I don’t know about you, but it’s feels like forever since we watched a new episode of our favorite show, NCIS Los Angeles! Good to see the return of the second half of the 3rd season with The Watchers. Written by executive producer (and staff writer since 1999), R. Scott Gemmill is joined by veteran NCISLA director Tony Warmby on this show. Both have written and directed some of my favorite episodes, so I was really looking forward to this behind the camera pairing. This time we are also introduced to a new character to the team (since Lauren Hunter) in NCIS Assistant Director, Owen Granger.
We had an inkling that a new Assistant Director may be on the horizon when Hetty alluded to Director Vance questioning her ability to lead the team in a previous episode. Jeez, Hetty has had a tough year so far and it only continues as Owen Granger, played by Miguel Ferrer, is coming down pretty hard on the Operations Manager. Granger’s test of the home team at the boathouse is fun to watch including Hetty who is not a happy camper at Granger’s intrusion or lack of trust for her or her team. I found it interesting how the team gathered protectively around Hetty again just like they did against Hunter. (Hetty has more skill, wisdom than any of us can hope for…Had you been a real enemy Hetty would have had your head on a stick before we got here.) Once again, it looks like the new guy is trying to put a wedge between the team just like Hunter. Don’t they know Granger, this team can’t be broken? But it looks like he’s going to continue be a thorn in their side for awhile. But wasn’t Hetty just peachy at the end when she treated her team on Granger’s dime? Looks like Callen is worried again and so should he be. Will the old guard really be changing? I think the team needs a protagonist like Granger; it makes for fun TV and a way to keep the team moving forward. I’m looking forward to seeing how many ways the man is going to get on their last nerve.
I know that whenever we get to see Nell or Eric outside of Ops and undercover it’s going to be a fun episode and we weren’t disappointed tonight. Nell is called to duty this time when she replaces a dead Department of Defense worker. Eric is adorable when trying to find out more about Nell’s professional background and IQ. I may have to add a Nell/Eric watch with all the banter flying back and forth between the two of them. (I’ll show you mine if you show me yours!) They are such a perfect team together. Got to love Eric’s jealousy when faced with some competition and although she seems annoyed, deep down inside Nell’s got to love it. Had to giggle a little when Granger ordered Eric to stop by wardrobe to pick up big boy pants and the Twilight kid crack was hysterical. You got to admit, the man has a sense of humor whether you like him or not.
So Eric gets my vote for the most amusing performance of the night. I think Mr. Gammell is definitely a Mr. Beale fan! Nice going Barrett!
Best Line of the Show:
Deeks: Looks like I’m going inside. If I’m not back in 10 minutes it’s because I’m in trouble or getting a bikini wax.
Kensi: Welcome to my world. (To Sam and Callen)
Highlight of the Show:
Hetty in that ninja outfit and uttering the line: That was your first mistake…was priceless. Wouldn’t want to meet that ninja lady in a dark alley!
Deeks’ Moments:
• The Banana Republic shirt is back! Yeah!
• You think it’s too late to get my old job back?
• Nothing sells romance like the plague.
• Is Deeks trying to auditioning for a remake of the Monkees with that wool hat? Love it! Nobody does homeless better!
• Just for the record, that’s called a side view mirror (Oooh, that was mean Deeks, lol!!)
• Kensi: Deeks, you ok?
Deeks: I think I might have gone a little too method. I might have shook something loose. (The look on Sam’s face!)
• Kensi: Anybody want to trade partners?
Deeks: You’re not getting this anywheres else mama….
Densi Watch:
• Ooh, Deeks looked jealous when he noticed Kensi’s button on her shirt was still open….
• Even the Assistant Director wants to know what Kensi was doing in Hawaii. Maybe he and Deeks can meet for coffee to share notes?
• Deeks asking about Kensi’s father and wanting to help her with her quest to find out more about his death. Nice surprise there…looks like we are getting a glimpse into a future show.
Great writing and some nice method acting by ECO! So what did you think….what were your favorite moments?
