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Post by della on May 1, 2008 16:52:59 GMT -5
Speaking for myself alone I don't think my "dislike" of Nikki is based on her being a woman. I have posted about the reasons I personally dislike her before, but I'll try here to explain it better. Agreed that Nikki is trying to overcome her OCD is admirable. Hey I've had some problems with "checking" behavior myself which is also considered a part of OCD. Too Nikki may have good reasons for her behavior, that we don't fully understand yet, and her "condition" maybe exxagerated, and may indeed be temporary. She also as has been pointed out may be acting as she does to protect her brother's immune system. So Kudos to her for that selfless motivation, but here is the reason my sympathy for her is lessened by miles. As I think I may have posted in another thread, and taking Monk as an example, as another poster has done in this tread too: that show's Captain Stottlemyer pointed out: Other officer's lives are often dependent on the skill and bravery of their backup, so he could not justify testifying on Monk's behalf to offically reinstate him as a gun carrying officer. No matter how much the Captain admired Monk's detecting abilities, and cared for him as a friend, he couldn't take that kind of risk with his other fellow officers lives. The chance that one of Monk's fears would cause him to hesitate if only for a split second and put someone else in danger as a result was just too strong. Does any believe that Gibbs would have any less consideration for his agent's safety than Stottlemyer did for his officers? Come on this is Gibbs we are talking about here. If the writers were staying true to his charcter, he would have had a fit about her being chosen, IMHO. He would have gone to the wall before he let anyone take that big of a gamble with Tony's life. So the writers tried to show she could cope, but Gibbs and Tony didn't have that reassurance going in. So he couldn't have substituted Ziva because she is Israeli but surely he would have suggested Magee instead. If Nikki was a truly selfless individual no matter the cause behind her "issues" she would have never volunteered to go into a "WAR ZONE," where she could put others at risk. Even though it is Monk's heart desire to go back to the force, he came to accept and respect Stottlemeyer's reasons. Plus back to Nikki's motivation for a minute. She didn't even volunteer to go for Iraq, for the good of the mission. It was only so she could accomplish her own goals of seeing where her brother was hurt, and to thank those who helped her family. Then she acted like an hysterical, unprofessional nutcase, almost jumping out of the humvee like that, and again putting not only Tony, but the soldiers trying to protect her life at risk. She could have caused one of them to be put in a coma like her brother or worse. She didn't think of that did she. Nor when she risked their lives to go back to give that girl a laptop. Yes Nikkie did end up helping in the case but it was incidental and at least in my book seemed like it was the secondary goal to her. All JMHO. Sorry to be so longwinded and don't know if my reasoning makes any sense to anybody but me, but this is why I just can't see her as a lead or field agent, or as any thing other than a recurring bureaucrat office type character. Hello auralynn, I do agree that it was a logical decision by Stottlemeyer by not backing Monk and quoting that he did not have enough confidence to know that Monk would be able to back up a fellow officer out in the field, but it wasn’t a complete judgement against all of Monk’s abilities, because he still used/use him for his power’s of deduction, and with that Monk still went out in the field and Stottlemeyer slipped into the role of protector for Monk. Also, I think Monk has so many more problems than Nikki and I feel that until he gets some sort of resolution to Trudy’s death, then he will continue to suffer as he does with OCD. I also believe that it was said that he was a smiling, happy, easy going individual right up to the point he received the call that Trudy had died, and that it was from that moment on his problems with OCD began to escalate. His whole demeanour changed. Anyway, in my opinion, I think any serving officer would think that outsiders such as journalists, visiting politicians and so on are the bane of their existence because all it means to them is that they are now having to not only look out for their own, but also those who would have no idea on protocol, deadly areas and what not. Having said that though, I do feel that they would put in whatever it took to keep them safe, in making sure that nothing untoward would happen to them, so I think that leaving Tony and Nikki to their own devices in the back of the vehicle would have been a serious no-no and would not have happened. So it could be said that the scene where Nikki got out of the back of the vehicle had been contrived, but I like to view it as them using artistic licence. In my opinion, and I hope this is what is going to happen, I think with this episode it was to show a sort of first step in Nikki’s recovery, so that from this point on we will see her getting better with her OCD problems. If they suddenly show her as having no problems at all, then I’d probably get on my box and start a bit of grindy-teethy semi-ranting. Anyway, I do agree that the reasons for Nikki wanting to go to Iraq were selfish and there were a couple of occasions where her reasons did put others in jeopardy, but during the episode, she did put her reasons aside and worked very effectively beside Tony, when he allowed her to, such as the turpentine and recognising where she had noticed it before. She also established the time of death and while doing that they also showed us that by being practical she could do her job. I agree that she might be a liability out in the field if it came down to her having to fire a gun, but then would it be imperative that she would need to know how to fire a gun? Agent Lee went out in the field as an undercover agent, without carrying a gun, and the others were there to back her up. Compared to the others I think McGee spends a lot more time in the office than out in the field, so I do think that Nikki could become an effective Agent back in the Office and at Crime Scenes, given that it ahs been shown she can wear gloves, and I think that as her OCD problems begin to lessen, I think then she could be trained as a out-in-the-field Agent. All in all, I think there are a lot of possibilities with the Nikki character that I wouldn’t mind seeing explored. I’d hate for her to have had this episode and then for it to be forgotten in a flash. Also, I think the clever thing they did here was to show that the decision as to who was to go to Iraq was entirely Leon’s. I think they could have shown a scene where Gibbs contended his decision concerning Nikki, but to be honest, the reason Leon gave as to why he was choosing Nikki over Ziva was understandable and to be honest the correct one. Gibbs might have viewed it the same way *shrug* As for Leon not picking McGee, in my opinion, that was all to do with McGee not volunteering. Iraq is a volatile place where, no matter how much back-up you have, you can quite easily lose your life, which I think it was why Leon made it a request for volunteers rather than an order... And because McGee never put himself forward, it could be construed that he didn’t want to go. We were shown that that wasn’t true, that the reason McGee didn’t volunteer was because he was trying to out psyche Tony, but Leon wasn’t to know that. But still, even if he was he aware, officially he still couldn’t choose Mcgee to go because he hadn’t volunteered and on the off-chance that one of them may have lost their life out there, I’m sure that the official report would have stated that either one of them had volunteered and therefore were aware of the dangers. Phew! Sorry about that
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Post by della on May 1, 2008 6:21:05 GMT -5
I’m not a fan of when they split up the team, where one part is separated from the other part by such a distance, however, I have to say that there was such a lot about this episode that I really, really liked. The plot was so involved, and I was still clueless until the reveal, just how I like my mysteries. Anyhow... LOL! That beginning was hilarious. McGee’s “Hey!” when Ziva punched the piccie to be shown on the big screen made me laugh out loud. It wasn’t quite as affronted as McGee might have been in earlier seasons and on that, I really like the way they’ve moved the character on from being so sensitive to someone who can see a comical situation, even when he might be the brunt of it. ...And the keyboard sequence had me in fits of laughter. Cute doggie sounds. I would have kept them, well, at least for a little bit. LOL! Hmm, what’s Leon doing there? Wouldn’t Jen have been reinstated after the La Grenouille investigation? I knew she'd been relieved of duty, but I thought it had only been for the duration of that investigation? *shrug* Not that I'm complaining mind. I really like Leon and he has slipped into place with such ease. I really liked Nikki in this episode. I liked the reason why she desperately needed to go to Baghdad. Her reason in this episode was very much like Monk’s when we first got to know that character on-screen – His reason to try and overcome his OCD was to get back on the force, something that meant/means(?) a lot to him (I don’t watch it anymore). Nikki’s reason for trying to overcome her OCD was because of her Brother and I have to say that I’m a real sucker for such noble sentiments where someone has to overcome such personal difficulties to achieve them. It’s a shame she didn’t take her moment of satisfaction with Ziva, because I’m pretty sure Ziva would have done so with Nikki – chuckle. But hey, that’s just childish. So good on her for not doing that. Way to go Nikki!! ...And yeah, I have to agree with the person who mentioned they did a double-take on Ziva and the way she wore her hair. I did the same thing. It was slightly bemusing to me to be honest, because I can’t recall her ever wearing her hair that way, or wearing such a feminine looking blouse,in comparison to the fatuigues and harsher tones to her clothing. A complete transition from fighting machine to feminine in two seconds flat. Weird – chuckle. I suppose the burning question is “When did Tony go to Iraq, when the background for him has been given all along as someone who was a detective, not a Marine?” *shrug* Not really happy with the lack of explanation. Could have done with a Gibbs explanation to Leon why it would be better for him to remain in the US. Then there would be no question that the reason Tony went was because of his seniority, or that Gibbs recommended him. Not that important though, just something that would have been nice, especially if Gibbs had recommended Tony. LOL! “Can I go to the bathroom really quickly?” “No” (sits back down) “Nah I’m kidding, you can go” Gibbs and his sense of humour LOL! Poor Stenner... that scared huh – chuckle. and given the end, I can see why now I also have to say that Michael Weatherly did look very nice indeed in the Uniform, with sunglasses. And I particularly liked the unshaven look too *ahem* Anyhooo... LOL! “Never thought it was possible to hurt yourself with a wet wipe” Oh my goodness. These one-liners coming thick and fast really had me in fits of laughter. I adore NCIS humour, and this episode was jam-packed full of it, which was such a wonderful surprise, because I had been expecting a slightly dirge of an episode. Kind of heavy duty and full of meaningful, possibly Propaganda-ish messages, and yet it was so far from that. Lovely! However, “This is Baghdad, the whole place is a crime scene” – the one and only real message and a good one at that. As for Nikki hugging the young girl, the way I viewed it was that the young girl was a member of a family Nikki had already said she would never be able to repay for what they had done for her Brother, so I think she returned the hug over her fears because of the debt she owes the family. She might have freaked out about it later, but not in front of them. I thought that was such a good scene. Also, it might be that what happened to her Brother could have triggered Nikki’s OCD in the first place, and yet going back to Iraq, to the place where it all happened, and meeting the family of those who tried to help him, maybe it’s the first step in her recovery and maybe why she could hold her Brother’s hand at the end? Either way, I hope Nikki does become a regular, or more of a regular than she is now, because that was one heck of a background they gave her and an intriguing one too, in my opinion And lastly, ending on Otis Redding. Oh yeah, inspired. I loved it. All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed this episode. I also thought it was as good as last week’s, maybe better, but for entirely different reasons. Sooooo... bring on the remaining episodes. I can’t wait!
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Post by della on Apr 23, 2008 18:02:08 GMT -5
Maybe Tony spilled Gibbs' coffee? ;D LOL! Maybe he did... I have to agree with that question, because hasn't Gibbs served in Iraq before? Or was it Afghanistan? Gibbs served in Gulf War I. ...Which would be the Iran/Iraq War... ...I just thought that considering Tony's background is to do with Detective work and Gibbs' is Marine Corp and that he's had experience of a War Zone, I just thought that Gibbs would have been a better choice, even if there is an investigation to be had back in America... ..Heres hoping it gets explained...
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Post by della on Apr 23, 2008 15:33:27 GMT -5
I wonder who's idea it was to send DiNozzo of all people down to Iraq. I have to agree with that question, because hasn't Gibbs served in Iraq before? Or was it Afghanistan?
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Post by della on Apr 23, 2008 14:34:49 GMT -5
Della said: I giggled stupidly at the size of Gibbs’ boat because it was way smaller than the ones he’d been working on previously. That's the cabin part of the boat, he moved the bottom out... somehow. ...Oh... Whoops! *blush* But can I at least say that my knowledge of boats is about as good as a Computer Expert's, because didn't McGee think the same thing? *Pleads that he did - chuckle* Cheers for the info though, tweeter, it certainly does explain why it was so small
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Post by della on Apr 23, 2008 7:39:26 GMT -5
I’ve been looking forward to this one, and it really didn’t disappoint at all. Despite the fact that it was an episode semi-comprised of previous clips, this was not only an ingenious one, which I thoroughly enjoyed, it was also the best “clip” episode I’ve ever seen. Loved it. Loved the beginning! Now THAT’S the Tony I adore – chuckle, especially with the cup full of confetti and his “It’s not my fault. I didn’t do this” LOL! And later when Tony said to Abby “Call the Spirits. Tell them to bring Pizza” that was hilarious!! LOL! Great analogy from Leon. “Bureau’s doing the fishing. I’m just driving the boat” – chuckle. McGee had me in fits of laughter. So very well played by Sean Murray. The flashbacks when Tobias said “Why not? You two do have a professional relationship” and McGee’s subsequent “Yeah, it’s, uh, it’s very professional” had me rolling LOL! And his comments later on in Gibbs’ basement about Gibbs’ computer and how he was tempted to ask it to go through the crystal orb also had me in fits of laughter. As a side note and completely irrelevant but when Tobias was questioning Ziva all I could think was, “Is he wearing lipstick?” Sorry... But it really did look like he was – chuckle. I really liked Gibbs’ conversation with Ducky and it blended in nicely with the end of Ducky’s interview with Tobias. In fact I thought the entire episode was edited very nicely indeed. I giggled stupidly at the size of Gibbs’ boat because it was way smaller than the ones he’d been working on previously. I guess he must have got sick of everyone asking him how he was going to get it out of his basement and built one small enough that he now might just be able to get it out of there – chuckle. I wonder what he really thought of Mcgee asking him how he was going to get the boat out - chuckle. Abby’s interview was pure class in my opinion. Fantastic stuff. Laughed my socks off. The flashbacks were brilliant and added so much to the humour. Oh boy Tobias really played Tony. That snicker and smirk when he said about Tony's feelings, “Because you had them” Ay Yi Yi! I thought Tony was going to get up there and then and wipe that smirk right off Tobias’ face. Nice! Oooh Jen Shephard lied by omission. La Grenouille did place the gun on the table after she ahnded it to him. It was still on the table and Gibbs left the full clip behind next to it just before he left. To be honest though, I now have no sympathy at all for the Jen character. She should have gone down for killing La Grenouille, simple as that. What I honestly don’t understand is Gibbs’ backing of her when his infamous gut was telling him that she killed La Grenouille. I thought he was better than covering for a guilty colleague, no matter their past. All in all, Tobias was right. Jen Shephard did spread her obsession about La Grenouille all over the NCIS Agency. She was unprofessional and her obsession and subsequent guilt in La Grenouille’s death makes her a liability. I have to say that this part of the episode has left a bitter taste in my mouth and if Jen is still around for many future episodes, then I think I am going to have to blip her being there. I’m not a fan of Agencies covering for an Agent going rogue, especially an Agent as high as a Director. Still, the interviews, the flashbacks and the way this episode was edited was thrilling and it did keep me on the edge of my seat. I’d give it a 7/10 – Finding out that Gibbs was covering for Jen almost made me want to give it a 2, but, while I am grinding my teeth over what Gibbs did, well, all in all, the episode as a whole was a good one.
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Post by della on Mar 20, 2008 21:13:36 GMT -5
That would be really good, though to be honest my real fear is that the next 7 remaining episodes of this season will be concentrating on Jen. It would be a grindy teethy moment for me if that did happen because she's already had nigh-on a whole season about her and her vendetta, (or at least it seriously felt that way) plus the the flashbacks concerning her and Gibbs. ...I have to say that I wouldn't be a happy bunny if they did concentrate entirely on her for these remaining episodes. I think she's had enough focus now. I'd be happy if say two episodes were spent on this investigation, but as a background storyline and not as a central focus. I'd like to see them keep to the main concept of the program and have the team investigating Navy deaths and what not. *fingers crossed* Having seen some good entertaining programs go down the toilet of late, I'm probably just anxious that NCIS might do the same... Sorry...
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Post by della on Mar 20, 2008 8:27:29 GMT -5
It wouldn't surprise me if Jen was being investigated because Fornell already said that she was the main target for the polygraphs. And I do apologise Jen adorers but in all honesty the way she used the Agency for her own personal vendetta was a bit rank last season. The thing is as well is that she showed no regret in doing so either, even though she had basically hung Tony out to dry by not supplying any back-up at all for him should the situation have gone sour (as it did) I think Jen deserves to be investigated in all honesty. In my opinion, Ducky hasn't done anything wrong. He managed to keep his ethics and morals by supplying another way to do an autopsy without disrespecting someone's religion or the orders he was under. So, on that, I'll be a bit peeved if they decide to investigate him for not submitting to doing a conventional autopsy.
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Post by della on Feb 28, 2008 19:14:06 GMT -5
I gave this episode a 9.5/10 because it could have been really really bad and, knowing what the majority of the storyline was going to be, in a way I was expecting it to be bad. However I was very pleasantly surprised and I do think that it had a lot to do with Mark Harmon and Michael Weatherly's acting. Fantastic underwater scenes. Still, like others have said the "Go back Daddy" was pretty much ugh! but that was the only real blight on an otherwise excellent episode. I adore finding out about characters and their past and what I love about NCIS is that most of the time they are pretty subtle about it (Except for Gibbs and Jen's past relationship which got annoying very quickly - and also, though far more understandably, Gibbs' past with Shannon and Kelly)
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