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NCIS: Los Angeles - Rage - Review: "Callen's Journey Through the Past"

15 Apr 2015

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I knew back when we first saw Sam and Callen undercover as a prison inmate and guard in “Inelegant Heart” that I wanted to see more of their covert personas. At that time they were pulled off their undercover work to help investigate a black market website used to track down Hetty’s information. Though I’d hoped for it, I didn’t think we’d see Callen return to his inmate disguise. But I was pleasantly surprised to see him back in his orange jumpsuit this week. Sam didn’t have a big undercover role, but Callen returned to prison (minus his previous substantial beard) to help infiltrate a white supremacist group believed to be in possession of nuclear material.

It’s been a while since we’ve seen an episode that focuses on Callen’s past. I love it when they delve into the characters’ histories, and Callen’s is especially intriguing. I liked how they used the flashbacks to give us a peek into his earlier days and the path he could have taken. The similarities between Callen and Charlie enhanced the story. And it was nice to see what a difference Hetty has made in Callen’s life. I thought the ending struck the perfect tone, balancing Callen’s sadness over Charlie with gratitude for how far he’s come.

I also enjoyed the intensity of “Rage.” Most of the time on “NCIS: Los Angeles” it never really feels like the characters are truly in danger because things generally get resolved by the end of the episode. But the writers this week accomplished a tension that made you fear for Callen and wonder what was going to happen next. They did a nice job of taking you along for the ride, which was packed with action.

The episode did deal with a much heavier topic than usual. The racist white supremacist group was disgusting and scary. The awful things they said sickened me and made me feel extremely uncomfortable. But I guess that was the point. Viewers should be uncomfortable with the things they said. I liked that Sam got to deal with one of the white supremacists personally. You hated seeing him on the end of such hatred. But watching him emerge victorious over these wackos was rewarding.


Callen and Kensi

Since I don’t like to read about or look at pictures of an episode before it airs, I was totally caught off guard by Kensi going undercover as Callen’s girlfriend. But I thought it was fantastic. In fact, I liked how the audience didn’t get any hints of Kensi’s intention before she showed up at Callen’s hideout. That made the surprise even better. As a tough-looking Kensi got off her motorcycle and greeted Callen with a “Hey, baby,” I barely had time to process what was going on before they grabbed each other in a wild, passionate kiss. I actually gasped when it happened. It threw me for a loop – but a good one. It was so fun to watch. Sage and Walinski have some undeniable chemistry. Callen and Kensi definitely sold it! They both were willing to go all out for the job. As they canoodled and held each other close, I couldn’t turn away. And Callen surprised me with his boldness as he told the boys he hoped they didn’t mind a little noise from the bedroom. His Walinski alter ego was cracking me up.

I was also shocked when the two of them turned up in bed together looking naked. Yes, they have to commit to their undercover characters or risk being found out. But that has to be awkward, doesn’t it? Even pretending to be naked with someone takes things to a whole other level. (I assume they were pretending, even though it looked pretty real as Kensi covered herself when getting out of bed.) But it was fun to see Callen in a totally different light, acting different from his normal self. And Kensi looked sexy with her new shorter, tousled haircut and smoky makeup. They were both entertaining to watch. I love when the show throws unexpected scenes at you like this that shock you in a fun way.


Callen and Charlie

Another thing I really liked was the relationship between Callen and Charlie. From the moment Callen hears Charlie talking about how he didn’t know his mother or family, Callen identified with Charlie and started looking out for him. He knew the boy was impressionable. Charlie was a white supremacist criminal, but Callen sees he is also a lost young man who didn’t have anyone guiding him growing up. And Callen knows it’s not too late. He knows that Charlie still can change his path if someone cares enough to help him. That someone is Callen. It was sweet to watch him take the boy under his wings and try to steer him toward making better decisions. He ultimately wanted Charlie to see that he had other options in life. Because of his own past, Callen had a lot to offer Charlie. And he seems to get through to him.

But then tragedy strikes. You feel the shock when Charlie gets shot, devastating Callen. Here was a boy who makes the right decision thanks to Callen and yet he still loses his life. It understandably upsets G, though he doesn’t blame the shooter. He just feels bad about how it all ended for a young man who could have had a positive future. At first I was quite surprised at the choice to kill Charlie – until I saw how it served the story. In the end it made for some very touching moments as Callen contemplates his own life.


The Flashbacks

Callen’s relationship with Charlie set up the flashback scenes at the end perfectly. As Callen mourns what could have been with the boy, he can’t help but remember how lucky he was that Hetty stepped in to change his life. Those flashbacks were a great way to let the audience experience Callen’s past for themselves. It’s almost hard to imagine Callen as an out-of-control youth, but seeing it made it real.

I loved how the episode showed a flashback in the beginning, even though we didn’t really have a full picture yet of what was happening. Callen remembers being thrown in juvenile detention and egging on the guards, who beat him up. Even back then, Callen was a tough kid. (This was later paralleled as present-day Callen gets beat up by the white supremacists.) Then the two ending flashbacks shed more light on the beginning scene. I loved how the final flashbacks were expertly weaved with Callen’s description of what happened to him, going back and forth between Callen’s thoughts in the present and his past visual memories. And then we end on a full flashback. After Sam walks away, G looks at the place where he crashed into the pole and remembers how that day turned out. He remembers Hetty telling him he would not be going back to social services but would be staying with her. He recalls her telling him he had great potential. She had a plan for him – one that we now know worked out very well.

The details really enhanced those ending scenes. I enjoyed how they showed a woman’s legs getting out of a car before you know it’s Hetty. (Although I immediately wondered if it was her.) And it was fun seeing Hetty so young. They did a great job of de-aging her. The dialogue was also fantastic. I especially liked young Callen commenting on how short she was, which just made Hetty laugh. These scenes emphasized the special relationship between Callen and Hetty. I loved the way he described Hetty showing up as “the hand of God” intervening. He doesn’t know why he was so lucky, but he realizes he was. Hetty has always been looking out for him. She pulled strings to get him released from police custody. And she noticed his potential even while he wasn’t living it. To see how he grew up makes you appreciate even more the man he’s become. And this episode made it clear it was all because of Hetty and her investment in him.



Other Thoughts

- I loved the reveal after the bus crash when we see Granger and Sam as the driver and guard. What a fun moment.

- It was cute how Deeks looked worried about Kensi when she was leaving to go undercover.

- Did you notice Callen’s goofy rolled pants when he was at the house with the other men? He was supposed to be a tough bank robber but unfortunately this made him look like a non-hip dad.

- It was fitting to see Sam anxious for his partner throughout the episode. Later I love how he called Callen his “brother” to racist Jimmie Ray.

- I can’t figure out why and how Callen had an NCIS magazine in his gun. Being undercover, that is a huge risk. And later it was revealed to be Dallas’ gun. So how did he get an NCIS magazine in that gun when he'd been in prison?

- I liked the scenes with Kensi and Dallas’ girlfriend Ginny. She was a good character who made you feel for her. Kensi dealt with her well, encouraging her to value herself and wondering why she was with a guy like Dallas. Ginny’s response was heartbreaking. I wish this plot had gone further and they had somehow incorporated Ginny into the rest of the story. It would’ve been satisfying to see her decide to take Kensi’s advice and value herself by helping them in a larger way, offering more redemption for her character.


- I was a little disappointed that Deeks didn’t get to drive the bus in the bank hostage situation. That would have been fun to see.

- It was funny to hear Granger weighing in on what type of skirt looked best on Jimmie Ray as Eric altered his photograph.

- I was surprised that Sam stabbed the guy who broke the FBI agent’s leg. He could have stopped him without killing him.

- It was a nice touch that Sam knew where to find Callen in the end because Hetty told him he’d be there. Hetty knew right where Callen would go to think about the events of the day.

- How fun that Sam and Callen were going to meet Kensi and Deeks for Korean BBQ after the case.


How did you like "Rage?" What did you think of Callen and Kensi's fake relationship? Did you enjoy the flashbacks? Please 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.

49 comments:

  1. Great review. Granger's input on the dress cracked me up. I liked this episode a lot. Always a fan of character flashbacks. I do hope we get to meet caller's dad this season

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  2. Yes it was a good episode and I liked your review, very thorough! Anybody noticed the shout out to Scorpion when Sam said his name was agent Gallo?
    I thought that Callen actually carved the NCIS abbreviations on the magazine and I was wondering when he managed to do that!

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  3. Over all I enjoyed this episode. You were dropped right into the action and got to see the Team in action. Callen undercover, joined later by Kensi. Sam and Deeks the concerned partners yet their own team now. Everyone contributed — Granger as the driver perfect touch. How far that relationship has come.

    Sam constantly in charge, outwitting those who the have such a despicable opinion of him showed the character of Sam and how foolish those who only hate are.

    Callen always identifies with those who are adrift. Wanting to help Charlie, an expected action and always pleasant to see how his pain motivates him to help those in similar situations.

    Densi moment was intriguing. Was Deeks admitting his desire for children or was there more to that statement – "All of our kids."?

    While the flashbacks were a nice idea I was disappointed in the blantant continuity break of Hetty meeting a teenaged Callen. From the beginning we were told Callen and Hetty only knew each other for 3 years before the series began. Later Callen asks Hetty when he was a blip on her radar and while she never answered outright the question was based on an adult Callen. Plus we know Callen stayed in 37 foster homes from 5 to 18.

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  4. I assumed he had put NCIS on the clip too, and he left it where someone would pick it up and most likely call for help.

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  5. A fantastic review, Tonya. I'm happy to see that someone else enjoyed this episode as much as I did.


    I thought Callen and Kensi pulled that kissing scene off really well. they had great chemistry. To me it looked a lot less awkward than the Kensi/Deeks kiss.


    I also love any info on Callen's background.

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  6. Such a great episode. Case was really interesting, action and undercover were perfectly done. Callen's undercover act was so out of his usual character, it was nice to see it. Callen's/Kensi's fake relationship was well played. In fact with that, they really caught me off guard. I was surprised how real they presented their relationship with that kiss and bed scene. That kiss, in that particular second I was like woah, that really happened, but as they move on so was my surprise. I'm so glad that writes haven't made a big deal of that undercover work. I'm sure Kensi, Callen and especially Deeks understood their line of work and not to make fuss about it. Deeks and Sam's concern about their partners is expected and nice to see. After all they are going in very dangerous situations without immediate help or protection not they can carry weapon. I did enjoy flashbacks so much. and how they presented to us Callen's and Charlie's connection through flashbacks. Seeing young Callen and Hetty made me understand how they first met and what was young Callen like. He was tough kid just like he is tough now. Gotta commend work on Hetty to make her younger. There was so much going on that we can't see everything in 42-45 minutes.


    Btw. can somebody please explain to me that scene with Deeks and Kensi when they talked about kids. I missed it completely. Didn't have chance to rewatch the episode so if somebody can be kind and fill me in what was that about from the start of the scene. Thanks.


    Thanks for the review. Great as always.

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  7. Mitzi Friedland Kotler15 April 2015 at 23:13

    Callen's dad? He and the rest of Callen's birth family died in Eastern Europe a few season's ago.

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  8. Tonya Papanikolas15 April 2015 at 23:54

    Thank you! Granger cracked me up, too! That was hilarious. This made me want to see more flashbacks. I hope we get to see Callen's dad this season, too! That would be awesome. :)

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  9. Tonya Papanikolas15 April 2015 at 23:59

    Callen's grandfather was killed in Eastern Europe, but not his dad, I don't think. He has never really known who his dad is. Remember the season 5 episode "Reznikov, N." where someone claimed to be Callen's dad but then turned out not to be. He ended up finding video of him and his dad when he was little. He has always been searching for more on him. So I hope we get to find out more!

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  10. Tonya Papanikolas16 April 2015 at 00:01

    Thank you, Sarah! I didn't catch that shout-out. Very cool! And I didn't even think of Callen carving out the NCIS initials on the magazine. I am sure you're right. He must have done that. But yes - when did he manage it? (And then did he give the gun back to Dallas without a magazine in it? He must have.) Thanks for shedding light on that!

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  11. Tonya Papanikolas16 April 2015 at 00:01

    Yep, he must have carved it himself. Good thinking on his part. :)

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  12. As a diehard Callen fan this episode was everything I hoped it would be. As for any continuity breaks, storylines always evolve during a long running series, so I have no problems with that. For those saying Callen had only known Hetty for three years at the start of the series, all that was said was that Callen had worked for her that long, it never said they had only known each other that long. I absolutely loved the flashbacks to teenage Callen and how he met Hetty then. Everyone needs someone to believe in them and Hetty was definitely that person for Callen. I loved the scene where Callen tells his story to Sam, because it showed a vulnerability and openness we don't often see from Callen. I thought both Chris O'Donnell and LL Cool J hit it out of the park with that scene. I also thought the casting of young Callen was pitch perfect, the resemblance was striking. Now if they would just send Callen to Russia to find his dad, I will be one satisfied fan.

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  13. Callen's mom died in Eastern Europe. We learned in season 5 that Callen's dad was a major in the KGB named Nikita Reznikov. There was no record of his death, so I have a feeling he will turn up eventually.

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  14. Tonya Papanikolas16 April 2015 at 00:17

    Thanks for sharing your perspective, Rebecca! I liked Sam and Deeks as the concerned partners working together to help Callen. You're right - Granger has come so far! Sam's character definitely came through. You're so right about Callen identifying with those who are adrift. He really does! Insightful comment about his pain motivates him to help those in similar situations. I noticed that Deeks children comment, too, and thought it was interesting, considering he had no children. Liked hearing your thoughts on Callen and Kensi. And I think Sarah was right, too - Callen must have carved NCIS in to the gun magazine, though who knows when. As for the continuity problems, I have a terrible memory if I have to go back more than a season. Lol. So I can't remember many details, unfortunately. I can't remember being told Callen and Hetty only knew each other for 3 years before the series began. If that's true, that's definitely frustrating! But the question about being a blip on her radar could still work with these flashbacks, couldn't it? Because after seeing the flashbacks, you wonder when Hetty knew enough about him to get involved. You say it was based on an adult Callen though. I think it still works with the foster homes, too, though, because in the flashbacks he said he ran away from his last foster family. So maybe he was 18 in the flashback? (He looked a little younger than that, but maybe not.) According to NCISLA wikia, Hetty was the one who got Callen into foster care, so she was probably looking out for him that whole time. But again, as I don't remember the details they laid out earlier, I could be wrong. I understand the frustration if they indeed changed the backstory. I hate it when that happens. This makes me want to go back and re-watch earlier episodes. Thanks for asking these questions!

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  15. Tonya Papanikolas16 April 2015 at 00:18

    Thanks, bj! Like you, I really thought it was a fun episode. I thought Callen and Kensi pulled off that kissing scene really well, too. I'd like to see the Kensi/Deeks kissing a little more like the Sage/Walinski kiss. Haha. I know what you mean. :)

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  16. Tonya Papanikolas16 April 2015 at 00:29

    Hello, Mario! Thanks for commenting. You're awesome! Love hearing your thoughts on the episode and what you liked! Glad I wasn't the only one caught off guard by Callen/Kensi's undercover relationship. I love your thought on the kiss - "Whoa, that really happened!" :) That was my reaction, too. But you're right - while it was fun to watch, it wasn't a big deal to all of them - just part of their work. Deeks' and Sam's concern was great. So were the flashbacks. I loved young Callen and Hetty!


    The scene with Deeks and Kensi was short. They were at the shooting range and Kensi was watching Sam work out punching a bag. She told Deeks that Sam once told her that he wanted a world without white supremacists for his kids. And Deeks replied, "For all our kids." I personally thought it was a pretty innocent comment - however, since Deeks doesn't have kids, it was interesting. Some people wonder if it foreshadows more. Deeks does like to talk about kids a lot. I'm not sure that it had a larger intention but who knows. Guess we'll have to wait to see. :)

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  17. Tonya Papanikolas16 April 2015 at 00:30

    Linda, thanks for the background. I always have to wrack my brain to remember details of the past! (I loved that season 5 episode, though.)

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  18. Tonya Papanikolas16 April 2015 at 00:37

    I figured you would love this episode, Linda! But what's not to love? The emphasis on Callen was fantastic. Hetty has been such a prominent force in Callen's life. You're so right - everyone needs someone to believe in them. And Hetty made such a difference doing that for Callen. It warms my heart. Oh, great point about Callen's vulnerability and openness as he was telling Sam his story. That's so true. I loved seeing it! It made the scene really powerful. Those two did hit it out of the park. And young Callen was great, too! I'm with you - I also want Callen to go find his dad. Can't wait for that story!!! I don't remember enough past details to know about the continuity breaks. But you're right - things always evolve over the years. Hopefully they didn't contradict anything but just added to it. Thanks for adding the perspective on that 3-year thing. That makes sense.

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  19. Ahh, thank you for clarifying this to me. Yeah I wouldn't raise much hope in getting a baby/kids anytime soon. Probably just innocent comment since he agrees with Sam. Deeks likes children and of course one day he wants a few of them(with Kensi) so he also wants a world without white supremacists.

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  20. Tonya Papanikolas16 April 2015 at 01:48

    No problem. Yeah, I thought the same thing. :)

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  21. lol I don't think we'll see too much of that. It must be really awkward for the actors since she's married to his brother and Eric can probably feel his brother's eyes boring into his back during their scenes. lol And to me that really shows at times. With Chris, however, Daniela didn't seem to have any such hestitation.

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  22. Tonya Papanikolas16 April 2015 at 05:48

    Yep, you may be right. :(

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  23. Good stuff. This was a pretty solid episode. I enjoyed getting some more background on Callen - and seeing a younger Hetty without glasses was slightly weird.
    I think Callen and Kensi did a credible job posing as a couple, though it had to be a tad awkward for them since they each have a significant other now. But kudos to them for staying focused on the job and doing what needed to be done.
    The white supremacists disgusted me too. I literally cannot comprehend that kind of hatred. I felt really bad for Charlie, getting mixed up with people like that and losing his life because of it.
    The funniest moment of the episode for me was Granger weighing in on the Photoshop job. He's really loosened up lately, hasn't he? I like. :)

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  24. According to the press release, Callen was 15 in the flashbacks. So yeah, this does contradict what we've been told so far. The only thing I can think of is he only stayed with her for a little while and went back to foster care, then was reunited with her years later. Still a bit of a stretch though.

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  25. This was one of my favorite episodes this season. The episode was well written and perfectly acted.
    You really got a sense of what a tough kid Callen was and how tough he is now. I had to laugh at the rolled up pants too. guess he was a tough kid on a farm. The only reason I could see for doing it was to tell him apart from the others when they had masks on. but it looked really goofy and out of character.

    I loved, loved, loved the chemistry between Callen and Kensi. I saw more passion in their kiss than any between Kensi and Deeks. I was really taken off guard when they woke up in bed appearing naked. it wasn't awkward at all and only seemed perfectly natural. It was really fun to see them paired up this way.

    it was very surprising to see charlie killed.. I wasn't prepared for it at all. These kinds of moments really allow COD to shine. his best moments are ones that show a varitey of emotions at once. like in the Grey man you see his pain, confusion, memories and sorrow all at once.

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  26. I think "the blip on the radar" works against the flashback because Callen says, "How long did you watch me before I came to NCIS?" If they had already meet that is a silly question to ask. Callen knew the answer already.

    The main episodes that deal with Callen and Hetty not meeting before him coming to NCIS are: "Identity", " Pushback", and "Fame" all Season One.

    Yes, Hetty was the one to get him in foster homes. She told him that after they came back from Romania and explained how she knew Clara.

    Like Stephanie said, Callen was 15 in the flashback.

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  27. Actually that comment about three years was Callen asking Hetty why she never called him G.? Which she tells him it is a letter, not a name. So Callen finally says no one every told me.
    If Callen had meet Hetty at 15, both of them knew the answer to that question. Why ask it?

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  28. Tonya Papanikolas17 April 2015 at 01:23

    I get what you're saying!

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  29. Tonya Papanikolas17 April 2015 at 01:27

    Hetty without glasses WAS weird, wasn't it? I wonder what would Joelle would think about Callen undercover like that? Haha. I know what you mean about that kind of hatred portrayed. It really did make you feel bad for Charlie because he didn't seem to know what he wanted in life and got caught up with very bad people. And you're so right about Granger really loosening up. I can't imagine seeing him like that in the beginning. That was a funny moment!

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  30. Tonya Papanikolas17 April 2015 at 01:32

    I also think this was one of the best episodes this season. It was fun comparing young Callen to older Callen. Glad I wasn't the only one who noticed the rolled pants. A tough kid on a farm? I love that! Lol. Maybe it was to tell him apart from the others in the bank like you say. But it really did look out of character. He's too cool for that!


    I also really loved the chemistry between Callen and Kensi and seeing them paired up. Many people have commented they saw more passion in their kiss than between Kensi and Deeks. No inhibitions, I guess. It worked! I know what you mean about that bed scene being a big surprise. (But like you point out, at the same time it didn't seem awkward.)


    I also wasn't prepared to see Charlie killed. But COD was great - as usual - in reacting to it. I love your insight on his best moments showing a variety of emotions at once - pain, confusion, memories, sorrow. Yes!! That's a great way to put it. I totally agree!!!

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  31. Tonya Papanikolas17 April 2015 at 01:33

    Ahhh, so it does contradict!

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  32. Tonya Papanikolas17 April 2015 at 01:40

    Thanks for more of these details, Rebecca, which indeed makes the continuity seem off. It looks like they changed the facts. You're right - that question "How long did you watch me before I came to NCIS?" is a very silly one to ask if Callen had been living with Hetty for awhile. He would have known the answer already. That doesn't make sense. And since he was 15, that also doesn't work. I need to go back and watch those episodes from season one. So thank you for telling me which ones deal with Callen and Hetty's past. I appreciate it!

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  33. You have to remember that the comment was in the first episode, not counting the Legend episode of NCIS. I believe that comment was made in the context of helping the fans get to know Callen and his motivations. The purpose of any first episode is to introduce the characters.

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  34. This was a really good episode. I liked the several unexpected moments: Kensi and Callen kissing, Granger telling Eric which skirt to photoshop onto Jimmie Ray's image, and a young Hetty. The story was solid and the pacing was great throughout. I really enjoyed it this week. Nice review.

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  35. Tonya Papanikolas17 April 2015 at 11:04

    Thanks, Jack. Glad you liked the episode and all those fun, unexpected moments!

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  36. This episode
    was above average but it wasn't one of my favorite. I found the Callen/Kensi
    kiss very professional like the one you share with a well paid call girl. I can't
    compare it with the Deeks/Kensi kiss in Christmas
    episode which was much more romantic. I also like the level of professionalism
    of Callen/Kensi. After the kiss the talked each other only for the job and she
    woke up the following morning with her head near Callen and the rest of the body
    away from him. I also like that Deeks told her to go and find Callen and to be
    carefull. I'm just wondering why this scene (at the shooting range) was not
    added in the poll about favorite scenes.

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  37. Tonya Papanikolas18 April 2015 at 06:24

    Haha - you totally made me laugh about the well paid call girl comment. But you're right in that the Deeks/Kensi one definitely had the sweet romance factor, while this one was passionate - for show. I love how you point out that Kensi's body was away from Callen when they woke up together. I didn't notice that but that's a great point. The shooting range scene was so short that it didn't stick out to me until people started commenting on it. Then I realized why everyone liked it. I would have added it in later but it screws up the poll results so I couldn't. Sorry about that!

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  38. Long time lurker, with just a couple of thoughts. I'm wondering if all the recent references to kids haven't been prompted by Daniella Ruah telling the producers that she is interested in having another baby. Maybe they are just laying groundwork here, even if there are no immediate plans. It could be fun, though. Imagine Kensi restricted to OPS for a few months!

    Second, I DO get annoyed when the writers make fairly major retcons. It is very hard to watch those early seasons and believe that Callen lived with Hetty for a long time in his youth. A situation where he stayed with her for a short time, and then moved out on his own is more possible. I can imagine her then helping him out without his knowing about it. That way lets Hetty continue to have her secrets, too. It's a little far-fetched, but not impossible. I have a friend who left home at about the same age (and had as difficult a childhood as Callen's), and managed to get herself through college essentially on her own. It can be done by someone with enough smarts and determination. Especially with somebody in the background helping out as needed by keeping the foster system away, helping him to get jobs or scholarships, making sure that he meets people who can help him, etc. If I read this early meeting with Hetty as just the push Callen needed to take control of his own life, I can go with it. It also lets Callen only slowly come to the realization of just how much he is indebted to Hetty.

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  39. Tonya!!! Long time no see! I've missed you and your awesome reviews. Not that you need another fan to weigh in on the kiss heard round the world, but...

    (1) While I didn't completely buy the chemistry between Callen & Kensi, I'll admit it could be that I'm Deeks-blind. Even so, Callen & Kensi's kiss was way more believable than any action between Kensi & Deeks so far, which is a total bummer. I was hoping to see a bit of jealous Deeks. I mean, not serious jealous—it's part of the job—but it could've been fun to play with. Maybe the content of the episode was just too serious for that sort of thing.


    (2) I TOLD YOU GRANGER WASN'T ALL BAD.


    (3) Agreed: Ginny was an interesting character, and I would've loved to have seen more. I realize there are time limitations, but I found that angle of the episode rich with potential. I swear, I wish each ep could be two hours long. I'm impressed they fit so much in the show as it is!


    (4) Need me some more Densi! (Please pass that along to the producers next time you see them at yoga class.)


    Love your reviews!

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  40. I think we are to believe Hetty kind of disappeared after getting Callen into solid foster care. Perhaps she then reappeared later when he was an adult. Callen might not have made the connection until he "re-met" Hetty years later. Just a theory though.

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  41. Yeah, I think Deeks was using the "royal our," referring to everyone in general. That being said, it's a well-known fact that Deeks wants to make little mutant ninja assassins with Kensi, so my guess is that it's foreshadowing a future Densi beyond the end of the series (which I hope is in about 100 years, making them the two oldest parents in history).

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  42. Tonya Papanikolas20 April 2015 at 05:06

    Yay, Quiettruth! Excited to have you leave the lurking shadows and join the comments! ;) Haha. Oh, wouldn't it be fun if your idea about Daniela Ruah were true? A pregnant Kensi is almost hard to imagine. But she'd be fun to watch! That would be one tough mama-to-be. I love it!


    I know what you mean about the writers changing course on previous facts. It's aggravating to the viewers. I feel like they should keep to the stories they've already set. Others definitely felt like you. But I like your suggestion of Callen maybe staying with her and then moving out on his own. That is very possible, and I think you're right - if that happened, Hetty likely would have helped him out without his knowledge. I really commend your friend who after a difficult childhood got herself through college. That's a huge accomplishment when you don't have the kind of support system others have! I think Callen could have done that, too. I can totally see it the way you describe Hetty being just the push Callen needed to take control of his own life. I think that works! And it makes sense with Callen coming to a slower realization of how much Hetty helped him.


    Thanks so much for all your thoughts! I hope you come back again so we get to hear more of them! :)

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  43. Tonya Papanikolas20 April 2015 at 05:16

    Yay!!! You're back. I've been thinking about you and missing you! It's not the same without your fun thoughts - and your wonderful humor! :) The kiss heard round the world, huh? Haha. It really is a bummer, though, that the Kensi/Callen kiss was more passionate/believable than the Densi kisses. Total bummer. Deeks acting jealous could definitely have been fun to play with!


    You're right - Granger isn't all bad after all. You had such foresight!!! :)


    They do fit a lot in the episodes, don't they? "Rich with potential" is the perfect way to describe the Ginny story - and Kensi's interactions with her. I loved how Kensi had such a big heart for her. Two hours for an episode? I'm in! ;)


    I also need some more Densi! And I am still eager to find out what is going on with Deeks' "secret," if he has one. Hope we come back to that soon!!


    Hope we get a great finale this year!!! Can't wait to find out more.

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  44. I haven't seen anything Densi-centric in the summaries of upcoming episodes, and I hear the finale is about Callen, so I'm getting impatient. *checks watch, taps toe* ALSO, has NCISLA even been renewed yet? I will blow a gasket if they're not. I think the fans would march to Los Angeles with torches and shovels.

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  45. Tonya Papanikolas20 April 2015 at 09:09

    It's true - there is nothing about Densi in the press releases of upcoming episodes. I'm really surprised that they introduced a Deeks potential big story and aren't going to follow it through right now. But you never know, I guess. The finale press release says this: “Chernoff, K. – An ongoing case leads Callen, Sam, Deeks and Kensi to Moscow, where the team must assume multiple undercover identities to locate their suspects. Also, Callen uncovers new information regarding his father."

    I am excited that Deeks and Kensi are also going to Moscow with Callen and Sam. And I am really excited to find out new info about Callen's father. That sounds awesome! But I also don't want the Deeks stuff (and Densi stuff) dropped. So I understand your impatience!


    Nope, NCISLA hasn't been renewed yet. But I don't think it's in too much danger. It's seen as a pretty safe renewal, even though last year it was renewed in mid-March. So we shall not worry, right? Right. (Oh, sorry, I'm talking to myself again.) If the impossible happened, I would pick up my torch and shovel in arms with you. :)

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  46. Since the actors say they are professionals, it shouldn't matter who they are related to when kissing or whatever else. I really liked undercover Kensi and Callen, but unfortunately, it just accentuated the lack of intimacy we previously saw with Kensi and Deeks. Kensi open mouth kisses Callen, not Deeks. Kensi and Callen in bed provide the illusion of nudity, Kensi and Deeks in bed are clothed, with Deeks on his stomach. For a new couple who was spending all there time together, they looked like they had been married for years. Heck, my husband slept nude for years and at least cuddled a little until kids started coming in to bug us. At the very least, Deeks should have had his shirt off. We haven't seen him without a shirt since season 2. I have to wonder if its because he stopped working out and he feels the character is supposed to be a little more bluff. I have a hard time believing he feels that uncomfortable being shirtless with his sister-in-law. In any case, I think they should have made it a point not to have Kensi and Callen undercover have more of an illusion of intimacy than they did Kensi and Deeks.

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  47. I agree that it shouldn't make a difference and I'm sure it doesn't, usually. The fact that her husband is on set watching probably has more of an effect.


    You could be right about the shirtless scenes.


    And I think since they were undercover and their lives actually depended on the authentic look of their relationship, they would definitely have made it a point of having it look intimate.

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  48. I was thinking the reason he had rolled up pants because they were in his prison uniform. Remember when they escaped from the bus he was wearing the orange uniform. So just to show that he was borrowing his outfit from whatever was in the van.

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  49. Tonya Papanikolas5 May 2015 at 07:39

    Molly, that's brilliant. I didn't even consider that. It totally makes sense!

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