NCIS: LA Review: The Noble Maidens (Season 12 Episode 14)
On NCIS: LA Season 12 Episode 14, “The Noble Maidens,” the team doesn’t have much time to rescue Anna from being kidnapped back to Russia.
We can’t say we’re sorry to see this arc with Katya wrap up. Despite its connecting threads, this episode didn’t have the same seamless urgency as the previous installment.
This hour gave into a frequent NCIS: LA trope, where the investigation drags on for 50 minutes, then everything is suddenly figured out in the last 10. This is a painfully predictable conclusion that the entire franchise uses a lot.
Not only has this storyline dragged on an episode too long, it’s been extremely frustrating to watch as it tears the team apart. The stress of a brick wall of leads, and endless secrets has everyone on edge.
One of the most annoying recurring elements on NCIS: LA is Callen going rogue when things get too personal. Anytime a case involves his family, girlfriend or an ex, he shuts the team out and goes off on his own, which inevitably makes things worse.
With no leads on Anna or Katya’s whereabouts, Callen ignores Nell and Sam’s requests to take a beat and regroup. Instead, he goes to Russian spy Zasha Gagarin for intel, threatening to stop protecting her.
Since he finally found out the truth about his past, we’ve enjoyed watching Callen grow into a more emotionally open adult. His instantaneous regression back into loner mode is disappointing.
When Sam confronts Callen about his behavior, he has the same tepid excuse as Anna, “he was trying to protect them.” We’re really getting tired of hearing that.
This is the third episode in this Russian mole/Katya storyline, and while there have been a couple highlights, for the most part it’s been hard to connect to.
We’re not monsters, so we don’t want Anna hurt, but let’s be honest, she’s not a regular member of the team. She also hasn’t been the best girlfriend to Callen. This makes it difficult for us to invest in a story built around her.
In the end, they save Anna, but Katya is still alive in Russia. Unfortunately, during Anna’s rescue, Kirkin takes a bullet for Deeks, and doesn’t make it, which means the wrong Russian died.
Kirkin’s joy for life, as well as, his genuine love for Deeks were infectious. It’s sad to see him go, but we hope his sacrifice isn’t quickly forgotten. He was a big presence in Deeks’ life, so his reaction to losing him should reflect that.
In addition to reprimanding the team for its handling of the situation, Admiral Kilbride also discusses the future with Nell, basically offering her Hetty’s job permanently. He hints that Hetty’s current mission may be her last.
Considering Linda Hunt’s part-time status the last few seasons, this all makes perfect sense. However, we can’t imagine NCIS: LA without Hetty. Even when she’s gone, we know she’s coming back at some point.
Hetty is one of the major elements that sets NCIS: LA apart from other procedurals. Operating without her on a permanent basis knocks a lot of the shine off, and makes the show almost average.
What did you think of this episode of NCIS: LA? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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NCIS: LA airs Sundays at 9/8c on CBS.
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Stephanie Holland
Stephanie Holland is a nerdy lover of Star Wars, Disney, Doctor Who, Arrowverse, Star Trek and WWE. Is living the dream of turning a lifelong obsession with TV into an actual job. Still waiting for a reboot of the '80s classic Small Wonder.
4 comments
Completely right about Hetty. Whenever she’s not in an episode, it feels, empty.
She’ll definitely be back. And, I doubt she’ll actually leave. She wouldn’t just abandon her team forever.
Definitely don’t like the current emphasis or the loss of Kirkin. Great ongoing storyline. In agreement with article assessment. Sure hope Linda Hunt still comes back as Hetty, even limited. Her time in Kensi and Deeks wedding episode were priceless. We need more ‘cameos’ like that. Sudden interaction.
Disagree with take on Callen. I think he sincerely is trying to keep his work family safe, as well as keeping his Russian informant safe. Keep in mind Sam is dealing with his own Kam issues and Callen doesn’t want to interfere with that. He is being a good friend. Now, Sam is not doing the same. Callen has been supportive with Sam all along. He even apologized to Sam, or tried to. But what was Sam’s response? I’m too tired to listen to it right now!!! Really??? Callen takes a big step for him and Sam turns him away. Sam shows no empathy for what Callen is experiencing which is odd given what he himself has experienced with the loss of his wife and the near loss of his daughter, whom “Uncle Callen” also loves. I hope the writers remedy this. The Sam and Callen dynamic is my favorite part of the show! Actually, I did like this episode. I guess it’s been so long since they actually broadcast a new episode, I would accept almost anything!!! CBS does pre-empt it a lot. Or they will push it back to a later time. If I’m trying to record it, I usually get the last half of whatever was on previously and only the first half of NCIS!
Definitely agree Callen needs to split with the lying women, Anna has to be the worst. A Noble Maiden AND an FSB russian agent. How the heck did Arkady get away with changing her past and new identity to get her into the United States. Whole lotta lying going on and Callen has no idea who or what Anna really is. How did Katya get all the information on Callen, could Anna have told her while n prison together. Whatever, this tall drink of water who seduced Callen has to go.
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