Our review of the NCIS Season 10 premiere broke down the season finale of TV's #1 show in detail.
Now, TV Fanatic staff members Steve Marsi, Matt Richenthal and Eric Hochberger have assembled for our weekly Round Table Q&A discussion of events from this week's installment, "Extreme Prejudice."
Join in below, as we analyze the resumption and conclusion of the hunt for Dearing, the elevator scene, the lasting psychological repercussions of the attack on NCIS and a whole lot more ...
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Describe this episode in one word (or two, or three, or four).
Steve: Ten seasons in, still the best (I realize that's six words).
Matt: Underwhelming, overhyped, yet solid.
Eric: Thank goodness it's back! (But kind of agree with Matt).
Best quote or scene from "Extreme Prejudice"?
Steve: Any scene with David McCallum. Usually a supporting player, he proved what a superb actor he is. In the aftermath of Ducky's heart attack, you could just feel the anxiety and uncertainty on top of the pain.
Matt: This may be an unpopular choice, but for me it was the climactic meeting of Gibbs and Dearing. The tension was palpable thanks to the slow pacing and eerie setting, and then Dearing got what he deserved.
Eric: Three words: Kick. His. Ass. Or four words: He hurt my family.
Biggest gripe with the episode?
Steve: If they were expressly ordered to proceed with "Extreme Prejudice" (below), why didn't Fornell's FBI team take Dearing out when they had the chance? Also, how did he escape out of a window that small?
Matt: Too little Tim? All episodes can't feature all the team members equally, but hopefully he isn't marginalized over the long term. McGee's the man and deserves his due ... especially after that shrapnel wound.
Eric: Some may have thought the Gibbs-Dearing showdown at the end was appropriate in a way, but I didn't care for it. He went down too easily/quietly for a mastermind capable of that kind of terrorism.
Tony and Ziva in the elevator: Just right, or just do it already?
Steve: Just right, I think ... great elevator scenes this week. If it ain't broke ...
Matt: Regarding this week, I would've liked to have seen more dialogue in the elevator. I felt like it just got going by the time they were rescued. Still not sure they should ever be a full-fledged couple, however.
Eric: You know, I think the will-they-or-won't-they attention given to Tony and Ziva is overblown. It's just one component of a terrific ensemble show. That said, it's now Season 10, and I wouldn't mind seeing them explore a real relationship, as long as it didn't completely overwhelm the rest of the cast. Just go there already, Gary.
NCIS team MVP of the week?
Steve: Ducky and Palmer share this week's honors. Not only were their scenes together some of the best, but it was great to see the old man return and aid his understudy, uncovering that critical clue.
Matt: Gibbs devised the strategy change that led him to the elusive suspect, then took him down ... case closed! It's a team effort, I know, but the fearless leader truly took the lead in this particular case.
Eric: I can't really give it to my girl this week, since she was so shaken up. I want good back too, Abbs. I guess I'll go with a total copout of an answer and give it to everyone equally, by virtue of surviving!
Miscellaneous thoughts on the season premiere?
Steve: Nice to see the newly-promoted Brian Dietzen in the opening credits!
Matt: Hopefully they use the bombing as an excuse to re-paint those orange walls.
Eric: Loved the closing voiceover scene with Gibbs watching over his family.
What are you most looking forward to this season?
Steve: In the immediate future, how the team works through the lingering psychological trauma now that the Dearing case is officially closed. Down the road ... finding out why Gibbs is measuring the basement!
Matt: Hopefully a return to the show's core dynamics, which are still present for the most part, but do lack from time to time. Also, the exploration of PTSD and our heroes overcoming even greater obstacles.
Eric: One word, after seeing next week's promo: ABBY!
What's your take on these issues of the week on NCIS? Discuss below!