. What an incredible initiation onto the writing staff! In considering the questions outlined above related to just Hetty, let alone the rest of the team, Ms. Broadhurst appears to have used her summer “break” well!

Speaking of the rest of the team, there’s never a dull moment in L.A. Somehow, for three of the past four episodes, Callen finds himself water-laden. Is Sam putting him through some unknown SEAL training, or is it simply a streak of bad luck?

Last we heard, the DOJ investigators were launching their inquiry with Agent Blye, targeting her role in the White Ghost mission. It seems this operation will continue to haunt Kensi, but in what way? Besides questioning Hetty’s motives, might she have uncertainty about her role at NCIS altogether? Might this trigger her torture experience and resurface her struggle to recover and deal with PTSD? Or does the root of her trauma stem from further back in her history? Lest we forget, has Kensi not yet been made aware of Hetty’s knowledge of and connection to Jack? How might this realization impact the normally-stoic agent? A previous promo picture illustrated a teary Kensi in the arms of her partner. Could the fallout from these interwoven situations chart a new path for the partners or create a barrier in Densi’s evolving ‘ship?

The show has long considered its youngest team member as a possible “next gen” version of their fearless leader. Is Nell truly destined to be “Hetty 2.0”? In this episode we get closer to that reality as the analyst returns to the field with the unenviable task of imitating the paradoxical operations manager. Donning this mysterious persona will inevitably place Nell in the cross-hairs of danger, but to what extent? (There’s a high probability for a disturbing outcome based on Nate’s upcoming return.)

With the entire team under suspicion, who might crack under the pressure NEXT… on NCISLA?

Next… on NCISLA! Inelegant Heart (6×02) Preview by Gayle (@DensiLand)

Inelegant Heart (6×02) Preview

by Gayle (@DensiLand)

Written by R. Scott Gemmill; Directed by John Peter Kousakis

Official CBS press release – “Inelegant Heart” (6×02) -The NCIS: LA team discovers that one of their own is compromised when they investigate the murder of a Navy contractor involved in illegal transactions of confidential data. Meanwhile, Hetty is under investigation in Washington, D.C., when the Department of Justice arrives in L.A. to investigate the team, on NCIS: LOS ANGELES, Monday, Oct. 6 (9:59-11:00, ET/PT), on the CBS Television Network

The team is in trouble from coast to coast! Hetty finally finds herself in the nation’s capital, but it’s feeling anything but patriotic. It seems she’s being made into a scapegoat. The question is whether or not it’s justified. All presumptions point to this being fallout from the Afghanistan mission, but could there be more to it? (Isn’t there always?) Is someone using the White Ghost case to mask a witch hunt? In backing Hetty into a corner, two things are expected: 1) for more of her endless secrets to be revealed and 2) for her to come out swinging (with whatever unique weapon she has hidden up her sleeve or in her purse)! One must wonder if the power brokers in Washington know what they’re truly facing with this Master of Cloak and Dagger.

Meanwhile on the opposite side of the country, the team encounters their own interrogation. With Hetty away, Eric and Nell may be left at the mercy of Granger. Again, we must ask whose side is he on. Could someone from DC be using the team to “dig up dirt” on Hetty? After all, a traditional strategy is to “divide and conquer”. However, the Department of Justice has likely never encountered this group. Here, it’s expected for the team to close ranks, to always protect one of their own. At what cost might they pay to protect their fearless leader (this time)?

As is tradition, an unspecified amount of time has passed since the first episode. Even if this wasn’t the typical schedule, Callen’s never-before-seen full bread and thick tresses demand every viewer’s attention. (Watch out Deeks; that Irishman’s luscious locks are outdoing your “glorious golden Viking mane”!) So back to the storyline, what would send Callen undercover as a prisoner (presumably), as evidenced by the orange jumpsuit?

Another developing issue is the warring emotions of Agent Blye. In the Season 5 finale, she set a new record in “partner punches”. Then in the premiere her uncontrolled expression escalated into head-butting a virtual stranger. Now, while training is a normal and expected component of their professional preparation, it may only be an excuse for her boiling-over emotions. Based on a brilliant sneak peek, Densi fandom dreams come true as the duo engages in a long-desired sparring match. We (and Deeks) are keenly aware of Kensi’s blatant competitive nature, but the aggressive pummeling of her partner seems to serve a dual purpose: she’s battling herself as much as the detective. Gratefully, Deeks maintains his focus and doesn’t give her a free pass. No, he tosses her to the mat just as he would any common criminal. This building tension with Kensi individually as well as with her partner return the duo to their favored Season 4 status and interactions. So what will be the next catalyst that forces her/them to confront the issue of their “thing” and navigate their challenge to “communicate”? We certainly know it won’t be in this moment as it’s Eric’s turn to provide the expected interruption. (BEALE!)

In now being separated and left to the will of outsiders, is the team’s firm cohesion in jeopardy NEXT… on NCISLA?

Next… on NCISLA! Deep Trouble Pt.2 (6×01) Preview by Gayle (@DensiLand)

Deep Trouble – part 2 (6×01) Preview

by Gayle (@DensiLand)

Written by: R. Scott Gemmill; Directed by: Dennis Smith

CBS Official Press Release – “Deep Trouble, Pt. II” (6×01) – Callen and Sam are trapped in an armed submarine that terrorists have aimed to hit an aircraft carrier in San Diego. Meanwhile, Hetty defies orders and forgoes her trip to Washington, as the team tries to locate and save Callen and Sam and prevent the terrorist attack, on the sixth season premiere of NCIS: LOS ANGELES, Monday, Sept. 29 (9:59-11:00, ET/PT), on the CBS Television Network.

Welcome to Season 6 everyone! This seemingly endless hiatus (19 weeks, 139 days, 3337 hours, 200,160 minutes, or 12,009,600 seconds) has finally come to a merciful end! Harkening back through this expanse of time, a refresher may be in order. So, previously on NCISLA…

Callen and Sam are taking a San Diego-bound cruise. However, it was a bit early for vacation; they’re trapped in a narco-sub that’s doubling as a terrorist bomb!
Someone who apparently doesn’t fear Hetty, (Does such a person exist?) has ordered her to DC, presumably to be held accountable for the questionable tactics of the Afghanistan mission – and possibly more.
Deeks and Kensi are struggling even more with their “communication skills”, a situation only further complicated by the presence of DEA Agent, Talia del Campo.
As usual, Nell and Eric are sequestered in Ops – with Granger, working to juggle the numerous dangers and challenges faced by all of their teammates.

In preparing for the premiere, let start with the obvious: Callen and Sam will escape their death-trap vessel. The question is how? Will they exit using the same path they entered? Promo pictures have shown the sub taking on water, so will the guys take advantage of the literal “crack in the wall” to plot an alternative departure? As a Navy SEAL, Sam is likely to be best skilled in this situation, but what about Callen? And why didn’t Sam want to go into the sub initially? Perhaps a touch of claustrophobia or something else? In always prioritizing the mission and the “many” over the lives of the “few”, the prime directive is to stop the submarine from reaching the high-value US aircraft carrier. But at what cost? How creative will the agents have to get in order to avoid being killed by their own military division?

The shadow of the White Ghost continues to linger in the Mission and is determined to haunt Hetty. It seems the mole from across the globe followed the team home. Who is focused on ruining Hetty and why? It’s no surprise for her to ignore orders, remaining focused on the well-being of her agents. However, does she really have their best interests as a priority, or is she using it as an excuse to procrastinate “facing the music” of her own actions? What will ultimately deliver Hetty to the powers that be in DC? Will this leave Granger at the helm in LA? On that note will Granger “have Hetty’s back” or leave her “out to dry”?

As many focus on the Densi “’ship”, this time they take to the air. With their teammates’ lives in jeopardy, will there be an awkward sense as they continue to avoid the “elephant in the helicopter” or will seeing their friends in mortal danger force them to confront their own personal issues? Adding “turbulence to their flight” is the infusion of Talia. A spoiler has indicated the interloper will offer Kensi some unwanted advice. Whether it’s related to the potentially deadly advancement of the case or uncertain status with her partner, under any circumstance regarding any topic, this is simply a bad idea for the regularly temperamental Bad Ass Blye. Talia clearly doesn’t know who she’s working with!

Hopefully Deeks is recuperating from the repeated punches from both of his female colleagues. Turning from physical to emotional turmoil, what has the normally stoic Kensi in tears? Is this part of the fallout from Afghanistan, concern for the trapped Callen & Sam, reaction to Hetty’s questionable situation, something related to her partner, a cover, or something altogether different?

No one has it easy in this continuing story, not even the Wonder Twins. Coordinating the ever-changing crucial situations of all the field agents is only compounded with Granger breathing down Eric and Nell’s necks – and the urgent need to lockdown Ops. Not to be forgotten is the mysterious flash drive Hetty gave to Nell prior to her departure. What secrets does it hold? Will Nell be forced to make use of its contents or maintain its confidential nature?

As we reconvene with our team for the Season 6 premiere, what clues and storylines do you think will be introduced NEXT… ON NCISLA?

The Evolution of Kensi Blye

The Evolution of Kensi Blye

Over the past five years, “our girl” has matured from a fresh-faced junior agent to a seasoned, uniquely-skilled member of the team. In what ways has Kensi changed and in what areas has she remained firmly rooted?

The First Impression

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In the opening of the crossover pilot, “Legend, part 1”, the first glimpse of Kensi is with her leaping over a car to avoid being hit by another vehicle as she and Sam pursue a suspect. As she quickly recovers, Kensi is solely focused on encouraging Sam to apprehend their target. Interesting. In part 2 of “Legend”, Kensi is tasked with placing a camera inside a garage where Callen is undercover. Being creative Kensi brings her convertible Nissan to a screeching halt, grabs a pipe along the street, and busts out the front light. Nice! However, as they usually do with her, things go one step further. As nearby thugs attempt to intimidate her, Kensi (pipe still in hand) with simple confidence effortlessly pulls her service weapon. Oh, tough girl!

However, it is a scene from the aptly named “Search and Destroy” (1×4) the cemented this fan’s endearment to the contemporary ingénue. Kensi volunteers to rid the team of an unwelcome security crew tailing them. From the trunk of the Mercedes she easily retrieves a battering ram and smashes it into the front of a Cadillac Escalade, which discharges the airbags making the vehicle useless. Again extending the situation, a nearly giddy Kensi cheekily (& disingenuously) asks the passengers, “You boys need me to call a tow truck?” By now, it’s clear this young woman can and will hold her own against any man – friend or foe. Everything about her words, actions, and attitude scream, “That’s our girl!” This character is a classic example of Hollywood magic: women want to be her and men want to be with her.

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The Look

In the early days, the youthful Kensi had flowing natural curls that have since given way to more streamlined, yet still effortless styles, particularly the no-nonsense functional ponytails. Her work attire consisted mainly of jeans, sneakers, & simple tank tops (which even in LA might be questionably inappropriate for most workplace settings). A few cases forced/made use of Kensi’s feminine attributes, requiring her to showcase short hemlines and stilettos. Those days also seem a distant memory in her now-daily boots and rotation of plaid shirts, Ts, and henleys. Another key accessory now notably absent is the black leather wrist cuff. If anything about Kensi initially signaled she was definitely more dangerous than her beautiful exterior indicated, this was it.

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The Car

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Much like pets, people tend to have a level of similarity and sometimes connection to their vehicle. As the show grew its roots, Kensi was firmly united with a silver Cadillac SRX. This may initially seem like a debatable match (at least to this viewer), but as we learned more about Kensi, the NCIS-issued vehicle is now quite fitting. The unremarkable color allows for the necessary skill of hiding in plain sight. The luxury brand reflects the beauty of and high standards of its driver. Most importantly, it provides the power and storage capacity crucial to a federal agent needing to haul both large sniper rifles and cases of junk food!

The Family

As with any new show it takes time to get to know each character, their traits, backgrounds, and personal connections. Like strategically-placed breadcrumbs, knowledge about Kensi’s family was delved out in specific doses. In Season 1 Kensi admits to Nate about how she lost her father. In Season 2’s “Disorder” her former fiancé is mentioned.

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Then in Season 3, the full story of her father’s murder and estrangement with her mother is brought to light. Most recently in Season 5, Kensi’s mission (unbeknownst to her) centers on her ex-fiancé Jack.What a complex web was woven through that storyline, an case that doesn’t yet seem to be completely closed.

The father-daughter connection Kensi had with her father explains so much about her. It is her foundation and a brilliant thread that’s resurfaced throughout the series. Sam’s statement that “Girls love their daddies” is as integral in the formation of who Kensi is now, as who she will become and choices she will make in the future.

The Woman

As someone who works diligently to compartmentalize her life, even Kensi’s sometimes-staunch attitude fails to hide the qualities that make her quintessentially Kensi. Her worlds of being a unique person and federal agent regularly meld, resulting in both impressive and humorous results. Just a few examples include:

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– Ability to read lips
– Expert marks(wo)manship with virtually any firearm, especially a sniper rifle. This skill obviously stems from her unconventional and male-fearing drills in the firing range!
– Skilled in traditional male nature and mechanical activities (thanks to her dad)
– Previous casual respect for vehicles
– Multi-lingual
– Hoarding tendencies
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– Stereotypical “female” TV & movie preferences along with techno music
– Distinctive laugh and (refuted) belief in her sense of humor
– Addiction to sweets/junk food, especially those related to chocolate, donuts, and most Hostess products

In common with all of her team members, Kensi’s personal support network is virtually absent due to complicated family circumstances and the secrecy necessary in being a federal agent. Why she came to NCIS was eventually revealed, but why she stays is undiscovered territory. The unique bonds with her “work family” are surely significant factors.

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Throughout the series Kensi has always been the only female field agent. Early on it was no surprise when they used her as bait in particular situations. However, it has been a refreshing portrayal of a strong, focused, & fierce agent, who also happens to be a woman, and a beautiful woman at that. Never has Kensi’s skill set been questioned solely because of her gender, which serves as a strong role model in today’s entertainment medium. To have her superiors, a former CIA agent, a Navy SEAL, and… Hetty, show respect, confidence, and even admiration serve as irrefutable endorsements.

The Partners

In first meeting the LA-based team, very little delineation existed regarding partnerships. Team members filled whatever role necessary to successfully complete a mission. The younger Kensi could be found pursuing an investigation with Nate, Renko, Callen, or all on her own. As time passed traditional partnerships became the norm with newbie agent Dom almost by default paired with Kensi. While their partnership was notably short, she offered her knowledge to aid the novice in developing his foundational footing. With the unexpected abduction and eventual murder of Dom, viewers were presented with the rarely-seen emotional side of our female Fed. Here we glimpse a regretful and remorseful Kensi. Little did we know at this time how this painful experience harkened ghosts of her past.

Then on an unremarkable day, a solo undercover effort brought her face to face with the man that would affect nearly every aspect of her being.

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Enter the unconventional LAPD Detective Marty Deeks (& his unending stream of nicknames!) In fact, from that day forward no one’s life at the Mission would ever be the same. As natural as breathing Deeks effortlessly, immediately, and instinctively knew how to push Kensi’s buttons. Accustomed to keeping the world at a safe distance (at least in her personal life), her new partner challenged her personality quirks, while simultaneously served as a whole-heartedly supportive sidekick.

As much as Kensi worked to maintain a professional demeanor and secretive personal side, the stealthy Mr. Deeks slowly, steadily, and determinedly made his way into her heart. Over the years Kensi involuntarily altered her reactions to him ranging from aggravating, irritating, & frustrating, to neutral tolerating and hints of intrigue, and eventually to begrudging endearment. The futile resistance faded to the point of silent desire for the man who long ago became her partner far beyond the confines of work.

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Looking back, particularly at Season 1, it’s now as if we were only seeing a portion of Kensi, a carefully-guarded piece she voluntarily chose to show the world. With Deeks serving as her “other half” in the partnership, we now see the “other half” of not just the federal agent, but of the woman. All of this has resulted in a very different Kensi, one she herself might be surprised to discover.

The Actress

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Much like her character, Daniela Ruah bravely ventured into a highly competitive and demanding career environment. She has unquestionably made the young, attractive, and slender Kensi more than believable as a federal agent able to not only keep up with, but often exceeding the skills and abilities of her male counterparts. The physicality of the role never served as a struggle. Being a woman in a “man’s world” is never easy, which she has presented without prompting viewers’ feelings of pity or doubt.

The overarching requirement in “being Kensi” has been in covertly conveying uncertain thoughts, emotions, and inner conflict wordlessly. Kensi is regularly “tough to read”, which is a key factor of her persona. It’s who Kensi is, and as much as some viewers are frustrated by this characteristic, Daniela portrays it in a genuine and strategic fashion; she elegantly brings to life the layered complexity of her character.

A review of any of the NCISLA team members would be incomplete without mentioning their connections. It’s one thing to be able to feign a role on screen, but it’s an entirely different situation when an authentic foundation grounds the complete cast and crew encompassing the total effort. It’s a fact this group of people genuinely gets along and appreciates each other as more than co-workers, which shines bright each week. From the infamous first conversation with her primary TV partner to now literally being family, there would be no Kensi (or Densi!) without the unique idiosyncrasies of our beloved Daniela Ruah!

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What’s your favorite aspect of Kensi Blye?

Next on… NCISLA! Deep Trouble-Part 1 (5×24) Preview by Gayle (@DensiLand)

Deep Trouble – Part 1 (5×23) Preview

By Gayle (@DensiLand)

Written by: R. Scott Gemmill; Directed by: Larry Teng

Official CBS Press Release – “Deep Trouble – Part 1” – When the NCIS: LA team and the DEA uncover the cartel’s plans to slyly transport billions of dollars’ worth of cocaine from Colombia to the United States using a submarine, Callen and Sam must quickly locate the missing vessel. Meanwhile, Hetty is called to Washington in the aftermath of the controversial mission in Afghanistan, on the fifth season finale cliffhanger of NCIS: LOS ANGELES, Tuesday, May 13 (9:00-10:01 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network.

Can you believe it’s finale time already? Doesn’t it seem like we just recovered from last season’s completely unexpected and stunning cliffhanger? Speaking of “Descent” (4×24), based on that epic work, what could the masters of NCISLA possibly have planned for us not only this week, but also to repeatedly ponder throughout the summer hiatus? As with all good cliffhangers, viewers are typically presented with more questions at the end than could ever have been expected at the beginning. With that theme in mind, let’s consider some possible issues that will leave us all guessing for the foreseeable future – and we’ll start at the top.

Hetty firmly declares, “Everything is not ok.” Is she referring to the mission or herself? It seems it’s finally time for Hetty to be held accountable for the Afghanistan mission that went sideways on multiple counts and ended up endangering the entire team physically, emotionally, or both. What additional knowledge might Hetty have had that is yet to come to light? Will she have some justification that clears her of any malfeasance?

How will the team coordinate this latest case with their leader across the country? Will Granger step in to take the helm or will they be left to their own devices? Which Granger will they be dealing with: the supportive Assistant Director or the old-school curmudgeon? What could be the long-term consequences should the team fail to find the missing vessel, capture the criminals, or take possession of the inbound drugs?

It’s clear Callen and Sam will take the lead on this case. In this uncustomary position without Hetty, how might Callen lead the total investigation while also remaining focused on his partner? Might Sam’s Navy SEAL background be needed to locate and gain control of the submarine? Is there a risk the partners could be trapped in the vessel – that could possibly be rigged, sinking, or some other precarious prospect? After all, Shane Brennan did proclaim Callen and Sam to be “in extreme jeopardy” and facing an insurmountable situation!

Did someone say DEA? Yes, DEA agent Talia Del Campo returns. How might Kensi react to both meeting and presumably having to work with her temporary replacement (especially if Talia continues to flirt with Deeks as she did previously)? Given Talia’s own partnership misfortune, might she revive Kensi’s past professional and personal reluctance toward getting involved with Deeks, or perhaps share sage advice to avoid the errors of her own past experience? Could she only further disrupt Deeks’ now-hesitation in working to cross his “frozen lake”? And as always considered, even by a fellow federal agent, is Talia friend or foe?

Also expected to be directly dealing with the absence of Hetty is the tech team of Nell and Eric. From whom are they taking orders, or are they on their own? Will the “Wonder Twins” be tasked with coordinating communication across all the involved organizations?

This finale welcomes Larry Teng back to the director’s chair. Viewers will surely be left breathless by the same man who conjured the high impact action of “Kill House” (4×14). Interestingly, this finale script was created by R. Scott Gemmill , executive producer since NCISLA’s inception as well as long-time producer on the true mother ship, JAG. Mr. Gemmill has crafted the varied concepts as Deeks’ post-torture battle in “Impact” (5×2), the light-hearted mistletoe smooch of Neric in “Free Ride” (4×10), and the full spectrum of Densi emotions in “Wanted” (4×17). Considering just this, it would be fool-hardy to speculate what this fifth season finale may present. Yet no matter what, one thing is virtually for certain: by the end the entire team and the show’s millions of viewers will likely feel we’re all in “Deep Trouble”.

What do you think we’ll all be left guessing about NEXT… on NCISLA?