S10E23 The Guardian
The Guardian is the first episode of the two part season ten finale and there has been plenty of promotional activity, particularly around the resurrection of two main JAG characters, which has almost stolen the limelight away from the show itself. Luckily there is always a disparity between promos and the actual episode, with the former designed to entice viewers to tune in. This meant a reasonable amount of time elapsed before JAG star Captain Harmon Rabb, Jr appeared and the episode could focus on the investigation in to the murder of former Marine cryptologist Ellie Simms.
Before that happens there is a nod to the events of the previous episode and Callen is asked by numerous characters why he's back at work so soon [after his father's death]. In separate conversations, Eric, Sam and Nell are surprised to see him but only Sam attempts to challenge him further by bluntly starting to tell him he is "very badly damaged". Unfortunately the conversation fails to progress as Nell (in her usual timely manner) interrupts them. His comments may seem cruel yet Callen is already burying his head in the sand and a soft approach does not work - and neither on this occasion does the blunt approach to force Callen to confront his emotions.
With no one expecting Callen, the opportunity is presented for Eric to accompany him in the field to view the body of Ellie Simms and to explore the differences between sheltered geek Eric, and hardened field agent Callen. Eric views the body and looks nauseous, asking how one human can do that to another which seems to make Callen step back and think about it from Eric's perspective. The team (particularly Callen) have become increasingly immune to tortured, dead bodies.
There is a lot of focus on the PTSD experienced by Simms and her inability to adjust to civilian life, resorting to drink and drugs, going AWOL and sleeping on the balcony rather than the marital bed. With the exception of substance abuse, Simms' trauma felt like an exaggerated reference to the conversations Kensi and Deeks were having in season 9 about quitting. They may have come to an understanding of their love for each other, however the fundamental questions about children and their highly dangerous jobs is still lurking in the background. The same can be said about Callen with his repeated exposure to emotional and physical torment; if he no longer had his job, what would he have? The seriousness of the episode is of course counter-balanced by Deeks. There is plenty of banter between him and his wife and it's a relief to see them back to their normal partnership now the wedding is over and done with. The familiar slapstick of Deeks trying to shoulder barge open a door is met with ridicule by Kensi, and exaggerated pain by Deeks. It is reassuring to see nothing has changed!
The investigation is fast-paced and covers a lot of ground, characters and theories in a short space of time which make it difficult to follow. This is recognised by episode writer Scott Gemmill and the narrative pauses several times to allow plot recaps to take place, both in Ops with Nell and Eric, and in the field with Kensi and Deeks. Deeks plays the clown an awful lot so it is always a pleasure to see him play Devil's advocate and to thrash out alternative scenarios, challenging the way Kensi and the other agents think. Here is serves the purpose of allowing the viewer follow a quick plot change and understand the leap between ISIS, Pavol Volkoff and sleeper cells. Despite his death in the previous episode, Volkoff is still causing problems.
The case leads Sam and Callen to the USS Allegiance to assist the NCIS Agent Afloat in finding two suspects on a ship of thousands, fearing a terrorist attack will take place on board. This is the cue to introduce Rabb, who is suitably honoured with a grand entrance, landing on the aircraft carrier and disembarking to the military-styled signature tune from JAG. The camera lingers on Sam and Callen, giving the impression that all should be suitably in awe of the new arrival and the respect he commands. This brings it's own challenges and there is a subtle undercurrent of authority issues between Callen and Rabb. The former questions the "tight ship" Rabb runs by saying "with all due respect", and shortly afterwards raises his eyebrows when Sam virtually salutes Rabb with an "aye, aye Captain". Callen's point is made at the episode's close when he states to Rabb that he has a murderer on his ship.
There are further throw backs to recent episodes with Nell, who left the team mid-case to be with her very poorly mother. It is a reminder that (some) of the agents do have families outside of NCIS and there are instances where one encroaches on the other and decisions have to be made. There was also an odd cameo for recurring character DEA Agent Talia Del Campo. Her appearance was wonderfully short, albeit out of the blue and by sheer coincidence, she was running the task force with which Simms was connected. For such a heavy case, the lack of senior leadership is once again noticeable. Hetty is AWOL and Rogers is referenced but is nowhere to be seen, leaving Callen to take the lead with Sam. The case itself is still rather confusing and hopefully the season finale will make things a little clearer.
On a side note, episode writer and showrunner Scott Gemmill also wrote episodes of JAG (which spawned NCIS), so it is apt that he is bringing them back ten years later.
