The latest NCIS episode, directed by Rocky Carroll, focussed on the murder of a gay serviceman who was about to receive the Medal of Honor. Also, the Gibbs whisperer returned and Jimmy finally became a father.
A new suspect emerges in the form of Davis Riley, an officer that got into an argument with Kutzler a few days before the Afghanistan incident. However, Riley claims he changed after Kutzler saved his life and that he even recommended him for the Medal. Since that recommendation isn't in the file, Gibbs and Hollis grill Navy Rear Admiral Xavier Meade and accuse him of being biased against homosexuals. Things get worse when Riley, who has been taking drugs recently, collapses after an AA meeting. He pulls through, and later tells the team that Kutzler was trying to help him with his addiction. Since Riley had a relapse, Kutzler took his drugs from him and went to confront his drug dealer. That turned out to be the guy at the front desk of the AA meeting, who subsequently followed and killed Kutzler. The case is closed and Kutzler gets his Medal of Honor after all because he is a hero.
Meanwhile, as Hollis returns (whom Tony calls "the Gibbs whisperer"), she asks Gibbs how he is doing following Diane's death, but he continuously shuts her out. Hollis claims she even called Gibbs after Diane died, but she never heard back. She later tells her concerns to Ducky, who in turn says Gibbs is complicated with emotions. Even more later, she confronts Gibbs in his basement, speculating correctly that he is feeling guilt over Diane's death. What's more, since Sergei is still out there, Gibbs is hestitant to Hollis being around him because it makes her a target. Hollis then says it's not his call and that she can handle herself fine.
What a great NCIS episode! The episode did a good job of once again touching on a sensitive subject within the United States Navy. You would think that, after 12 seasons, this show has shown every aspect of the Navy, but there are still things that we have not seen yet. I applaud the writers for finding unique cases in the series' twelfth season. I believe the subject in this episode was handled with care and Rocky Carroll did a great job of directing the powerful episode. The case was great and included several examples of discrimination against homosexuals. Besides that, I loved to see how Gibbs was dealing with Diane's death as we hadn't really seen that yet. Hollis is a great match for Gibbs and I'm pleading for her to return to the show more often. I wouldn't mind a break-up with her current husband, because it could lead to a reunion between the two lovers. I want Gibbs to be happy, and I think Hollis brings out the best in him. Speaking of happiness, Jimmy and Breena were adorable and I love that they finally have a healthy baby. It's our first NCIS baby and it's so lovely that she was named after Ducky's mother. It's a testimony to the friendship between Jimmy and Ducky. I was very happy with the team moment at the end of the episode and wish for some more of these happy moments for our team members.
What did you think of this episode? How do you feel about the case of the week? Do you think the subject of homosexuality in the Navy was handled with care? What are your thoughts on Gibbs dealing with Diane's death? And lastly, how adorable are Jimmy and Breena? Please tell us your opinions in the comments below.
The next NCIS episode airs Tuesday at 8/7c. Here is a promo:
