Crime Dynamic Duos 2018: Sam / Callen (NCIS: Los Angeles) vs. Sam / Eddie (Take Two)

Welcome to CarterMatt’s Crime Dynamic Duos 2018! This is the third year in which we’re doing this tournament, which is a way to honor some of the best crime-solvers in all of TV. This tournament runs throughout the month of August, and over the course of it we describe what makes certain pairs the perfect crime-fighting duo while also allowing you to share some of your thoughts on the matter! Each article is accompanied with a description and a poll; the winning duo will advance to the next round leading up to the winner being announced on September 1!

What are the rules of the tournament? Basically, all eligible shows have to still be in the midst of their run on TV as of August 1, and at least one character involved needs to be involved in solving crimes in some capacity. They can be a cop, a private investigator, a federal agent, a lawyer or a high-ranking officer. What matters is that they put plenty of bad people away.

Voting Rules – Vote however often you like! Voting for Round 1 is open until Friday, August 10 at 1:00 p.m. Pacific time. Round 2 will begin the following day; the image at the top of the article should explain everything.

In this article, we’re putting the focus on two different characters named Sam: Sam and Callen from NCIS: Los Angeles, who are squaring off against Sam and Eddie from Take Two. Let the battle of the Sams commence!

Sam and Callen, NCIS: Los Angeles (#2 seed) – The CBS series is clearly the more established of the two, and this relationship has been a foundation of much of the show. While Sam Hanna and G. Callen are not always the best at being vulnerable, we know that they’re practically brothers thanks to everything that they’ve been through and endured over the years. They’ve fought for each other and we imagine that they will continue to do that through thick and thin — provided, of course, that both LL Cool J and Chris O’Donnell return to the show. Their relationship serves as a good example that you can deliver on a number of great action sequences, while also still have a sense of humor and occasionally go through difficult times emotionally. It’s one of the most well-rounded dynamics out there.

Sam and Eddie, Take Two (#7 seed) – Meanwhile, here we have two characters who are really still starting to get to know each other — but it’s a very fun dynamic nonetheless. With Sam Swift, you’ve got a Hollywood actress who has found a way to really rehabilitate herself through some of the work that she’s been doing with Eddie, a private investigator. As it turns out, she’s actually so much better at the job than she thought she would be! Moving forward, we imagine that Take Two is going to continue to find some rather-unique ways to explore this relationship, whether it be in a friendly or romantic capacity. That idea that the two could be a couple is likely going to be there the rest of the season, but we do think that there is a little bit more at play here than just that.

Your take

Let us know which duo you want to see advance in the comments below! Meanwhile, be sure to like CarterMatt on Facebook for more TV news on a number of other shows we cover, including NCIS: Los Angeles and Take Two. The latter is on this summer, while the former will be back this fall.

I can’t see the poll; what do I do? – If you are on mobile, scroll to the bottom of the page and click to view the non-AMP version. If that does not work, give the poll a moment to load! On some mobile browsers, it may take a moment.

How can I vote more than once? – If you are having trouble casting multiple votes, try switching your browser, your device, or visiting the page under private browsing or incognito mode. There should be many handy guides online explaining how to do so if interested.