Savoir Faire (6×17) Preview

by Gayle (@DensiLand)

Written by: Jordana Lewis Jaffe; Directed by: Eric Laneuville

Official CBS press release – “Savoir Faire” – While the team investigates the death of one of three Afghanistan soldiers who are training in the U.S., they discover two other soldiers are missing and must find them before they’re forced to reveal classified military operations to their captors. Also, Sam is back to work but his team worries it may be too soon, and Callen realizes he has very little in common with his partner, on NCIS: LOS ANGELES, Monday, March 9 (10:00-11:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network.

For those not proficient in the intricacies and elegance of the French language, a common definition of this episode’s title, “Savoir Faire” is “the ability to act or speak appropriately in social situations.” However, a more precise explanation is adaptability in a specific situation related directly to a particular individual. More specifically it applies toward being highly skilled in a distinct area, such as covert manipulation, as an example. Hmmm. What kind of situation might the team encounter to bring about this terminology? With that, what is considered “appropriate”? Which aspect of the title’s definition will relate to this week’s series of events? I’m sure we’d all present ourselves quite differently in having tea with Hetty versus gaming with Eric! Apply this to a sinister criminal act and the stakes begin rising quite rapidly. Who among the team can you guess would struggle in such unknown situations as opposed to who might be the best skilled (besides the aforementioned Ms. Lange)? Perhaps the entire team could use a refresher on this trade craft tactic!

Grab your flip-flops and floaties because this case takes the team back to a location of sun, sand, and surf. However, like usual, it’s going to be no day at the beach. Things are about to get down and dirty in the sandy landscape. An international aspect. Death. Hostages. Jeopardized classified information. Yep, sounds like a typical day for the LA-based federal agency! Is another foreign operative behind this latest travesty or is the culprit a fellow countryman? What aspect of national security might once again be at risk and in what manner?

The Big Guy is back! Yet, Granger is chatting financials? For real? Or is it an avenue to a separate topic? Is Sam trying to cover the true basis of their conversation? The family aspect of this team is sure to be on full display as their “teddy bear” returns, again patched up from a brush with evil. What characteristics might Sam express that prompts worry from his teammates? Is it something obvious to all or a slight tell, something only his longtime (yet apparently dissimilar) partner would detect? Resultant from Sam’s torturous electrocution experience with the dastardly Siderov, this recalls an ominous and concerned warning from the team’s insightful psychologist, Dr. Nate Getz, in “Impact” (5×2):

“But the trauma and damage he experienced, it’s cumulative, physically and psychologically, as you well know. If it happens too many more times, he could reach a breaking point where he can’t take it anymore. You also know what can happen then.”

Are these singular damaging instances culminating to have the negative effect previously suggested by Nate? While regularly absent, the team’s giant “shrink” has always been able to read each team member with profound accuracy.

This is the fourth NCISLA directorial installment for lifelong actor and director Eric Laneuville. Meanwhile, series staffer Jordana Lewis Jaffe’s pen (or keyboard) is sure to provide us with unexpected twists and turns in both the criminal case and interactions among our favorite characters. How will this rare female lawyer-turned-writer demonstrate her own “savoir faire” in this edition?

Might Hetty or even Granger have to yet again make a tough decision regarding one of their prime agents? And if so, how will the others react Next… on NCISLA?

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Credit and appreciation to famous French fan Chantal (@Cashkend_o) for assistance in understanding and detailing the application of “savoir faire”. Any error on this topic is entirely the author’s.

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