NCIS - Decompressed/React - Double Review

The first two February episodes of NCIS were two great episodes. Episode 14 had a rather interesting case where a body was stuck in a pressurized chamber, while episode 15 saw the daughter of SecNav being kidnapped.

Epsiode 13.14 "Decompressed"

The episode opens aboard a dive vessel, where a man named Diego de la Rosa freaks out. He and his three co-workers are in a pressurized chamber that can't be opened for four days or else the four all die. They all put on their masks, but De la Rosa dies shortly thereafter. The NCIS team is called in, but they have a problem since they cannot open the chamber to investigate the body. However, waiting for four days isn't an option since it will erase the evidence of de De la Rosa's death. So Ducky instructs the co-workers how to perform an unorthodox autopsy through the glass. With that evidence, Abby discovers that the victim had high doses of liquid cocaine in his blood, which had a red color. She also finds out that he died after breathing the wrong kind of oxygen in his mask. That means one of his three co-workers was the one who killed him.

The suspects are: Sam Harper, who has money problems, Meredith Regan, who killed a man in Kabul, and Jalen Washington, who had an affair with De la Rosa's wife. Proving who it is, is not an easy job. Also, the suspects start turning on each other and a lawyer steps in to make sure the real mission of the ship won't be revealed. McGee discovers that the ship was testing a new project that would send waterproof closets filled with weapons to the bottom of the ocean. However, the closets are leaking and the team suspects they are used to hide liquid cocaine for a drug cartel. De la Rosa must have discovered that and that was the reason he was killed. The three divers inside again start turning on each other, and Meredith and Sam suspect Jalen is the murderer and they tie him up. Two days later, the chamber finally opens and Meredith is arrested. Turns out she is allergic to red dye which Gibbs spotted on her lips. Of course, she also had a partner who is revealed to be the annoying lawyer.

Meanwhile, the team is busy with Valentine gifts. Abby gives everyone a gift, McGee writes a poem for Delilah, and the recently become singles Tony and Bishop give each other a present.

This episode had quite a unique case, which made it really interesting. The episode was mostly focused on the case, so it had to be strong in order for the episode to work. Fortunately, I believe the case worked well. Putting the suspects right in front of the team while they are unable to access either of them or the victim gave it an intriguing perspective. It also left me guessing as to who the real culprit was and I don't think that Meredith was the obvious suspect. I liked Ducky instructing the three divers how to perform an autopsy. It makes me realize how important that autopsy actually is. There wasn't a lot besides the case other than the Valentines Day references. McGee writing a poem for Delilah is really sweet, and it was great that Tony said that it's actually quite a good poem. Tony has really shown appreciation for McGee and I am glad he did. I liked that Tony and Bishop had gifts for one another. They have a real brother and sister relationship.

Episode 13.15 "React"

Tony, McGee and Bishop are ready for a tactical training led by Special Agent Valeri Page from the Regional Enforcement Action Capabilities Team (REACT) when they receive word that SecNav's daughter Megan and her boyfriend were abducted that morning. Fornell comes to help and the team soon finds the boyfriend and the SVU used to kidnap them, but sadly there's no evidence in the car. The boyfriend does believe that the kidnappers are military. Porter's ex-husband Richard comes in with his new girlfriend Justine and Richard soon blames Sarah's job for the kidnapping. Porter thinks he might be right, and at her house she gets a call for a 10 million dollar ransom. Gibbs wonders why the kidnappers targeted SecNav if it was just for the ransom. The kidnappers later call again to tell Porter she must come alone to drop the money at the exchange place. However, Gibbs says she cannot go without back-up since she is a walking source of intelligence. Richard volunteers to go instead.

At the exchange, Richard is called to a parking garage where he drops off the money. However, the captors don't let Megan go but instead they shoot Richard. Gibbs, Fornell and McGee attempt to chase after the car, but are knocked out by car bombs. They are fine, of course, but the case seems to escalate. The team does a short background check of Richard and discover that his company is nearly bankrupt. He won't lose anything over it other than his job, but his girlfriend Justine has invested millions in it. That means she could use that $10 million so McGee and Bishop head to her house. However, they find her dead. Fortunately, Megan has left her ring at the exchange place and it bas DNA from one of the kidnappers. That turns out to be Owen Nixon, who worked for a company that Justine also worked for. Nixon was fired by SecNav after conducting for-hire black ops. While Justine orchestrated the kidnapping for the money, Nixon wants revenge against SecNav.

Porter once again receives a phone call, with the kidnappers now demanding an escape plane. However, the team learns one of Nixon's guys hired a private helicopter to take them to Canada so the plane is a ruse. With back-up from the REACT team, NCIS gets Megan back. Afterwards, SecNav considers quiting for her daughter, though Gibbs' non-advice might persuade her to stay after all.

Meanwhile, it is revealed that Valeri and McGee know each other from old times. They were both military children that travelled around the world with their parents. Valeri was also McGee's first kiss, which actually ended at the dentist when Tim knocked out her tooth. Valerie also reveals Tim's middle name to be Farragut, which I'm not sure is really true.

This was a high-stakes case that was also very personal for the team, which is a good combination. There were emotional moments, but also explosions. I liked that we got to see a more personal side to SecNav. It's not something we have really seen with either of the two previous SecNavs. Introducing us to her daughter and bringing in her ex-husband and his new girlfriend was great. Fornell did say it right though, it really made me miss Diane and her episodes. Speaking of Fornell, it's always a pleasure to see him again. I also liked Valeri, who shared some interesting details about McGee. I wouldn't mind seeing her again and while it might be too soon to tell, she could work as a potential new addition to the team after Tony's exit. Speaking of that, I feel like the writers are slowly building to that. There are little hints in this episode that Tony might be ready to move on from NCIS. Next week's episode will possibly play a role in that as well. Anyway, I suspected that SecNav would reconsider her job and while it was not completely confirmed, it looks like she's staying. Personally, I think that's good since I like her and I believe we don't need a new SecNav every three/four seasons.

What did you think of "Decompressed" and "React"? What did you think of their respective cases? Do you think Delilah liked McGee's poem? Do you believe his middle name really is Farragut? And lastly, have you noticed these little hints that seem to prepare Tony's exit from the show? I would love to hear your thoughts in the comment section below.

The next episode airs Tuesday and two familiar faces will return. Check out the promo below to see who.

About the Author - Daniel van der Veer

Daniel van der Veer is a Dutch university student studying Psychology. On SpoilerTV he is a reviewer of NCIS, The 100, Madam Secretary and Quantico. He also enjoys LOST, Arrow, NCIS: Los Angeles, NCIS: New Orleans, Nikita, The Blacklist, Scorpion and How To Get Away With Murder.

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