Our NCIS review broke down "Seek," this week's episode, in detail.
Now, TV Fanatic staff members Steve Marsi, Douglas Wolfe and Eric Hochberger have assembled for our weekly Round Table Q&A discussion of various events and topics from this installment.
Join in as we analyze another entertaining hour of TV's #1 show!
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1. Describe this episode in one word (or two, or three, or four).
Doug:Magnificent Poindexter steals the show.
Christine: Woof.
Steve: K9 or Perfect 10?
2. What was your favorite scene from "Seek?"
Doug: It was tie: I’m a sucker for scenes involving personal epiphanies – so the emotionally tense scene between Ziva and Vance served that dynamic up well. Cote de Pablo is certainly getting some great opportunities to show her acting chops, and this was no exception. The second one was the scene where Ruby learned that Dex would be retiring and staying with her. I had to get up and glass of water at that point. Way overwhelming. (Okay honestly? That was my favorite scene, but I think both deserved mentioning).
Christine: Ziva on the floor with Dex. I love it when she shows her affectionate side and that dog was adorable.
Steve: At the end, at the cemetery, when we learned that Dex survived and earned a medal for his efforts. It got a little dusty in my living room, I am sad/proud to admit.
3. What was your favorite quote (or Tony one-liner)?
Doug:Favorite quote was the one with the British would-be nanny talking to Vance (while carrying an old-fashioned umbrella): “It was so very nice meeting you, Director. And I do hope you’ll do me the honor of being governess to your lovely children.” Perfectly written, perfectly orchestrated, and it had me laughing. I mean who talks like that today? Anyone? We had no choice but to go back to Mary Poppins.
Christine: There were lots of funny ones from Tony but my favorite was this... Tony: "You know, I've been thinking about getting a dog." Gibbs: "He's not a dog. He's a Marine."
Steve: Christine took mine, but I also loved Tony's rapid-fire quotes, Humphrey Bogart voice and the entire scene where he and Tim fled the Dobermans. Sometimes you need a little comic relief.
4. What, if anything, did you dislike about this week?
Doug: Probably the only thing that bugged me just a little bit was that close-up side view of Abby in the lab. I couldn’t help thinking: “man, those are some wicked mad bangs on the girl”. Nothing wrong with bangs, don’t get me wrong, but at least get them thinned once a decade or so.
Christine: Nothing. The whole team was working and I liked that they're still showing Vance and Ziva working through their grief. Plus anytime you add a great dog you can't go wrong.
Steve: Not a lot, that's for sure. Was there some inconsistency in the couple's connection to Dex, saying they had been with him since birth? Could that be true with a K9 "Marine"?
5. Ziva tracking Bodnar: What's next in this building plot?
Doug: While the rest of NCIS (and the U.S. defense department for that matter) would like to bring Bodnar in for questioning and to gather intelligence, I suspect Ziva has a different agenda: track down and kill the guy. Tony knows this for sure, and maybe Vance does too. So we may see some sides being taken as Vance confronts her about it, while Tony helps her out unofficially. Ultimately I can’t imagine a universe where Bodnar doesn’t actually get killed – unless Ziva’s love for her job and work mates supersedes her need for revenge. Expect Vance to put it as plainly as that: either work with the team to bring him in, or find another profession. And if she maintains her desire/need to kill him, I imagine Vance will need to warn her she’ll be brought up on charges. It’s going to be an exciting end of season.
Christine: I wish I knew but you know she's not letting it go and I'm sure that's the "stuff" she's been working on.
Steve: Her secretive tracking of his every move, or attempt to do so, is telling. How far will she go to avenge her father's death, and will she go rogue to do so, Gibbs-style? There's a confrontation building at some point, you just know it. That or Bodnar resurfaces in a way that necessitates the involvement of the team.
6. Think Vance is ready to hire that nanny full-time?
Doug: Absolutely. She’s focused (she isn’t texting anyone and she isn’t babbling about how much fun they’re going to have together, nor is she sporting an umbrella) and she’s objective and seems stable. In many ways, even though she claimed she will never take the place of their mother, she seems very much like Jackie. Down to earth, realistic and mature. Vance has found his nanny, but is it too soon to wonder if he has found something more?
Christine: I can see why that would be difficult. It's a little too close to feeling as though he's picking a replacement for his late wife but yes, I think he's about ready to make the leap.
Steve: As a widower you can understand the many reasons he'd be hesitant, both superficial and more deeply-rooted. However, it has to be done at some point, and this one seems like a good fit.
7. Which NCIS team member would be the best dog owner?
Doug: I struggled over this one. Abby seems to be the obvious choice – she would love the dog almost to death, I think. Yet I can’t help thinking that Gibbs would make a phenomenal dog owner. I’d actually like to see that, because I think it would subtly and wonderfully change the dynamic of the show, much like Bear did for Person of Interest.
Christine: They'd all be good at it and their personal lives seem so lonely and Unlucky In Love that they could all use one.
Steve: Hard to argue against Gibbs after seeing this episode, but I think Tony could warm up to the idea with the right one. Imagine if he realizes he could use one to pick up girls at the dog park too.
What's your take on these issues of the week on NCIS? Discuss below!