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NCIS: Los Angeles - Blaze of Glory - Review: "The Green-Eyed Monster"

Apr 1, 2015

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“Blaze of Glory” introduces a new character to the NCIS team: Blaze, a college senior whose security clearance exceeds Nell’s. Hetty brings her on board to help infiltrate a college hacking group known as “Disavow.” The young, pretty blonde seems to catch Eric’s eye, which doesn’t make Nell too happy. When Eric begins paying quite a bit of attention to Blaze, Nell gets jealous. She doesn’t trust Eric around Blaze, but she should. Eric sees himself as a mentor to Blaze. He makes it very clear to Nell that Blaze is not his type. In fact, he goes out of his way to make sure Nell knows he isn’t interested, which I thought was very sweet.

The plot centers on a defense contractor missile test gone awry. The missile steered off course and blew up a private boat. Fortunately, nobody was on board. But NCIS must track down whoever hacked the company and accessed control of their weapons systems. The search leads them to a college student, Wyatt, whose father owns the boat; his girlfriend Malee; and his ex-roommate Josh (a hacker who is part of “Disavow”). In the end it turns out Wyatt hacked the system and blew up the boat to frame Josh because Malee told him Josh attempted to rape her. But she lied. In reality, she was part of a bombing group from Jakarta that used Wyatt to get the weapons information she needed. She even kills Wyatt’s father to gain access to the hard drive, but NCIS tracks her down before she can do any more harm.

It’s been quite a while since we’ve seen a Nell-and-Eric-centered episode. Though I enjoyed seeing their story, Nell seemed overly jealous to me. Blaze was pretty, and Eric did get excited working with her. But he was always up front about his intentions. He didn’t want Nell to think anything was going on because it wasn’t. So sometimes Nell’s jealousy seemed a little overbearing and annoying. But I recognize jealousy isn't always rational. And I thought Eric dealt with her well. I enjoyed how even-keel he was. When Nell was anxious, he was calm. He’s a good balance to her character.

As for the rest of the episode, this was not one of my favorites. Unfortunately I found the plot of this episode pretty boring. Aside from a few good character moments, there wasn’t much to get me too excited. But not every episode can be a perfect ten.


The Team

The opening team shot begins with Deeks handing out belated St. Patrick’s Day gifts while speaking in an Irish accent – and his accent was pretty darn good. It seems Deeks believes in celebrating all holidays late so that he can get holiday decorations and goodies on clearance. He claims to celebrate Halloween, Christmas and even Valentine’s Day after the actual holiday so he gets a discount and saves money. (Poor Kensi. She apparently didn’t get any flowers or chocolate on Valentine’s Day.) Then the conversation morphed into talking about scary movies. Kensi is afraid of “Leprechaun,” while Sam gets freaked out by “Chucky.” But don’t expect Deeks to keep the scary movies away from any future children. He goes into a psychology rant about why scary movies can be emotionally positive for children, preparing them for adulthood. While everyone is a little stunned by his detailed reasoning (Sam calls him “Dr. Phil”), Sam still insists evil leprechauns running around are scary. Right on cue, Eric shows up in a green St. Patty’s day hat. It seems Eric and Deeks shop the same sales. Deeks may have even told Eric about this one. They apparently share the same weird post-holiday spirit.

The other team moment comes at the end of the episode after the case is tied up. The team celebrates at a puppet show, on Hetty’s request. She wants to teach them part of L.A. history, which they quickly learn includes Hetty being playmates with Liza Minnelli when she was young. She apparently attended Liza’s birthday party when she was five years old. What a great image! With that information, they toast the case. I love how it’s becoming a habit for them to toast their wins after a case goes well. They almost count on it. This time Granger points out they will toast with something wholesome – ice cream.


Sam and Callen

Sam and Callen didn’t have any really big character scenes together but they did have some fun banter over a mint drink in the car. Callen loved his drink and saw it as healthy, while Sam emphasized it was full of food coloring, which comes from petroleum. But Callen just retorted back that the petroleum kept his joints lubricated. I love how they go back and forth making their points, teasing one another and trying to claim the upper hand.

Callen was also amusing as he harassed Sam about the clowns in the marionette theater they had to visit. Sam, as we learned in previous episodes, hates clowns. More than that, he’s afraid of them. So it was funny when he wanted to stay outside the theater instead of going in. When he does go in, Callen made sure to point out the clown puppets in a way that teased his creeped-out friend.


Kensi and Deeks

My favorite scene from Kensi and Deeks was when they posed as a young quarrelling newlywed couple biking on their honeymoon. As they came upon Blaze proving her hacking skills to Josh at the park (part of their plan to get her into his hacking group and see if he was their suspect), their undercover act was hilarious. They couldn’t stop bickering. Kensi was great as she asked Deeks, “Why do you even wear a helmet when that hard head of yours could crack the cement?” Then, as Kensi starts talking about palm trees and claims she minored in botany, Deeks replies, “You also majored in ‘bother me.’” Oh my gosh. I love how Deeks gave his little Frenchman laugh after that statement. These two are hilarious undercover together.

They were also funny when someone steals Blaze’s backpack and Kensi and Deeks can’t follow them because they had a flat tire – part of their undercover ruse. It was such a great mimic to their fake squabbling when they start bickering for real over why they chose the flat tire for a cover story. I had to laugh when Deeks asks Kensi, “Are we still in character?”

I also loved Deeks’ line when they were checking out Josh’s messy college dorm room and Deeks says it brought back happy memories for him. Kensi gets excited for a minute, thinking he lived like this in college. But Deeks retorts back, “For a second there, I thought I was back in your bedroom.” The best part of this line was realizing that although Deeks was slamming her for having a messy bedroom, he was also complimenting her on how many happy memories he had shared in her bedroom. Yowsers! I love it when Deeks is cheeky like this (which is often).


Nell and Eric

The first time we see Nell getting irritated with Eric is the first time they all meet Blaze. Eric rushes over to introduce himself to her and notices her cool artsy fingernails. For a guy to notice a girl’s fingernails is pretty observant. It means he is paying attention. And Nell doesn’t really like that he is being this observant.

Next they set up Blaze with a fake bedroom in the middle of NCIS so she can lure in Josh with her hacking skills. As Eric gives her guidance through an earpiece, Deeks notices – in front of Nell – that Blaze and Eric have a lot of chemistry together. To this, Eric immediately protests, not wanting Nell to think he likes Blaze. I thought that was sweet. His first concern was reassuring Nell. So he emphatically tells Deeks (in front of Nell) that Blaze is like a little sister to him. He emphasizes that he is training a junior agent and this is the educational process. Then Deeks decides to be a little stinker and push the issue further, asking Eric if he doesn’t think she’s hot. That puts Eric in a tough spot but I loved his reaction. He calmly and sincerely says, “She’s not my type.” He did everything he could to make sure Nell wouldn’t get the wrong idea and think he liked Blaze - until he ran to hug her after a job well done. That was a little overeager, and Deeks can’t leave it alone. He sarcastically comments this is all indeed very educational, to which Nell replies with some fire in her eyes, “Oh, yes, I’m learning a few things, too.”

By the end of the episode, Eric ditches out of their team celebration to meet Blaze and her friends. He tells a curious Nell where he is going. Again, he reassures her it is just coffee and mentoring them about their careers. But Nell does not appear convinced. She even asks him if that’s the story he’s sticking to – as if he’s lying – and Eric says yes. She doesn’t seem to trust him, though he hasn’t really given her a good reason to doubt him. But Eric looks sincere as he leaves.

When Eric returns that night – and Nell is still at work – he tells Nell how Blaze had really wanted him to meet her dad, thinking they had a lot in common. I got the impression that Eric liked hanging out with Blaze because he felt cool and young and hip with her, especially being invited to hang out with her friends. And learning she really wanted him to meet her dad was a blow to his ego. So maybe Nell was astute in seeing there were more reasons he wanted to go that night than just mentoring. But his reasons were still pretty innocent. I didn’t think they warranted an apology. In fact, I couldn’t quite figure out why he apologized to Nell since he didn’t really do anything wrong. But it was nice to see him sensitive to how Nell was feeling. There was definite tension between them when he arrived and he wanted to make things right.

Fortunately, they easily go back to normal and end the night happy together as Nell lets him fly the remote control drone she has been working on. Together she guides him through the difficult process, with her hands on his, and her face right next to his shoulder. She clearly trusts him once again. If only his drone-flying skills were deserving of her trust. It doesn’t take long before Eric crashes the drone. But at least he has a forgiving partner.


Other Thoughts

- I like how everyone knows it’s a terrible thing to eat in Ops (Hetty hates it) and they all remind Eric of it when he forgets. He was funny as he realized what he was doing and quickly dried to consume his green candy.

- Sam is getting pretty hip with his texting language. When he says MTE (“My Thoughts Exactly”) to Callen, his partner looks pretty baffled. Sam has to explain why he knows these things – he texts with his daughter. She keeps him young.

- Sam and Callen sure get stopped by cops a lot! I found it amusing, considering how many times it’s happened.

- I was kind of shocked that the dentist dad died. I felt bad for Wyatt, whose actions killed his own father.

- Sam is a quick shot. When Malee turned to shoot him, he got to her first. That takes quick reflexes.

- I love the song “Blaze of Glory” by Bon Jovi. So the explanation of Blaze’s moniker made me laugh. (Though it was kind of a gross visual image of her being conceived at a concert. In public? I don’t want to know more.)

- I was hoping to get more on the potential Deeks secret this week, so I was disappointed when nothing was brought up at all. I guess we'll have to wait on that one - until closer to the season finale, I'm guessing.


What did you think of "Blaze of Glory?" Do you think Eric gave Nell reason to be jealous? Do you think he really liked Blaze? Should he have apologized? Join our discussion in the comments below.


About the Author - Tonya Papanikolas
Tonya Papanikolas is an online, print and broadcast journalist who loves covering entertainment and television. She spent more than 10 years as a broadcast news anchor/reporter and now does everything from hosting to writing. She loves covering NCIS: Los Angeles for SpoilerTV. (She's a big fan of Kensi and Deeks!) She also writes SpoilerTV articles on other great shows.

20 comments:

  1. I still don't see any romantic chemistry between Nell and Eric, there is more romantic tension between Sam and Callen.

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  2. There's not a lot to say about such a disappointing episode. Congrats, Tonya, on having found enough to fill a column. ;-)

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  3. This episode and the last couple have just been ok. nothing too exciting. I find that the episodes right before sweeps are usually this way. I look for the final four to be alot more exciting.

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  4. Episode was ok, good. Just like you said and what I like to repeat, not every episode can be the best. Plot was ok, even Deeks asked was the same case like they had before. Nell's jealousy was unwarranted for. After he said a few times that he isn't interested in Blaze in that way. We also saw Nell's side which we didn't have a chance to see yet. Eric liked Blaze but just as a friend. Eric is a geek, he really likes what he does and meeting people like him makes him happy. Both, Eric and Blaze like computer science and they are good at it, and they have something in common. Kensi, Deeks, like we need to add more compliments on how they do their work. Their banter is just great. I forgot that Sam is afraid of clowns, his line when he wanted to say at the car made me laugh. I also wanted more insight for Deeks' IA investigation, thats like main thing I think when it comes to NCIS:LA atm.


    Thanks for the review. The way that you compose it and presented it to us is just great. Really looking forward to read reviews in the furure for NCIS:LA. (Just thought I should add a few compliments for you too.:P)

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  5. Hahaha. I love it when people make me laugh!! :) I actually know where you're coming from. Many times it feels forced to me, too. I didn't think it feel natural in this episode until maybe the very end.

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  6. Thanks, Jaybird! I know what you mean. :)

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  7. You are probably right. They are biding their time until the last batch of episodes when I hope they get really exciting! Fingers crossed!

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  8. You & I definitely agree on the jealousy! I also think he only liked Blaze as a friend - and that he loves what he does like you say, and enjoys people who like it as much as he does. They had something in common. Agree w/ all your thoughts! Densi banter really is fun. I love how they've written Sam being afraid of clowns. It's so funny for a big tough guy like him! Bring on more Deeks IA investigation stories. We're ready for them! Thanks for the nice compliments on the review! I appreciate it, Mario!

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  9. I have to agree; plot-wise, this was "meh." I loved all the character moments though. Deeks' "Wait, are we still in character?" had me cracking up. Classic. :D
    As for the Neric subplot, yeah, I think Nell overreacted a bit. I'm hoping those two will actually talk sometime soon and clear things up between them. I can only take so much ambiguity. Plus they're pretty adorable together. :)

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  10. the preview of Rage looks so much more exciting.

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  11. Yeah maybe Nell overreacted in some way, but I think there's a simple to way explain it: The control issues when it comes to men that she admires. Since the kiss in Season Four I see those two more as just friends because that she didn't just mess around in my opinion as she said she wanted to introduce Eric as her boyfriend.
    Watching all the episodes after Free Ride showed that those two indeed have a romantic chemistry and the closing scene between Eric and Nell was totally adoreable.

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  12. bruinkelly66 maybe i'm too easy to please, but i really enjoyed this ep. , especially the humor. -shamrocks 80% off, didn't realize some people stock up on St. Paddies stuff like you would christmas items-thought for a moment Callen was drinking a "Shamrock Shake" (which would make sense since his real name is O'Donnell)-so Sam drinks champagne and is afraid of clowns?maybe he's not as macho as we think-being a newbie, i had no idea Eric and Nell were an item. watch out Eric, she seems awfully clingy!-Hetty attended Liza's birthday party, but no mention of Judy Garland?-again, l found Blaze of Glory especially fun, as did my "Irish" Wolfhound.

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  13. Neric have never been a romantic tension couple. Their relationship is based on their shared commonality, so much it is much sweeter romance.

    Agree that the jealousy angled was forced. Bring back Abby, and let's see how Nell reacts then.

    This was an easy, light episode. Nice partner moments with a somewhat meandering case.

    Thanks for the reviews, always thoughful and insightful.

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  14. I'm looking forward to it!

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  15. Yes, the character moments were good. And that comment from Deeks was hilarious! I was happy for that last Neric scene as they seemed to let go of any tensions or jealousy - almost like clearing things up without talking about it. Haha. I think they're quite cute together, too, when they're not being weird with one another. So it was nice to see them more natural at the end!!

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  16. Hey Philipp. Thanks for your comments. And thanks for your idea about why Nell overreacted. It's a good one. Nell does have some control issues, doesn't she? I never thought about it like how you put it. Sometimes the show makes it seem like Nell and Eric are just friends, and other times a lot more than that. I personally like them together and think they are adorable when they don't try to force it, but Nell controls him a little too much for my liking. Haha. Regardless, I could see it both ways - how they could look like just friends, or a lot more. Great hearing what you thought, thanks!

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  17. Haha, love your comments! I didn't realize people stocked up on St. Paddy's stuff, either. I thought that was a fun touch! I wish Callen had been drinking a "Shamrock Shake" - what a fun idea. Yes, Sam has a few not-so-macho characteristics like those you mention. Pretty funny! I love those kind of elements. And yep, Eric and Nell have a little "thing." It's a little unclear how much they act on it, but I think they're cute together. :) She did seem pretty clingy, though, didn't she? I totally agree! Hey, didn't they mention the party Hetty attended being at Judy Garland's house? How cool is Hetty?! So glad you liked this episode!!

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  18. Thanks for the nice comments, Rebecca. I appreciate it! What great insight on Neric - their relationship is totally based on shared commonality, which does make it sweet. I really like that! And I like your comment about bringing back Abby to get some real jealousy. Haha. I also loved the way you summed up the episode: "nice partner moments with a somewhat meandering case." That's perfect!

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  19. oh, hetty did mention Garland afterall? i can't believe i didn't catch that...time to turn up the volume on the tv!

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  20. There's always so much going on that it's easy to miss details!

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