Category Archives: Next On NCISLA

Next… on NCISLA! Traitor (6×09) Preview by Gayle (@DensiLand)

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Traitor (6×09) Preview
by Gayle (@DensiLand)

Written by: Michael Udesky & R. Scott Gemmill; Directed by: Eric A. Pot

“Traitor” – After Granger is poisoned by the mole and Eric is one of the seven suspects, Hetty orders a lockdown while everyone is investigated, on NCIS: LOS ANGELES, Monday, Nov. 24 (9:59-11:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network.

It may be Thanksgiving Week (at least for America viewers), but it doesn’t seem the team has much (if anything) to be thankful for. The issue of an NCIS mole is rearing its ugly head, which means it’s time for the team to play a game of professional “Whack-A-Mole”! But all the usual questions present immediate barriers: who, how, and, why? First Hetty was in danger; now it’s Granger. Who might be next?

So someone was ballsy enough to poison Granger? Does this result in the spectacular car crash highlighted in the promo? Did Granger know more than he should, which made him a prime target? Or perhaps Granger was getting too close to unearthing the identity of their target? He seems to urgently want to warn the others, but what exactly is the warning and is the news delivered in time to keep the others safe?

Speaking of safe, how does our sweet tech operator, Eric Beale, find himself at the center of the suspect list? Is the leak cyber-related? Does it stem from the normally secure Ops Center? How might his feisty partner Nell react to the allegations? We know she won’t accept it passively! Does even NCIS have a strong enough “firewall” to keep one of their own safe? This must be the case, right? Can anyone genuinely believe Mr. Beale would turn traitor on his colleagues, friends, and country? The leak yet again presents urgency as not only Ops, but also the entire Mission goes into lock-down.

Keen Densi fans are again wearing out their rewind and repeat buttons as they work to decipher what appears to be Deeks forcing Kensi into a bound state. Is this an effort to protect his partner? Is this a ploy to lure out the real traitor? Surely the dependable detective would never willingly bring harm to his beloved Fern, right?

As the team is forced to speculate and suspect each other, will this create splinters within this tightly-connected team? Instead, for everyones sakes, hopefully it will only further bond the unique family we call our own.

It’s time to exterminate the Mole in the Mission Next… on NCISLA!

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Next… on NCISLA! The Grey Man (6×08) Preview by Gayle (@DensiLand)

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The Grey Man (6×08) Preview

by Gayle (@DensiLand)

Written by Andrew Bartels; Directed by James Hanlon

Official CBS press release – “The Grey Man” – Kensi and Deeks go undercover to investigate the murder of a homeless man who was a former marine and CIA agent and discover his connection to the Mexican cartel, on NCIS: LOS ANGELES, Monday, Nov. 17 (9:59-11:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network.

With this team, is anything ever “black & white”? Always cryptic, this question could regularly be answered with yes or no. Or “I’m not sure. At least not yet.” With at least four extensive promos, viewers have possibly gained more advanced insights than ever before. They say “The Gray Man” can seamlessly blend into any situation. How similar might this person be to our favorite “chameleon” Janvier?

It appears Callen & “Danger Granger” are bonding, as they yet again team up in the investigation. On that note, where did Granger develop his threatening persona of tossing away his weapon and going hand-to-hand? Perhaps from Sam’s similar ploy last week or vice versa? Granger again appears to bring Kensi into question reminiscent of fan-fave “Blye, K”. What kind of “mistakes” could they be referring to?

The essence of Sam Hanna is illustrated in a more personal way as we and the team observe the “family man” side of their SEAL. Demonstrating his intellect, love, and protection is a prime trilogy for Papa Hanna. This is an initial introduction of his interactions with his young daughter  (which keen fans can attest is a precursor to the upcoming revelation about his son!) Will Princess Hanna be framed as a “daddy’s girl” or will his over-protective efforts backfire resulting in a rebellious teen? Only time will tell.

More personal progression is on tap regarding Densi. The past meets the present as Kensi is reminded – & remarkably talks about – her time “on the streets”. How much might she disclose? Kensi’s clearly grown in not only trust in her partner – after all, she “trusts him with everything” –  but also allowing herself to be somewhat openly vulnerable. It’s a daunting task for the kick-ass agent, but one in which she pairs in challenging her partner. While Kensi might be fearful of judgement from the detective, she’s confident in her ability to read Deeks. His response to her history will surely be taken quite personally by Kensi and something Deeks will be unable to hide, deflect, or feign with her. It will be interesting to see the agent finally voluntarily and purposely open up as well as take the lead on the more personal side of their partnership.

Not to be ignored, Deeks’ nicknaming extends to his undercover wardrobe? With this, do we dare ask what’s Next… on NCISLA?

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Next… on NCISLA! SEAL Hunter (6×06) Preview by Gayle (@DensiLand)

Next graphic SEAL Hunter (6×06) Preview
by Gayle (@DensiLand)

Written by Sara Servi & Frank Military; Directed by Chris O’Donnell

Official CBS press release – “SEAL Hunter” – When Sam is arrested for murdering a woman, Callen and Granger work to clear his name. Meanwhile, Kensi and Deeks discover a link between the victim and a student from Sam’s past, on NCIS: LOS ANGELES, Monday, Nov. 3 (9:59-11:00 PM, ET/PT), on the CBS Television Network. Chris O’Donnell directed the episode. Mixed martial artist and former UFC Middleweight Champion Anderson Silva guest stars.

Let’s summarize the (known) main points into three questions:

1. Why did Sam get arrested? What evidence points to him being the assailant? We know Sam and we know none of this can be true! Further, why was Sam working alone? Was working this case initiated by him, assigned to him, or even an instance of him imitating his partner and going “lone wolf”? Having faith Sam’s been set-up, why and by whom? Don’t forget Sam once broke himself out jail; let’s hope he doesn’t further jeopardize his own case.

Based on the press release, it may be connected to one of Sam’s former students, someone linked to his former SEAL status, perhaps? A student of what? What does this person know? Will he or she help or hurt Sam’s situation? Further, is there still a mole within NCIS? Is this why Ops went into lock-down again, or is this simply a case of wanting and needing to keep the operation limited to the team?

2. Why is Callen confined to his desk? Is this some form of punishment? Does the FBI suspect Callen could be an accomplice in Sam’s alleged crime? The look Callen and Hetty share indicate something more cryptic, a confidential secret perhaps. Or is Callen simply working to determine the root of Sam’s situation?

Of course we know a contributing factor is that Chris O’Donnell directed this episode and thus, is expected to have less on-screen time. Or maybe not – based on the brilliance he demonstrated in expertly juggling responsibilities both in front and behind the camera in “Wanted” (4×17). Also returning is Sara Servi, previously known for the initial beautiful PTSD converage of Deeks in “Impact” (5×2) and veteran sophisticated writer, Frank Military.

3. Kensi has no friends – & Deeks knows (or presumes) this based on…? We get the picture that they are spending time outside of work. Densi fans are (impatiently, as always) waiting to learn the details of their personal time and what it means for the beloved ‘ship. And with these two “characters”, they are likely trying to figure it out just as much as the fans!

When one of their own is being “hunted”, to what extent will the team go to protect him Next… on NCISLA?

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Next… on NCISLA! Black Budget (6×05) Preview by Gayle (@DensiLand)

Next graphicBlack Budget (6×05) Preview

by Gayle (@DensiLand)

Written by Frank Military; Directed by Dennis Smith

Official CBS press release – “Black Budget” – Callen and Sam head to Mexico to track down the only employee who managed to escape a professional shooting at the Department of Defense. Meanwhile, the rest of the team works to uncover the motive behind the shooting, on NCIS: LOS ANGELES, Monday, Oct. 27 (9:59-11:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network. Magician Bill Malone and John Billingsley guest star.

There’s no rest for the weary as Granger greets the team with, “Happy weekend.” First, if they’re being called in during the weekend, things must be anything other than happy. Second, might we again get a glimpse of the team in their natural habitats, a peek into their personal lives? (We can only hope so!)

Indeed things are just as strained as ever at the revelation an administrative covert (aren’t they all) location, critical to the LA unit, appears to have been targeted. This only further elevates the sustained concern over the secret status of OSP and its people. Things turn from bad to worse in learning whole servers were stolen, servers that contained operational details. Might more than the LA base now be compromised? Could all of NCIS now be in danger?

Callen & Sam are tasked with retrieving a key witness who seems to be cleared of being a suspect, even as he fled to Mexico. Milton appears to be quite a unique character for the guys to handle. Why does Milton think the government is trying to kill him? What has he done, or what do others think he did?

Speaking of the guys, why and how are the senior agents suddenly caught without their phone or IDs? Were they running a cover? Based on Sam’s… unexpected attire, it might be a safe presumption! Another solid reason might be the level of challenge they’ve faced in this mission. Disregarding the regular occurrence of them having been shot at, something has definitely prompted a rarely seen level of sass from the team leader! Perhaps it’s being forced into “alternative transportation”?! Callen’s snappy replies bring a heightened level of energy to the duo’s serious task.

Is this fifth episode a delicious arc continuation centering on an NCIS mole? Based on past offerings, Military’s scripts generally take us deeper and darker. Will this episode maintain the characteristic? Frequent NCISLA director Dennis Smith returns to the helm, so our favorite characters are in good hands.

As OSP is jeopardized, what might the team unexpectedly face Next… on NCISLA?

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Next… on NCISLA! The 3rd Choir (6×04) Preview by Gayle (@DensiLand)

Next graphicThe 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?

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