NCIS: LA Review: Imposter Syndrome (Season 12 Episode 15)
On NCIS: LA Season 12 Episode 15, “Imposter Syndrome,” the team is put in danger by new technology.
We’ve talked a lot about the NCIS franchise as a whole becoming too predictable. With the team infiltrated by audio and video technology that allows their images to be copied, this episode is anything but predictable.
Before we truly understand what’s going on, we can tell something is off, so it’s fascinating to follow along as we and the characters try to unlock this puzzle.
Yes, the story revolves around the team chasing terrorists. However, instead of stopping an imminent attack, they’re trying to stop attacks that haven’t even been planned yet, an interesting change for the show.
Just when we thought NCIS: LA didn’t have any new tricks to show us, it delves into the world of deep fakes.
A routine intercept of intel becomes a much bigger issue when a deep fake video of a long-dead terrorist leader is found on the suspect. From there, nothing is what it seems until the end of the episode.
Nell has had a tough time finding her way as Acting Operations Manager. She knows she will never be Hetty, but she can’t help comparing herself to her mentor and idol.
We’ve enjoyed the job she’s doing as the new boss. As longtime fans, it’s fulfilling watching her come into her own, becoming more comfortable with the expectations and responsibilities.
It’s also nice to see the team respond so positively to her being in charge. The series has spent 12 seasons building them into a supportive family, so it would’ve been out of character for Callen or Sam to be jealous of her promotion.
As excited as we are to get something new, our happiness is slightly dimmed by the reveal that a deep fake of Callen was created, and the hint that there is some connection to a certain mysterious Russian woman.
We really thought we were done with Katya for a while. Her obsession with Anna has already taken over so much of the show, we hope this isn’t another loose thread used to keep her around.
In a continuation of the season’s best storyline, Kensi and Deeks are still struggling with conceiving a baby. This episode offered a sad look into an unexpected consequence of fertility issues.
Deeks wants to paint the last room in their new house. It’s the one that could become the nursery. Kensi is reluctant, because if they can’t get pregnant, she doesn’t want to look at a freshly painted room every day.
It’s another heartbreaking chapter in what has been a respectful, authentic portrayal of a real problem so many couples deal with.
You don’t expect deep personal stories like this from procedurals, which makes the amazing work everyone involved has been doing remarkable; especially Daniela Ruah and Eric Christian Olsen,
For the first time in a long time, NCIS: LA delivered a truly entertaining episode from start to finish. This is not a knock on the show. We’re just a little tired of figuring out the bad guy 15 minutes in, then not being at all surprised by the outcome.
As Fatima noted, it was creepy and unsettling to watch someone invade everyone’s lives, and “lose something you didn’t know you were capable of losing.”
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.