The episode did not blow me away. Frankly, I thought the resolution was a bit contrived and rushed, while the middle dragged on too much. However, I'm very intrigued about the teasers thrown in there. Tony's dad calling him, and Eli David "finding" someone for Vance. Looking good for season 8.
Wow I loved the episode. Last season was kind of off an on for me, and I didn't like the finale much. But I loved where it picked up and also ended the Mexican Gibbs storyline. I thought the humor and drama were spot on, and back in good NCIS fashion. I thought all the characters were great, and back to their normal selves too, no lingering distrust or secrets which takes away from the team trust aspect. Also Frank wasn't as annoying as usual so that was good.
All in all a great episode, and great premiere. Can't wait for the next one, and based on some of the hints with Tony and Vance of things to come, it looks good.
I think it was an ok episode. Didn't really blew me away but didn't left me disappointed either.
I liked the drama at the end. The fact that Alejandro killed his sister was a nice little twist.
Was anyone else also shocked by how skinny Sean Murray got? I was really surprised. Though I've seen photos of him recently, I never thought that he is that thin.
I totally disliked the end that Vance just put away the file. I just can't imagine that a director of a federal agency would just ignore such a fact and pretend that one of his team-leaders didn't kill somebody in cold blood. It just proved to me that Gibbs is the almighty God on this show and can get away with everything. I didn't really expect something different but it would have been at least nice to see that Gibbs had to go through some difficulties before getting absolution.
I watched the episode right now and I'm still not 100% sure what to think about it. Alltogether it was a nice episode, but there were three things that bugged me: 1. Tony (his sillyness just annoys me), 2. Franks (not necessarily in this order... Franks's even more annoying in my opinion) and 3. that Paloma's dead. She finally was a character who would have made for a new longer lasting "bete noire" like Ari. Pity!
Though I loved the solution itself. I laughed out loud when Alejandro read the message that Paloma's dead. When the safehouse came into view, I thought they'd perhaps kill each other accidentally, but him killing her is a clever solution to the problem indeed. So I liked the way they solved it, but like I said I'd wished for a longer lasting menace. Sure, obviously there were a couple of months between 7x24 and 8x01, but I'd have loved to see her now and then as a ever-menacing shadow on screen.
There were a couple of great scenes in this episode, I have to admit. My favourite was Alejandro talking to Abby... "Would you believe I came to see you?" "No" Abby's expression's so cool in this scene. And when Alejandro silently threatens her and not only Gibbs but also Vance step in. That was great.
Well... Hart's out of the country? I really really hope that this is true and not just an euphemism for "she's lying dead in some alley". But the spoilers said that she isn't dead, so I do have hope. And now that the thread is over, she could come back. I certainly hope that there will be any scene soon, and if it's only a hearing - after all, she kind of became Gibbs' lawyer in 7x24. What for, if there isn't anything at least to discuss legally?
Hmhmm..... and I thought it to be a bit overdone that all three dads had their appearance in this episodes, even though two of them just via text message. That Jackson had to appear, as expected... and Eli's message was still acceptable (what the hell was he talking about? Whom did he find?) but that DiNozzo senior also got in touch with his son at the beginning of the episode, was in my opinion unnecessary. They shouldn't have squashed that in this loaded episode.
Speaking of loaded... of course there was suspense, but in the parking lot scene I would have expected that one of the cars would explode. But, well, it was exciting enough, even though my hopes died again very soon that Franks could have been killed. At least he got a one way ticket from Vance, I hope he's not gonna return for quite a time now.
All in all a good episode but there were too many negative aspects for me to consider it a very good one.
Still cannot find what it has to do with Custer Battlefield. If our TNG has a spare moment this weekend, not likely, can you shed any light on it? Maybe ask Chas or Harriet to find out, pretty please
Post by mollokoplus on Sept 22, 2010 10:05:49 GMT -5
It's been many years since Little Big Horn Battlefield has been called Custer Battlefield. But then, the cup's kinda old looking.
But why Gibbs? Hard to say. Might have visited there, with or without Shannon and/or Kelly. Might have been a Gibbs family (Jackson, Mama G, and little Leroy) vacation at some point. Interesting that it's script and flowers, since that's not the kind of motif I'd associate with a place like that. Yes, I've been there, but it was back in the '80s with my then-roommate and a former college neighbor of ours who was a ranger there. It's not exactly easy to get to, though definitely worth the trip.
Can't speak for anyone else in the group there last night in the bar, but I enjoyed the ep last night. I'm also a Muse Watson/Mike Franks fan (and Facebook Friend), and really enjoyed Mike and Papa G together.
Last Edit: Sept 22, 2010 10:08:14 GMT -5 by mollokoplus
CID intell did a profile on you for me. I know you flaunt authority, especially in front of a female. … She also wrote you were a sniper, a good one, but your eyesight’s shot. You’re injury prone, if not in a state of near death-wish fulfillment. And though you’re pressured and impatient, you’re also passionate and loyal, in spite of the fact that you don’t trust anyone.
Post by melbradford on Sept 22, 2010 10:53:05 GMT -5
So getting down to the biggest mystery of the episode [aka who eli david found] I have a theory ... that even I don't think is very plausible but here goes anyway ....
Recall for a moment episode 7.04. In that episode, an ex-Marine gone vigilante turns up dead and he was on the same ship as Ziva was prior to being captured by Saleem and Co. Ziva is fingered in his murder [along with the rest of the crew] but then it comes out that her partner, Malachi Ben-Gidon, was the actual killer. He is ordered to return home to Isreal ....
THEORY TIME:
What if he never made it home? and that's who Eli David has located?
Note: I haven't watched 7.04 since it originally aired, so my memory is fuzzy on the exact details. I also really don't know why this would be important at all. I'm gonna try to watch this episode in the near future and revise my theory.
Was anyone else also shocked by how skinny Sean Murray got? I was really surprised. Though I've seen photos of him recently, I never thought that he is that thin.
I totally was, and it freaked me out. I mean I can understand the guy wanting to loose some weight but he's clearly got a much lankier frame then MW, he either needs to go to the gym or put some of it back on.
As for the episode as a whole I thought it was a bit underwhelming, I mean nothing really happened for the first half hour despite being billed as a nail bitter from start to finish. Then we get an intrigue filled second act that was so predictable it wasn't even funny.
Hopefully the writers have more inventive episodes lined up for the future, I do agree the Eli David his were by far the most interesting part of the Ep.
Post by navyresgirl on Sept 22, 2010 19:06:20 GMT -5
Fantastic episode! Gary Glasberg really did a great job at (as he stated) in hitting the "reset" button. Wrapped up the "Gibbs in deep do-do" story and now we get to move forward.
Just a few of the notes from my Observations post on another site:
We were wondering "who is going to be there to take care of Jack?" - well it was JACK! One tough older guy - eh? Paloma: You're just like your son. J: No Ma'am. He's just like me.
I LOVED this. The use of "Ma'am cinched it for me.
Much like the Tony we saw in Agent Afloat, he was much more serious than we've saw him in S7 - and I liked it. A lot!
McNickname: McMountie. In this episode Tony is only Tony when teasing Tim and all the while Tim is being nudged from behind by a horse. Tim fights back but says the wrong thing at the wrong time. T: I've actually been working, unlike some people. G: (who walks in just at that moment, of course) Certain people here are working, McGee. and this part: Horsey still nudging Tim - I think it didn't want Tim paying attention to anyone but him/her. T: Can I come please come home now Boss? G: Nice horse, Tim. - walks away. T: Boss?
IM from Tony's dad. From Tony_the_1st: Junior, when can we discuss my situation? His response: Definitely not now, Dad. Grinning because "Senior" is coming back and it sounds like things haven't improved between father and son since we 1st saw Flesh and Blood.
Gallows humor. Gibbs and Mike in the basement. Gibbs pouring drinks. M: "3 fingers for me." as he holds up his 3 intact fingers. (Good CGI of missing half of forefinger).
Indirect Monty Python reference. G: I thought your were dead. M: I got better. Like the slight smile from Gibbs. Liked seeing Mike smile too - he should do it more often.
A happy Ziva, nice to hear her laughing. A normal teasing Tony.
The Confrontation. Squad Room. Abby, Vance, Gibbs, Tony, Tim and Ziva versus AR Oh goody goody goody! I've been hoping they'd come face to face again. Abby: Senor Rivera, what are you doing here? AR: Abby, would you believe I came to see you? Abby: Um...no. AR: You know I never did get that report (and you never will you SOB!). Abby: Well, I've told you multiple times that I sent it. Really, I did. AR: It's funny. Miss Hart was looking into the situation as well and she's out of the country. I assume you have another print out of you findings. Abby: Not, there's just the one. AR: You know I'm terribly disappointed at how things turned out (Yeah, I bet you are buddy). It's late and you should get home. Be careful, the roads can be dangerous at night. OH BOY!!!! Here it comes. That veiled threat fooled no one! Even Abby saw the comment for what it was. Loved that Tony stood up and the entire group "circled the wagons" around Abby. This gave me chills! G: What did you just say?!! AR: Nothing inappropriate, I hope. G: You want to threaten someone you threaten me and not the people I work with. AR: Your team can be hot headed and reactionary, Director. They're not doing you any favors. Shudders. Another threat - this time against the Director of a Federal Agency. V: (with that magnificent stare he's got) Then let me do YOU one. Someone show Senior Rivera out before he gets hurt. AR: By whom? V: By me. Pounded fists in joy. Loved that Vance got in Rivera's face.
Gibbs living room (I love that set). Jack apologizing for the death of the agent. Attention to detail. Love that we see Gibbs placing the black band over his badge to honor the fallen agent. Liked too Gibbs falling back on the couch cushions. It showed physically how much this has affected him. He's made a decision. G: Let's go fishin'
Vance and Tony scenes, especially the "scripted" conversation between them - they knew the bug was there.
Who actually killed Paloma. Pretty darn clever if you ask me.
Vance in what appears to be a large warehouse. Carrying "the report". He selects a box - seemingly at random and places the report in it. (Dang, I wish he'd shredded it) but this is still pretty good. If the subject ever comes up again it can be put down to mis-filing and since tehre were lots of boxes it could take years for it ever to be found.
After he puts the report in a box he gets a text. From Eli David. "I FOUND HIM". Vance looks worried and even a little ticked off. Can't wait to find out who "HIM" is and what kind of trouble it's going to cause.
Post by drakeissix on Sept 23, 2010 0:33:21 GMT -5
Let me open with that I like this opening episode a lot yes it was not as good as last years season opener (2nd best of the series) or the third season opener dealing with the fall out after Kate's murder (best season open of the series imho). Why is everyone so shock they wrapped up this story line? Mark Harmon and others has said both print and tv interviews that the season 8 would be moving fair quickly in a new store line direction? Hmmmmm like s3 wrapped up the aria's story, s6 opener wrapped up jenny's story etc..... . I loved the opener were Jackson got paloma to back down and hid in the storm celler, ;D . Tony and Ziva back at their old banter, gibbs and his dad, etc.... was it not the best season opener of the series... no but it was fun and entertaining and some of you folks out there need to remember at the end of the day this is a TV show . And yes Sean look scary thin like someone with serious eating disorder or after a few rounds of chemo or maybe wardrobe need to stop putting in grossly oversize clothes... whatever Sean needs to hit more all you can eat beef rib nights and get off the Hollywood bread and water death camp diets that ruined the health and good looks many Hollywood stars. Still all in all I like the season 8 opener look forward to a great season.
I liked the season opener. No, it wasn't overwhelming, but it was very good. And I - personally - am glad they finished the Paloma storyline in this episode. I didn't care for her -- but then, I wasn't supposed to, so the actress did a good job with the role. Someone mentioned Paloma would have been a good "bete noir" for Gibbs -- I wondered at the end of this ep if Alejandro might fill that role. Yes, I know they arrested him. But this is tv. And anything can happen. I can see his government pulling strings and getting him off...and he would be free to pursue his revenge on Gibbs & Co.
The fact that they showed us Vance filing the report [re:Gibbs] away said to me - okay, I'm not doing anything with this now, but I know about it and I will not forget... It didn't say to me that it was being filed and no one would ever mention it again. [of course, it may never be mentioned again, but that's not how i read the scene.]
I also loved all the little teasers they gave us. Looks like they'll have a lot of different threads to pursue this season.
And I am also a Mike Franks fan. Don't shoot! I didn't know he had a FB page, mollokoplus. Thanks, I'll check that out! I don't think I'd want him on every week, but I do enjoy it when he "drops in." And I loved the Franks/Jackson Gibbs scenes.
. And yes Sean look scary thin like someone with serious eating disorder or after a few rounds of chemo or maybe wardrobe need to stop putting in grossly oversize clothes... whatever Sean needs to hit more all you can eat beef rib nights and get off the Hollywood bread and water death camp diets that ruined the health and good looks many Hollywood stars. Still all in all I like the season 8 opener look forward to a great season. 