Ascension (5×01) Preview

by Gayle (@ghartler)

The NCIS:LA fandom is still reeling from the Season 4 finale, which aired nearly three months ago. The cliffhanger’s plot twists and character turns of the season-ending episode made it one of the most impactful and stunning of the entire series.

While we are still more than six week away from the September 24 Season 5 premiere, media outlets and Twitter have exploded with interviews, quotes, teasers, and spoilers. To the delight of Deeks and “Densi” fans, many of the insights have come from Eric Christian Olsen. Here is what he’s revealed so far:

• “It’s never been better. It’s so exciting to start off the season with this premiere. … [W]e have a two-hour James Bond movie for our finale and our premiere that has consequences.” Entertainment Weekly
• “You’re going to meet his mom and get into his past. We already know a little about the dysfunctional and catastrophic relationship with his father, but we’re going to find out a lot more about what makes this guy tick and how it affects, obviously, the relationship with Kensi and his inability to make that work.” Examiner.com
• “This is the darkest and the most honest and the most vulnerable and the most heartbreaking episode for Deeks, but also for the other characters. The best scene that has ever been written for [Deeks and Sam] happens in the premiere; we’ve already filmed it, and [LL Cool J] is so good. And the most honest scene that Deeks and Kensi have ever had together happens in the premiere.” TVLine.com
• “I think we’re going to see the most human reaction we’ve ever seen on this show to something like this. I think a lot of times these things happen and there aren’t any emotional consequences and there are unbelievable emotional consequences. I don’t think he’s prepared to compartmentalize it. I don’t know if he knows how to get through it. … This is going to have a very real, long-lasting effect on him.” Entertainment Weekly

Creator Shane Brennan adds, the season 5 premiere “will have the greatest consequence of any story we’ve told.” Examiner.com

In this action-based drama, most plots focus on the case at hand. At this point in time the team is still tasked with locating and securing the nuclear devices. While this is of utmost importance, the lives of Sam and Deeks hang in the balance. As Hetty firmly stated in the open of “Descent” (4×24), “Agents welfare is always secondary to the mission. Always has been; always will be.” [Yet let us not forget other wise words from the staunch leader: “We’ll protect our agents at all costs.” – “Betrayal” (3×9)].

This complex operation will significantly impact every member of the team in one or more ways. Issues to be addressed from the shocking cliffhanger finale include:

Callen & Janvier

The team leader and his nemesis continue their respective goals of justice and revenge. When Janvier, otherwise known as “The Chameleon” was introduced, he spoke ominously: “One day, I’m going to kill you. Soon. That’s all I live for. It’s all I care about.” – “Chameleon” (3×15). Callen had shot the evil-doer, used him in an operation to save an NSA agent, and ended up trading him to the Iranians. Even after murdering at least two NCIS agents (Renko and Hunter), Callen seeks out Janvier as a pawn in the on-going nuclear device operation. Certainly a risky move by the team leader, which turns out to be a mortal mistake. Somewhat expectedly, Janvier betrays Callen, which has torturous ramifications for Sam and Deeks. How will Callen handle the expected self-blame regarding the op going sideways and the consequences forced on Sam & Deeks?

Sam & Michelle

While not a member of the team, Michelle serves as such on this op, which is only further complicated by her personal relationship with Sam. Is Kensi able to save Michelle from the fall from the building? (Behind the scene photos indicate yes, but does more danger await her?) Sam’s cover was blown. Will their marriage change after this case?

Sam & Deeks

Oil and water. While respectful colleagues, a noticeable tension has existed between these two since their very first meeting. The verbal spars escalate to a whole new level. Sam’s separated from both his partner and wife during this high-stakes op and the misplaced humor of his currently-assigned partner sends Sam’s normally calm-demeanor boiling-over in frustration. He bursts forth with long- and well-hidden detest for the detective sitting before him. Yet, as the fickle hand of fate so often does, Sam finds himself physically and emotionally relying on the one person he just decisively dismissed.

Sinking to the bottom of a pool, it is Deeks who is responsible for saving the SEAL. Though not shown, we know Deeks is successful in his effort. However, the action taken to save Sam virtually blows both of their covers. Having saved his life, will Sam feel guilty about his negative words to Deeks and apologize? If so, will Deeks forgive him?

One life in danger soon progresses to two as both are taken hostage by Siderov, a man seeking to secure his illegal activity as well as affirm the loyalty of the woman he apparently loves. Siderov is certainly a man of action who inflicts physical torture on Sam. As painful as this was to watch there was never any question of the SEAL upholding his oath to enforce the law and the cover of his CIA wife. By now, almost forgotten in the frantic unfolding of the op, Siderov lightly mentions his shift to “the weak one”. A shadowy view through glass doors reveal a confined Deeks, who soon endures his own torture. Ultimately, who will save the guys and how?

Kensi & Deeks

Kensi’s nearly lost control of her emotions over the past few episodes. First was the jealousy over Monica that causes Kensi to come undone with both Monica and Deeks. Second, she hits Deeks with a steady stream of verbal jabs in an effort to get him to confess his feelings, something she’s afraid to hear and too scared to offer first. This continues into Descent and finally pushes Deeks to the edge. As these two are famously known for, dancing around depth of meaning behind veiled banter and innuendo, Deeks takes action to “communicate” his thoughts and feelings to Kensi via a long-anticipated, but not truly expected kiss. After barely uttering a word to each other, Kensi retreats under the guise of protecting Michelle. How will Kensi handle the anticipated self-blame of not being able to back-up her partner, to have prevented his capture and torture?

When Eric Christian Olsen references “dark, honest, vulnerable, and heartbreaking”, we can easily anticipate a storm of epic proportions on the horizon for the detective and those close to him. As outlined above, past interactions, the time leading up to this case, and the unsuccessful unfolding of the operation will have many varied consequences for each and every member of the team.

With all of these questions to be answered (and more), what do you think is NEXT… on NCIS: Los Angeles?

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