‘NCIS’ season 11, episode 22 review: Pauley Perrette shines in emotional ‘Shooter’
After spending time earlier this season talking about Parsa or the “New Orleans” spin-off, we’ll give “NCIS” credit right for finding its way back to what makes this show such an entertaining one in the first place: Focusing on the characters that we know, and situations that are relevant to the military and America.
Tonight, the name of the game was the homeless community, and what happens to many of these people when they come back home and realize that there are a massive amount of problems waiting for them. There’s no reason that things should be like this, but unfortunately, the are.
The top performer of the night was Pauley Perrette, whose character of Abby did everything in her power to help a homeless woman named Emma realize that there are people out there who value and care about her. This was a nice, subtle performance at times that played to Pauley’s strengths as an actor, in particular her empathy. These are moments that remind us of the early years of the show, and we hope that the show continues to focus on these moving into season 12.
There was a case that of course pushed the characters more into this world, but that is a little less interesting to us. After all, it’s hard to be drawn into something like this after watching the show for as long as we have. Ultimately, we are simply more drawn to things that stand up, and we’ll remember after the fact. This is why the notable part of this hour to us is the characters dealing with the homeless … and McGee’s beard. This was an amusing little part of the story, and we actually kind of liked it.
In the end, we did enjoy “Shooter” very much. There were a few moments here and there that lagged, but when the focus was on its primary subject, there was almost nothing to be upset about. Grade: B+.
What did you think about Tuesday night’s “NCIS” episode? Share your thoughts below, and click here to read some more news related to the show (including a preview for the next episode). Also, sign up to get some further TV updates courtesy of our CarterMatt Newsletter.
Photo: CBS
Ruthann
May 2, 2014 @ 11:45 pm
My family and I have not found this season of NCIS to be the quality show it was in past seasons. We have been sorely disappointed.
Naomi
May 1, 2014 @ 11:15 pm
is ziva back? no? than ncis is not worth watching.
Sandra
April 30, 2014 @ 3:47 pm
I usually find Pauley weak as an actress, but she did an unusually subtle job last night. Kudos to her. Really liked the episode overall, especially McGee going undercover. Bishop as usually was an eyesore throughout. I’m really sorry but she doesn’t fit at all. Her interactions with the team, especially Tony are so awkward. She was the only thing that detracted from an outstanding episode.
Zack B
April 30, 2014 @ 2:41 pm
“Tonight, the name of the game was the homeless community,” Well, not exactly. The “game” was about homeless veterans, but then the script got off track when Abby rescues a homeless runaway who had nothing to do with homeless veterans. The front piece did little or nothing to give the story momentum and could have been eliminated without loss. The McGee beard is interesting. Wonder if he will keep it? And then there was the ever lovely Bishop. Enough said. Grade: C-/D+
Caro
April 30, 2014 @ 1:49 am
Wonderful episode! Pauley had a chance to show that she’s a great and very talented actress.