I guess McGee will be chosen to go undercover with Senior since when ever Senior blows into town Gibbs kicks Tony off the case and questions his professionalism. Tony of course is the only one who is treated in this manner when a family member is involved. But it fits right in with this season’s agenda to promote McGee as GIbbs most competent and essential agent. I’ll be quite shocked if the writers allow Tony to show any competence at all considering the season 12 McGibbs agenda and this episodes writer.

Sadly, you have most likely nailed the gist of this episode. Heaven forbid we get an episode where the entire team treats Tony with respect or Gibbs makes it clear that Tony is a valued agent. Heaven forbid we actually see Tony handle any danger. Without a doubt if there is any scene which is exciting, suspenseful, or dangerous, Tony won’t be in it. Those are Gibbs only scenes these days, that is unless McGee or some guest star accompanies super Gibbs. Wonder if tptb intentionally chose Gina Monreal to write this one since they obviously have no interest in seeing Tony written in a flattering way and she always accomodates. He got his once a season flattery moment in Cadence. Now it’s back to super Gibbs/insignificant Tony all the time.

I can see it now – Senior will sweep in and take over, throwing cutting quips at Tony and treating him like his servant. Everyone will fawn over him and be upset at Tony not recognising how absolutely wonderful Senior is and how he can do no wrong, and Tony will once again be relegated to playing, as Michael Weatherly once said, “the idiot child in the corner”.

I have very low expectations for this episode, so maybe I’ll be pleasantly surprised. I love Robert Wagner as an actor, and loved his first appearance as Senior, but I’m getting to the point that I can’t stand when he shows up every season.