Our NCIS review broke down the "Gone," last week's episode of TV's #1 show, in detail.
Now, TV Fanatic staff members Steve Marsi, Mary Powers and Eric Hochberger have assembled for our weekly Round Table Q&A discussion of various events and topics from this solid installment.
Join in as we analyze the quest for a kidnapping victim and so much more ...
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1. Describe this episode in one word (or two, or three, or four, or 12).
Steve: Strong in a different kind of way.
Mary: Maybe not as "shell-shocking" as the last two, but still pretty good.
Eric: At or above expectations.
2. Favorite quotes or scenes from "Gone"?
Steve: Michael Weatherly's brief, but spot-on impression of Robert Wagner as Tony Sr. at the end!
Mary: Tony: Male friends only want to sleep with you. Billy Crystal, Meg Ryan, When Harry Met Sally.
Eric: Gibbs dropping the initial suspect with one punch (below), then threatening him with images of what happens to people like him in prison. Jethro always means business, but was really not messing around this week.
3. Biggest problem with the episode, if any?
Steve: That Pennebaker's past, and her role in helping Gibbs solve the week's case, were lacking for details. This could be further explained in future episodes (see next question), but if it was a one-off it felt very rushed.
Mary: The only part I had a problem with was the ending, simply because it was too predictable. Schmeil Pinkhas was absolutely hilarious, but I think all of us saw it coming a mile away.
Eric: The fact that there were two cases and a bunch of other things going on made some of the scenes feel spliced together. But that's being nit-picky regarding an episode I very much enjoyed overall.
4. Would you like to see more of Miranda?
Steve: Hopefully. Alex Kingston's character is certainly shrouded in mystery and intrigue. There has to be more to it. Perhaps a future NCIS human trafficking case will bring her back into the fold?
Mary: Miranda claimed that "zebras can't change their stripes, but a woman can." I'd like to see more of her to see if she proves to herself (and Gibbs) that she was right.
Eric: The writers spent a lot of time building her up, and as Steve said, it felt like there was more they could have done with her, especially if she's so infamous in this seedy subculture/underworld.
5. Discuss Abby and Ziva as partners of sorts.
Steve: I'm not sure this sort of thing would work every week, but that's sort of the point; once in awhile, mixing up how the team attacks a particular case in terms of personnel leads to some really fun dynamics.
Mary: I think they worked very well in "Gone" because they each had a role, and they played it well. Ziva was someone Lydia could relate to in terms of loss of a loved one. Abby was just kind of a cool friend that Lydia could hang out with and share some laughs. But, partners? No, I really can't see it in the long run.
Eric: I enjoyed it ... even if the frying pan was a little cliche.
6. NCIS team MVP of the week?
Steve: I'll give it to Ziva and Abby for the reasons we discussed above. Each played a role slightly different than we're used to seeing, but did so convincingly and effectively. Team effort, though, as always.
Mary: I know everybody will laugh at me, but I thought the MVP was Schmeil Pinkhas. He provided the much-needed comic relief of the episode and a hilarious ending to a somewhat somber episode. Plus, I loved the "DiNozzo, let's party!" quote!
Eric: LOL @ Mary. Schmeil is a pretty cool dude. In a similar, out-side-the-box vein, I'll go with Ziva and Abby's new BFF, battling through the trauma throughout the episode, although I felt it a little odd that the death of her father didn't seem to effect her that much ... or was that just me?
7. Any other closing thoughts?
Steve: NCIS rarely, if ever, produces a dud, but I've particularly enjoyed the last 4-5 episodes.
Mary: I don't think "Gone" was as good as the "Shell Shock" two-parter, but it did have its moments. I liked the fact that there were actually two cases going at the same time - the homicide of Captain Wade, and also, the abduction of Rose Martin. The character development and the semi-partnership between Ziva and Abby were also entertaining, but it still didn't hold a candle to the Gibbs character-driven episode from last week.
Eric: Still loving NCIS Season 10 so far, with its consistently solid cases and great character moments. Looking forward to dads galore - Tony Sr., Eli David and even Tim's old man - this month and into 2013.
What's your take on these issues of the week on NCIS? Discuss below!