NCIS: Sydney Season 1 Episode 7 Review: Bunker Down
NCIS: Sydney Season 1 Episode 7, “Bunker Down,” is the breathtaking penultimate episode of an overall dynamic debut season.
Written by Kim Ho and James Cripps and directed by Kriv Stenders, this outing ties the season together with believable twists, organic character developments, and a cliffhanger that makes the wait for the season finale unbearable.
“Bunker Down” spends a little too much time explaining the satellite-free geolocation technology that spurs the World War II bunker to trap 50 people, but that exposition doesn’t become a sticking point for NCIS: Sydney.
Instead, the penultimate episode relays that information all at once so the implications of the tech’s failure become prominent. The human stakes are far more significant than understanding the science and tech that create them.
However, “Bunker Down” could’ve highlighted the tension between Ada and Rohit more if Rohit was ever meant to be a viable red herring for Monica Roe, who first appeared on NCIS: Sydney Season 1 Episode 1, “Gone Fission.”
Unfortunately, Ada and Rahit’s built-in competition fizzles out by the end of Act 3.
Still, NCIS: Sydney finds a sympathetic perspective in Sophie Atkins. Samantha Young only has a few minutes of screen time, yet she optimizes them by grounding “Bunker Down.” Her initial panic spurs Michelle, Evie, and Blue to pay even closer attention, and her final scene with Evie is one of the episode’s best.
Evie’s desperation clashes with Sophie’s over a cellphone, inspiring a voice note from Evie that DeShawn will never hear. The ticking clock underscoring every scene really allows “Bunker Down” to elevate and then diffuse the tension between Evie and DeShawn after NCIS: Sydney Season 1 Episode 7, “Extraction.”
DeShawn’s pizza becoming an emotional source defies its superficial silliness.
It’s telling that, with what may be her final breaths, Evie has DeShawn on her mind and leaves him a message about a lot more than pizza. If that and their embrace upon reuniting aren’t loaded with implications for Evie and DeShawn’s dynamic, how much more straightforward can NCIS: Sydney be?
Well, look no further than the guys’ reactions when Michelle and Evie descend the staircase in their stunning evening wear. Sean Sagar, Todd Lasance, Olivia Swann, and Tuuli Narkle play that charming encounter so well.
The procedural drama plays a bit more coy with Michelle and JD, but it’s more than enough that JD goes into the bunker calling for Michelle while DeShawn searches for Evie. The gradual progression of Michelle and JD’s partnership has been one of NCIS: Sydney Season 1’s greatest highlights.
Albeit, the show builds a notably supportive foundation for all its core pairings.
Consequently, dividing the team for most of “Bunker Down” means the NCISverse show can utilize various dynamics that aren’t featured as frequently — Doc, JD, and DeShawn must work together to discover the bunker’s location.
It’s also fun to watch how the script weaves DeShawn’s sneezing into the first Act as a joke between the men so that it becomes a tool by Act 4. It’s a prime example of the show’s ability to utilize comedy within its drama.
The different groups also give Blue, Evie, and Michelle time — 2 hours and counting — to get to know each other in the intense circumstances.
The women playing Kiss, Marry, Kill to stay in good spirits in what could be their final minutes is surprisingly heartwarming, but NCIS: Sydney keeping the results between Blue, Evie, and Michelle is especially fantastic.
Moreover, “Bunker Down” gradually pulls characterization out of Blue, like the air from her lungs. There’s still a lot to unwrap about that character, which makes tuning into NCIS: Sydney every week exciting. After all, “Extraction” diving into Evie’s past proves this show has plans for the cards it keeps close to its chest.
This penultimate episode proves that to be true about the show’s plot, too.
“Bunker Down” pulling back to NCIS: Sydney‘s pilot to reincorporate an antagonist that got away is a dynamic “To Be Continued…” cliffhanger. The embedded history with that character heightens the stakes that the sealed bunker sharpened.
The steady development of the show’s central team helps, too.
NCIS: Sydney Season 1 Episode 4, “Ghosted,” strengthens the partnership between JD and Michelle. NCIS: Sydney Season 1 Episode 5, “Doggiecino Day Afternoon,” breaks the ice between Blue and Doc. “Extraction” is a trust test for Evie and DeShawn. Finally, “Bunker Down” brings the team closer than ever.
Because of the work this overwhelmingly strong season does, this penultimate episode makes Mackey saying, “Never mess with my team,” count.
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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.