NCIS: Los Angeles Review: Defectors (Season 7 Episode 9)
Break my heart and then stomp on it, won’t you NCIS: LA?
Look, the promo had already spoiled the end of this episode, so we knew what was coming. That means we were prepared to see it happen. Or at least, that’s what we thought it meant.
Wrong, wrong, wrong.
Seeing your favorite character being led away in handcuffs is not ideal. Seeing your favorite character turn to his on-screen girlfriend, one half of your OTP and say an “I love you” that sounded like both “Goodbye” and “I’m sorry” as he’s being arrested? That’s the definition of cruelty.
The fifty-eight minutes before this heartbreaking scene were pretty good too. NCIS: LA is not usually the type of show that makes you think deep thoughts, but this week, with the threat of ISIS, propaganda and impressionable young girls being shipped away to become ISIS brides, the show couldn’t have been clearer in its message: Talk to your kids. Be there for them.
One week after the Paris terrorist attacks, this message couldn’t have been more on point. I’m glad the show didn’t air this episode last week – it wouldn’t have felt right, and yet, at the same time, I’m glad they chose to air it instead of just skipping it, and not just because of the continuity issues that the lack of the final scene would have brought, but because some points still need to be made. Some messages still need to be sent.
Back to Deeks, though, because how can I talk about anything but Deeks? Eric Christian Olsen is a wonderful comedic actor, but in that final scene, his acting chops were finally on display. His face as he turned to Kensi was a combination of heartbreak and resignation. We don’t know what happened yet, but one thing seems clear, Deeks doesn’t think he’s getting out of it.
We, however, know better. And not because we’ve been spoiled, no. We know better because while the NCIS: LA team might have been nothing more than a collection of people who worked together some years back, now they’re something else. Now they’re a family. And Kensi, Callen, Sam, Eric, Nell, Hetty and Granger are not going to abandon Deeks, not right now.
No, they’re going to fight for him, come hell or high water. They’re going to prove his innocence. And then, they’re going to bring him home. Because that’s what family does.
Other things to note:
- Everyone looked particularly good in this episode. From Daniela Ruah in that red dress, to Eric Olsen in white, LL Cool J in anything, and Chris O’Donnell in blue, I don’t know if I should thank the wardrobe department or good genes.
- Nell’s wardrobe this year, however, in NOT on point. Give the girl something that doesn’t look like it’s five sizes too big.
- I hope Granger and Hetty have more to do next episode. Wait, I don’t. I forgot I don’t really like them.
What did you think of this week’s episode of NCIS: LA? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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NCIS: LA airs Mondays at 10/9c on CBS.
Lissete Lanuza Sáenz
Lawyer. Writer. Columnist. Geek. Falls in madly in love with fictional characters. Hates the color yellow, misogyny, and people who are late. Can always be found with a book. Watches an absurd amount of TV every week, often, while eating coffee ice cream. She has no regrets. You can check out her blog here: Absurday. Lissete is a senior writer for Tell-Tale TV. Follow @lizziethat