Kolcheck, A. (6×23) Preview

by Gayle (@DensiLand)

Written by: Joseph C. Wilson; Directed by: James Hanlon

Official CBS Press Release – “Kolcheck, A.” – Callen and Sam search for answers when they find dead crew members from the missing oil tanker used in Arkady’s deal with Russia, and also discover Arkady’s personal connection to the ship, on NCIS: LOS ANGELES, Monday, May 11 (9:59-11:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network.

Words spoken in the promo clip succinctly yet comprehensively describes the foundation of this show and it’s compelling cast of characters:

HETTY: Don’t let the personal get in the way of the professional.

CALLEN: And if they’re all wrapped up together?

While Hetty works to maintain her manager role, even she can’t refute the near-impossible task of completely separating various components of life. Its the beauty in being complex humans in which experiences overlap, complement, and conflict, sometimes fulfilling, sometimes damaging. Lines must be drawn, but often those lines are gray or blurry. Callen questions this obvious and dichotomous dilemma; it’s a matter the entire team battles on an almost daily basis. How many times have we seen personal aspects forge their way into the bullpen and, too often, a case? Consider the fallout endured by these internally fragile people based on operational results. It’s a wonder  Nate isn’t on constant “stand-by” status.

So onto the issue at hand! Yes, the oil tanker is located, but in a world where nothing is ever easy, the findings only present more questions. The crew is dead? How? By whose hand? What is the nefarious intent? An overriding question for all of this is: How much does Arkady know? Does he hold the key to halting this potentially international catastrophe?

Both this week’s episode and next week’s season six finale feature a long-standing NCISLA tradition: a title of last name and first initial. In the past such episodes have centered on a particular team member or someone connected to their past. As such, with this offering and the straightforward press release, it’s easy to proclaim Monday night is all about Arkady. Right? Not so fast.

True fans on their weekly treasure hunt for clues will take note of a curious, yet telling character on the guest star list: Anastasia Kolcheck. Yes, it seems an in-person revelation will be make with the previously mentioned “Anna”. This begs the question as to how this woman is related to Arkady with odds-makers leaning toward a potential daughter? While Arkady knows Anna, does Anna know Arkady? Others more aligned with deep conspiracy theories have gone as far to speculate “Anna” could even be Callen’s presumed dead sister, Amy, whom Arkady has been hiding/protecting all these years. Wow! What other possibilities are already swirling? With the creative (and at times, twisted) imaginations of the show’s guiding forces, we might very well be foolish to even attempt delving into their psyches!

Densi fans already lost their breath at the split-second shot of Deeks yelling to Kensi as a non-descript vehicle appears to ram into her side of their customary crossover. Is this really what happens? If so, we should all be thankful for the SRX’s six standard airbags, especially the front outboard head-curtain side-impact airbags. Cadillac even states they “are designed to help reduce the risk of injury in an impact situation”, and “you’ll feel secure and protected no matter where your travels take you.” (Yeh, this scene probably wasn’t what the car company had in mind with their initial design!)

Anyway, it appears as if our girl Kensi yet again demonstrates her fierce “Bad Ass Blye/Kick Ass Kensi” nicknames. Compared to most of her teammates she continues to be long overdue for serious injury. Yet promotional pictures for the season finale show her customarily wielding her rifle along with her equally equipped partner. Thus, no true harm appears to strike the striking beauty. (Although it’s just as characteristic for her – all of them really – to ignore their injuries. This recalls repetitive instances of disingenuous “I’m fine” proclamations.)

Although it seems somewhat unusual that automotive aficionado Joey Wilson would wreck the SRX; we’ll just chalk this up to making a sacrifice for the art! Fear not! James Hanlon, while somewhat new to directing NCISLA – this being his third turn at leading an effort, has also been part of an Emmy-winning documentary team!

As we prepare for this penultimate episode, is Arkady a prime trigger for the team’s impending departure to Russia Next… on NCISLA?

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