‘NCIS’ season 11, episode 21 review: ‘Alleged’ tackles a tough topic with dignity
“NCIS” is at times a show where the cases are such that you really don’t remember them from one week to the next. However, this did not happen with Tuesday night’s new episode “Alleged.” This was one of the stronger cases of the entire season, as it explored the issue of sexual assault in the military in a way that was serious, never exploitative, and also enlightening.
The strongest part of the episode was the performance of Kelli Williams, who displayed a lot of power and strength for someone who never wants to be put in that situation. She wants to find out the truth, but is also struggling with the fact that the military may not accept her fully after an investigation. It’s a hard subject to write about just like it was a rough subject at times to watch. All we can say is that we are pleased that the producers brought some dignity to the issue, and showed that this is not an issue that is remotely black-and-white to the men and women who are involved in it.
On a different note, what was with the juice cleanse story? It was funny to see McGee and Tony go through it, but it felt tacked-on and like the writers decided that there needed to be something in here to lighten the mood. Had this been in a different episode, we probably would’ve enjoyed it so much more than we did here. Grade: B.
What did you think about this “NCIS” episode, and its relevance to what is going on today? Share in the comments below, and for more news related to the show (including a preview for the next episode), be sure to click here to see them. You can also sign up for further updates via our CarterMatt Newsletter.
Photo: CBS
Anna690710
April 16, 2014 @ 10:32 am
I agree with the previous post concerning the sexual assault plot and Kelli Williams was fantastic! Although the subject should have been dealt with years ago because it has been an important topic for years!
The body cleanse storyline was more than redundant and speaking of redundant: Bishop is STILL THERE!
The Bishop character has zero chemistry with the other characters! Why do viewers have to watch great actresses perform as guest stars and leave while Bishop with no connection with anyone remains on the show?
Thank God there was more Abby in this episode but I am afraid if Bishop stays viewers will leave no matter what great plots NCIS will come up with!
I will quit watching after the Ralph Waite tribute episode if Bishop comes back for season 12 because her character annoys the hell out of me!
Sandra
April 16, 2014 @ 2:11 am
The sexual assault plot was treated with great dignity, and I was impressed. Kudos to writer Scott Williams and actress Kelli Williams for pulling it off.
The rest of the episode was a hot mess, and it’s not Scott’s fault.
Juice cleanse was idiotic. To give them credit, I expected 45 minutes of poop jokes, and it ended up being about food envy. So, spacefilling fluff.
The interactions between Bishop and the guys are no more natural than they were in the past. Bishop does seem to have a slight connection with McGee, which makes some sense. She has zero connection with DiNozzo. He looks at her like some kind of dried skeletal debris found in the back of a curiosity closet, with dried flesh still attached to it. He is like a kind uncle with an embarrassing niece who collects spiders. He is forced to spend time with her out of duty, but finds her creepy.
Nice to see Abby again, but wow, she was even more childish than usual. And her most over the top, handwringing, lisping performance is what made Holly open up about her assault. OK then.
I appreciate what they did with the sex assault aspect. However as far as the team goes, it is still a multi car train wreck.