Category Archives: Next On NCISLA

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

Next graphicPraesidium (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?

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

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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?

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

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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?

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

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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?

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Next on… NCISLA! Exposure (5×23) Preview by Gayle (@DensiLand)

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Exposure (5×23) Preview

By Gayle (@DensiLand)

Written by: Joseph C. Wilson & Jordana Lewis Jaffe; Directed by: Robert Florio

Official CBS Press Release – “Exposure” – When a news reporter announces the group responsible for the deadly explosion at a military-sponsored charity event, the team must investigate her claims and search for the attacker, on NCIS: LOS ANGELES, Tuesday, May 6 (9:00-10:01 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network. Tiffany Dupont (“Greek”) guest stars as ZNN Reporter Dana Steele and Tony Okungbowa (Guest DJ on “Ellen”) guest stars as Bakri Deng.

Attacking a military-related event would be a prime choice for Jihadists, but why this one? Was this an effort to send a broad message or was there an individual target? As they say, “When there’s smoke, there’s fire.” So is this simply the start of a larger, more sinister plan?

With talk of multiple strikes, leadership of the team is of utmost importance. While Hetty is undoubtedly the master in command, might she be overridden by Granger? Could her field agents have keener insight into the direction the investigation should take?

When the writing team includes the name “Wilson”, viewers can expect a remarkable and customary “Boom”! The promotional video certainly delivers on that promise! Likewise, regular producer and occasional writer Jordana Lewis Jaffe is known for scripts that equally highlight every member of the team. Further, Robert Florio, the man who presented Densi favorite “Neighborhood Watch”, is back in the director’s chair. This notable trio is sure to only build anticipation as the season approaches its close.

With one of the largest cities in the world in the enemy’s cross-hairs, the skills and efforts of every team member, in the field and in Ops, is going to be needed to root out the core of this evil. This week isn’t about the partners, but rather the team as a single cohesive unit.

Can the team beat the clock against a devil in order to save the City of Angels NEXT… on NCISLA?  

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