Spoils of War (5×19) Preview
By Gayle (@DensiLand)
Written & Directed by: Frank Military
Official CBS Press Release – “Spoils of War” – After learning that Special Agent Kensi Blye disappeared and the Taliban may be he holding her captive, Hetty sends the NCIS: LA team to Afghanistan on a rescue mission, on NCIS: LOS ANGELES, Tuesday, April 1 (9:00-10:01 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network.
Finally. It’s finally time to reunite our LA-based team. Highly unlikely is the frivolity of last year’s April Fool’s Day prank, but instead a deep and possibly disturbing turn of events. After more than four long months of worried separation critical news arrives and the team must once again coordinate their efforts to save one of their own.
Kensi. Tasked with rooting out a mole and assassinating a threat to national security (a.k.a. The White Ghost), it appears Kensi failed on both counts, a rarity for this federal agent and sniper specialist. Everyone is still left wondering about the identity of both targets. When considering allies and enemies into which category do Granger, Sabatino, Booker, Jack, and possibly others fit?
Jack. The man who deserted Kensi , leaving her damaged in emotional pain, is finally revealed. How could he be so neutral in facing his ex-fiancé? Is his story about conversion, family, and inclusion into the village to be believed? Can Kensi trust him? Is Jack simply applying a cover for his wrong-doings? Could he be playing Kensi, using her to gain information about her mission and team? Is he being used by another entity to gain information from Kensi about NCIS’s operation? Could Jack be a target himself in this foreign land, needing the assistance of NCIS? Will this mark closure of the “Jack” situation for Kensi, or simply the beginning of a new operation?
The team leaders. Hetty seemed genuinely struck and concerned when Granger announced the disappearance of Kensi. What exactly did Hetty know about this mission and its players from the outset? Could she have been aware of Jack’s presence and sent Kensi , even knowing their history? If so, why? Was Hetty suddenly questioning her choice to send Kensi on this mission? Was her reaction based on professional distress, personal guilt and care, or a combination of both? How might Callen lead this effort in which everyone is likely to react differently, based on their varied connection to Kensi? Hetty urges, “I need you to bring her home, Sam.” It’s no doubt Hetty would place a great deal of faith in Sam for this particular mission. As a SEAL, he would be the best trained and most experienced in a military extraction.
Deeks. As warned by Hetty, the detective has endured a long, cold winter. One of his worst fears has come true. How might he react to the news of his partner’s disappearance? Panic? Anger? Fear? Determination? Will the normally expressive Deeks be able to contain his emotions, remain professional, and complete the most importance mission of his life – something the often stoic Kensi seemed completely unable to accomplish? Damaged from both his own traumatic mission gone awry and being suddenly severed from his partner and newly-minted “girlfriend”, what will this situation provoke in the already troubled detective? Withdrawal? Rage? Hopelessness? Purpose? Might it serve as a trigger for his own PTSD struggles?
The knife. Kensi left Deeks her (previously her father’s) knife, which was noted again with the Tuhon. Might this potentially lethal weapon play a key role in the mission? If handled during the anticipated “rescue”, will it be used to help or hurt? Employed with measured purpose or wild recklessness? Could it dissect someone’s heart (in a figurative sense)?
The details are sure to be keenly presented both in script and screen, as long-time NCISLA associate, Frank Military, both wrote and directed this episode – a tall order, especially for this pivotal point in the plotline. On that note, the emotion conveyed by all of the cast members when the news of Kensi’s status is revealed is sure to notably affect virtually every viewer. As seen in past episodes, particularly the most recent, Daniela Ruah is primed to take Kensi on a roller coaster of emotions. Likewise, Eric Christian Olsen is sure to expand Deeks’ numerous warring emotions, fighting between his detective, friend, partner, and boyfriend personas. As Densi fans have long awaited the duo’s reunion, can happiness actually result, or will only more torment lie ahead for the partners and viewers?
While the team is sure to bring Kensi back to LA, what will the fallout consist of and who will it impact Next… on NCISLA?
As once Deeks told Kensi, everything’s gonna be fine.
“Omne quod est sit amet elit”
So, don’t worry. 🙂
This was a great review/preview of what’s to come. The last episode answered some long awaited questions for Densi & Kensi fans regarding ‘Jack’ but this episode left us with more questions. What role does Hetty play in this situation/mission? Can Jack be trusted? How is Kensi going to deal with her emotions regarding Jack & Deeks. Is Sabitino the ‘white ghost’ or the ‘mole’? Who can be trusted. Spoils of War is sure to be one of the best episodes of season 5. Can’t wait to see how it all unfolds.
Deeks will feel the following emotions in this order:
Shock: why me? Why us?
Determination: we have to go!!
Anxious: ahhhh
Fear: we need to help her
Relax: Sam assures that they will do everything to get her back
Emotional: i love her
Panic: where is she
Deep breath: she’s ok!!!
#Embrace
I think Jack was playing Kensi the entire time he was with her. He didn’t ask her if she was ok. If I were this man, I couldn’t even look my ex-fiance in the eyes (beautiful eyes on that case). If it was Deeks, he would make sure she is fine, not hurt (something that Jack wasn’t concerned about),clear her eyes from the tears and finally give her a big hug to make her feel better. And it would have worked. She wouldn’t be scared any long because she will be with a man who will do everything in his power to keep her safe. Jack didn’t try to protect her at all when the Talibans entered to this place and grabed him and took him away. In my opinion this was planed. Right before they where about to escape they put out the fire leaving her in the cold.
I want to see how the team will be informed. I imagine it the way Eric informed Callen, Sam and Kensi in the ep ”Found” when Dom was gone missing. A call from either Eric or Nell during the night telling the guys to come to OPS asap. Then they will tell them about CIA officer Sandres (not sure if that’s his name) and then tell that Kensi is missing for the last 24 hours. Deeks will be mad with Hetty, Granger and himself because he wasn’t there to protect and have her back. Like he always does.
I just can’t wait for Wednesday. I live in Greece and because of the different time zones (which I hate like Deeks), I have to wait till then. The good thing with me is that I have patient. I don’t know for how much it will last.
This was an excellent preview. It covers all possibilities. It will, as has been said, concern all viewers. Our emotions will definitely be involved whether we are concerned for Deeks and Kensi, or for the team leaders who have to go in to rescue her. Ultimately we will care for them all. We may have our own personal ideas about what people know or don’t know, or who the mole or the White Ghost is, but I fear that we are just going to have to wait until Tuesday to finally get the answers.
I bet Jack will die and Kensi will come back home with his daughter.
Your previews are always so insightful, and I enjoy reading them. My thoughts on this episode pretty much line up with what everyone else is saying. About 34 hours left to go till ‘Spoils of War’ (that is if you live in central time zone).