Summary: Abby Sciuto (Pauley Perrette) visits the Los Angeles office to help bring down a serial killer.
Review: How do you take a good new show like NCIS: Los Angeles and make it great? Add Abby Sciuto from its parent series, of course!
CBS hyped up this episode so much that there was a very real possibility of it not living up to the expectations. But instead of bowing to the pressure, Los Angeles cleared the bar with room to spare.
This episode had the whole package, the usual team of charismatic characters who the audience is quickly coming to love, quirky forensic specialist Abby Sciuto who is one of the most beloved characters in the original NCIS, and even a compelling story that drove the piece.
Aside from getting to see Abby in a new setting, the audience got to learn a little more about the LA team as well. Turns out they have a chain of command... and Callen's in charge. The episode had a heart-warming little scene where he and Hetty worked that out, and I thought it was one of the most realistic scenes they've ever had.
Also, turns out the team had childhoods and stuff (who knew?). For example, Eric has been raised deaf since he was seven. They don't tell us why, but it's nice that they're beginning to flesh out the supporting characters a little more. We've seen quite a bit about Callen and Sam, and even a little about Hetty, but I don't feel like I really know any of the others yet.
The case followed a serial killer who left no forensic evidence (something which always acts as a challenge to Abby) and appeared to be picking him victims entirely at random. So random, in fact, that Abby sounded crazy when she was trying to explain her serial killer theory to the team.
But they didn't just follow her blindly; Callen and Kensi made sure to check other possible angles as well. I liked that they waited for proof of this theory before diving headlong into it. Sometimes crime shows get so wrapped up in their complex cases that they just have all their characters go along with it, so they can spend more time trying to explain it (sort of like any time Gibbs' gut leads him to solve a case, and his team follows his lead without question). It's refreshing to see that it's not always a game of follow-the-leader.
Finally, there was the Gibbs thing. I admit, when I first found out Gibbs wasn't going to be in this episode, I was worried. Can you imagine a scenario where Abby gets abducted, and Gibbs isn't on the first flight out? Well, turns out he was, he just didn't make it time. I appreciate that they made sure to cover that detail, and they didn't just brush it aside without mentioning it.
The only part I felt shorted out of was the interaction between Abby and Eric. They teased that relationship in both a previous Los Angeles episode and last week's NCIS episode. And then... they had one and a half scenes together. It was a bit of a let down.
All in all, this was one of the best Los Angeles episodes so far. This show has already improved dramatically since it began just a couple months ago, and it has the potential to become a great one.
What was your favorite part of this episode? Leave me a comment and let me know.
Comments
does anyone know who sings the song that is playing during the board walk scene..... Benn trying to find out for years. Thx
Call me a geek, but I really enjoyed the mention that the killings were *too* random. I haven't been watching much of LA yet, but there was something about it that left me wanting a bit more.
I loved this episode. Granted, I disliked the fact that after so much time of Abby seeming like she had a crush on Eric, she kinda seemed distracted when finally able to spend some time with him. And then he was so very fanboyish. UGH. ACT LIKE A MAN ERIC!
One of my favorite moments: the people at the bar calling everyone muggles. I got a kick out of that. I wonder if they had to get permission to use the word.
And I loved the signing. I love that they continue to include Abby's signing (as well as others' signing) in episodes. It creates continuity and makes the viewer more invested in the show.
I agree with Michelle completely i loved that show. I think Abby's singing was ok
the story was great and i love the show ncis and you are a great writer and all this time i throught that she had a crush on eric
NCIS is of a awesome show i get a kick out of Abby. I haven't been keeping up with the show but i saw this episode and i loved it Abby is my favorite character
I can't wait to see it. I always miss them and have to wait for them to be available to watch. Again, thanks for details without completely spoiling it!
I agree that LA keeps getting better and better. I wanted more Eric and Abby but I liked the moments between Callen and Abby. The best part of the show is the chemistry and banter/bickering between Sam and Callen and it was good this week also. My favorite non Abby scenes were the two with Hetty and Callen, first discussing the chain of command and then Callen giving Hetty her due at the end.
Excellent episode of an wonderful show!
Get ready for a McGee and Erick showdown. Two nerds fight over Abby.
dont forget abbs is only on loan to these youngsters she only has one base
Can anyone translate wgat abi signed to eric at the end of the episode?
I can. As best I can tell, Abby asked, "You know sign?" and Eric said, "I'd better. I was raised deaf since I was seven," and Abby said, "I was since I was one." Then she hugged him.
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