NCIS: Sydney Season 1 Episode 3 Review: Brothers in Arms
NCIS: Sydney Season 1 Episode 3, “Brothers in Arms,” may not make a splash with its case of the week, but it does bode well for the show’s future.
Written by Andrew Anastasios and directed by David Caesar, the procedural drama’s third outing successfully deconstructs a team of Navy SEALs to uncover the truth about the connection between a shark and a disembodied arm.
Nevertheless, “Brothers in Arms” finds its most appealing win in what it means for NCIS: Sydney‘s longevity, solidifying the show’s team through classic tropes.
The episode can’t go wrong by beginning with an exercise of Olivia Swann and Todd Lasance’s chemistry. Their banter gets sharper with every episode.
While JD changes in front of Mackey and volunteers to take her out surfing, their exchange is the kind of Special Agent/Liaison Officer content that spurs great partnerships and possibly even better ships. Even if it takes seasons, like NCIS: Los Angeles‘s Kensi and Deeks, the relationship is well worth the journey.
“Brothers in Arms” exemplifies NCIS: Sydney is still at the beginning of whatever will come between JD and Mackey. Instead of wanting to fast-forward to the next phase, this episode finds reason to be invested in their present.
Like the “housey stuff” on NCIS: Sydney Season 1 Episode 2, “Snakes in the Grass,” the script points to their dynamic’s development and their gradual understanding of each other. It matters that JD holds Mackey accountable for her treatment of Blue. His approach to the topic is sincere and respectful of Mackey.
Ultimately, JD and Mackey work well together in most senses of the word.
No scene showcases that more than their confrontation with Richard Rankin at the end of “Brothers in Arms.” NCIS: Sydney finds its biggest antagonist in this character with questionable morals and blurred lines in loyalty.
The episode finds the opposite in JD and Mackey, the figureheads for the NCIS: Sydney team’s united force, which parallels the loyalty in the case. For the team to even get to that trusting point to maintain it moving forward, some slow-melting ice must break — most notably between Mackey and Blue.
Thankfully, “Brothers in Arms” takes the time for Mackey and Blue to discuss anything other than their current investigation. Because compliments come more naturally from JD, seeing Mackey give Blue positive feedback is beneficial.
Understandably, NCIS: Sydney is concerned with solidifying its procedural status, but for viewership to stick and rise, the characters need to do so, too.
The scenes where characters attempt to connect with one another inspire investment in the show. Even the quick scene between Doc and Blue when she asks him why he is sad is effective. Her comment reflects Blue’s perceptiveness and highlights that Doc isn’t as good at hiding his emotions as he thinks.
It’s propulsive storytelling for Blue to say such a thing when she thinks her time at NCIS: Sydney is over. That storyline also utilizes the miscommunication trope with a fantastic payoff. Regardless, Blue can’t take that comment back.
Now that she’s a permanent team member, that understanding of Doc will linger between the pair back at HQ while the other four members are in the field.
“Brothers in Arms” creates that character-driven conflict that will undoubtedly cause ripples in the rest of the season. Most importantly, it gives NCIS: Sydney the opportunities it needs to uncover the truth about these characters.
These early episodes are focused on securing the procedural elements so the characters can become peripheral figures. For instance, still, little is known about Evie Cooper. Well, “Brothers in Arms” reveals she has a tattoo.
It’s always give and take with any information about her. Hopefully, that means NCIS: Sydney is building a storyline about why she holds most of her cards close to her chest. Surely, the show pairs her up with DeShawn Jackson, who doesn’t mind opening up about his life, for a reason.
For the sake of “Brothers in Arms,” Evie and DeShawn team up for a quick, undercover op as an engaged couple. That trope never gets old!
DeShawn’s using that opportunity to try to learn about Evie’s tattoo is a fun combination of drama and humor — something the NCISverse does well. The best example of those tonal mixings is the final scene of “Brothers in Arms.”
Mavournee Hazel’s performance tugs on the heartstrings because of how sincerely she depicts Blue thinking no one cares she’s leaving to her realizing the team is celebrating her staying.
This scene is when the show feels like what NCIS: Sydney wants to be.
“Brothers in Arms” leaves the characters less as individuals who reluctantly work together. Slowly but surely, they are becoming a team that could be stronger than any of them likely anticipated. That’s a good place for NCIS: Sydney to be heading into the middle of its debut season.
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What did you think of this episode of NCIS: Sydney? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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NCIS: Sydney airs Tuesdays at 8/7c on CBS.
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Shelby Elpers
Shelby is a TV enthusiast and pop culture writer. She's an avid podcast listener, green tea drinker, and soccer fan. Her brand can be summarized in rom-coms, superheroes, teen dramas, and workplace comedies.
One thought on “NCIS: Sydney Season 1 Episode 3 Review: Brothers in Arms”
Still confused about CIA spying on something with a drone that breaks down? with CIA without their own divers? and NCIS is okay with that as long as the Navy divers get death benefits. Hmmm.
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