Actually, a Lady Walks Into the Office... and makes me cry for the first time this season.
This episode was a huge surprise to me. I read the synopsis ages ago, and found the "pysch eval" plot quite unoriginal and annoying. Let's face it: unburying a six-year-old death can be stupid if not well-thought. Gladly, after watching the episode, I found that plot very nicely placed in the episode story and in the season. One can't say it had nothing to do with Rachel analyzing the team, because both stories were sort of connected. Plus, the fact that I didn't hate this psychiatrist was a good sign. I loved how Rachel could get into almost everybody's heads and make them talk eventually. Smooth, Rach. ;D
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| You could be Kate's twin, Rach. (L) |
Every single flashback was incredibly well-put; I simply couldn't stop starring at my screen when the credits were rolling. I so did NOT see that ending coming! The only thing I thought was, when Rachel was sleeping on the floor, that she reminded me of Kate on a scene the epi showed. I was like "Wow, even her clothes are the same!" Then, Gibbs drops the bomb. I'm still very shocked and proud of my favorite TV show for being so amazing like this!
When Kate died *sighs* I remember I was pretty perplexed. I didn't cry because my family and I were having dinner together while watching it and I hate crying in public. I also remember thinking that the grief and mourning weren't deepened enough after Kill Ari Parts 1 and 2. What I enjoyed the most about the episode, other than the big surprise at the end, was that that grief was finally mentioned as it should: by making and episode very focused on it, almost a tribute to Special Agent Caitlin Todd. Yeah, we waited 6 years for it, but it certainly was worth it.
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| This is Capt. Lind's evil twin, Sturgis. |
About Tiva: There was no Tiva, and I didn't miss it. They focused on another plot for once and I'm okay with it.
Weirdly Awesome: the awesome part was Scott Lawrence guest starring! FYI: He used to play Commander Sturgis Turner, sort of Harm's rival on JAG (including the two-part NCIS pilot). The weird part is that, although NCIS and JAG share the same universe (Tony and Gibbs actually met Sturgis!), this time Lawrence played a different character, Captain Thomas Lind. Either way, it was nice to see him after all these years.
Honorable Mention: The surprise factor, which is sort of rare on NCIS. Not knowing Rachel's family bonds really makes the episode. Now I've got to watch it again with this new perspective.
Once again, Shane Brennan & Co. got it right and I appreciate it. Good to know that, being on top, TPTB won't forget those who helped them getting there, like Sasha Alexander. I can say for sure that A Man Walks Into a Bar is a perfect example to why I watch NCIS: their characters. Five stars.
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| We still miss you, Kate |
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Sean Murray played the son of a woman that Admiral Chegwidden dated for a while, on JAG. His character eventually disappeared from the series following an episode involving Sean's character having been in possession of drugs, and stealing the Admiral's car.
ReplyDeleteOnly thing I didn't like in this episode, was the reusing of Scott Lawrence, and NOT in his original part. After 6 years since JAG ended, the setting could've easily been shifted from a ship, to a submarine, and having Scott play "Captain Sturgis Turner". I understand reusing "lesser known" actors in other parts, but Scott held a position as one of the lead actors for 3 years.
I too loved this episode. Episodes like this to me prove that NCIS isn't the average procedural. It's in a league of its own.
ReplyDeleteI too wasn't that psyched with the description. Generally flashbacks are ponderous, slowing an episode down, making it disjointed. But here, the short duration of the flashbacks and how they meshed perfectly to show the emotions, scars, past and current pains of the characters was awesome. It's such a shame that this show is always looked over at awards time. It's consistently setting the bar so high for other shows.
It was also nice to see how much Kate's murder impacted the team, how tragically pivotal and significant it was for all of them, and how that event still shapes their lives. That's building their characters.
I loved this episode. One of the best EVER! The NCIS producers have made it clear that they wanted to separate NCIS from JAG which is why they haven't had any JAG characters on since season 1, so that didn't bother me. I didn't miss the Tiva at all (I think they've begun to over-do that now), and the girl being Kate's sister was a "What!?!" moment for me. I thought Tim and Abby thinking about each other was very cute as well (they belong together). All in all, A++ episode!
ReplyDeleteJust watched the episodes minutes ago. It had to the best one yet, for giving us insights into each of the characters. I didn't even remember Kate's sister.
ReplyDeleteI remember my initial reaction to Kate's death was that it couldn't be true. It was nice to see how it impacted everyone's lives after all these years.
He played in Jag a couple times. Since both shows were created by Donald Bellisario and Donald is Sean Murray's step-dad or at least was his step-dad, Sean appeared in both shows.
ReplyDeleteI don't remember seeing Sean Murray play any other character other than McGee.
ReplyDeleteAm I missing something?
I hate that NCIS (and sometimes JAG) re-use the same actors. Sean Murray was actually recurring on JAG as a different character and it drove me crazy for a long time after I saw JAG for the first time. And the Lt. Sturgis thing does, too. (Once I remembered why he was familiar, that is.)
ReplyDeleteI happened to love this episode! Rachel was interesting and the actress looks so much like Sasha! That was some great casting. And I'm glad Rachel (and the team) got some closure on Kate.
And now I have a fic idea about Rachel that I need to write down soon since it's driving me crazy.
He has sais it several times
ReplyDeleteYeah that was very weird seeing Sturgis again after all that time. I think for continuity it would of been good for him to play the same character in NCIS. Still good episode.
ReplyDeletethat episode was awesome, I was really surprised at the end, but after all, the team talks about Kate with the psy the whole time ; )
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