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Critic’s Rating: 3.75 / 5.0
3.75
Some occupations linger on, even during moments intended for leisure, and working with NCIS is certainly one of those. In this light, the latest episode of NCIS, Season 22, Episode 16, offered a blend of humor and intrigue despite only giving a brief nod to Parker’s ongoing investigation into Lily.
This episode prompted some reflections on how NCIS could innovate while maintaining viewer engagement, particularly in the realm of work-life balance.
However, before diving into broader themes, I need to address a baffling opening scene. It featured two individuals caught up in a romantic moment in their car, completely oblivious to the building ablaze just behind them.
Initially, a stranger approached their vehicle, and the woman, lost in her own world, merely hushed him away. Doesn’t she follow true-crime narratives?
In the face of such an unsettling interruption, I’d assume the last thing on my mind would be to resume a romantic encounter while still in view of a disaster. Subsequently, Dan’s loud request for help from the fire department highlighted their alarming ignorance.
This begs a couple of questions: why weren’t they more disturbed by the flames, and what happened to Dan’s cell phone?
While the victim’s phone was destroyed in the fire, Dan’s phone wasn’t mentioned, despite its potential importance. Although they believed he left behind a lighter, there was no discussion regarding the absence of his cell phone, which could have contributed crucial insight.
Jennifer’s phone revealed clues regarding their troubled final conversations—unpleasant yet mundane, reflective of typical relationship disputes seen throughout the years. Arguments via text messaging are hardly grounds for fatal outcomes.
Dan, however, was hiding deeper secrets, which complicated the investigation, especially since he was being scrutinized for possible murder.
Despite all this, Dan’s attempts to reconcile with Jennifer displayed considerable effort, culminating in a heartfelt apology accompanied by flowers and jewelry. His reluctance to inform NCIS about his absence from the scene, which could have cleared his name, stemmed from his desire to shield a friend involved in a prior mistake that landed him in prison.
Adding to the drama, Dan has a troubled history himself, having acted to protect his girlfriend from a stalker. The implications of their connections could have significant repercussions for both men if discovered.
In this case, Dan was painted as innocent; the real threat turned out to be a jealous fireman with a motive rooted in envy. Conversely, Jess exhibited lukewarm interest in him, leaving viewers to ponder missed romantic opportunities.
As this episode unfolded, it highlighted the challenges of maintaining personal relationships amidst the demands of life-and-death professions.
Robin’s attempt to encourage Jess and Kasie to step outside the office offered a refreshing change, yet it became clear that she struggled to grasp what drives them in their high-stakes roles. Her own relationship with Nick, hampered by his continuous need to discuss work, further emphasized these difficulties.
NCIS might benefit from adopting a policy limiting work discussions outside the office, a standard practice in many workplaces, to help mitigate such tensions.
Interestingly, Jess and Kasie tried to conceal their work from Robin before eventually bringing her into an ongoing investigation. While her enthusiasm for chakras enjoyed a momentary spotlight, the decision to share their professional realities seemed highly questionable.
Once back together as a team, Robin gained access to case files and provided assistance—an element that, while providing her insight into their roles, appeared inconsistent with typical operational ethics.
As it stands, viewers receive glimpses of the agents’ lives largely through their professional lens. While this has its merits, after 22 seasons, it may be time to explore characters’ lives away from the case files more frequently.
One wonders about their off-duty hours. Are the cases so relentless that there’s little opportunity for respite? Surely, there must be periods of downtime amid ongoing investigations.
Perhaps two episodes annually could focus solely on personal lives outside of their investigative duties, giving viewers a broader perspective on who these characters are beyond their roles as agents.
The late revelation of Nick’s relationship with Robin felt rushed, particularly given its implications for Jess, who is Nick’s sister. Their relationship was disclosed only recently, and it wound up short-lived without further exploration.
I empathize with Robin’s decision to withdraw; being with someone whose mind is so frequently preoccupied with work can be challenging. A clearer boundary regarding work discussions might have helped, but the situation is now past.
With only a handful of episodes remaining in Season 22, it becomes increasingly unlikely that the investigation into Lily will reach a satisfying conclusion.
If I were in Parker’s shoes, facing revelations about my past and a family tragedy, I would likely need some time to process. The portrayal of such intense journeys is often overlooked on shows, leading to questions about how characters can tackle personal demons amidst continuous professional crises.
This particularly resonates in “Ladies’ Night,” which strived to emphasize a break from the daily grind, yet explored how complicated personal lives can complicate that quest for balance.
What are your thoughts on this episode? Would you welcome deeper personal stories interwoven with the ongoing cases throughout the season? Would you trade a case for personal insights a few times a season?
Share your views in the comments below!
Source
www.tvfanatic.com