‘NCIS’ season 11, episode 3 review: Gibbs asks ‘what’s a hashtag,’ and we talk post-Ziva show

Tonight’s “NCIS” episode may very well be one of the most important ones of the entire series. It was the first one without Cote de Pablo in the cast, and therefore, there were some expectations that this needed to be one of the best in years to help ease the pain.

But here is the real state of things after tonight’s episode. Was it tough not seeing Ziva around? Without a doubt, but the show still made an effort to honor her in little ways via “Under the Gun,” whether it be via a scarf or many mentions of “the call” or her departure. The show didn’t just act like they woke up from a dream, and then pretended like she was never around.

The other thing this episode had going for it? It was still a pretty entertaining hour of television. While we would not say it was a top 10 episode of all time, it was easily one of the better missions of its kind, and a nice way to rebound from an emotional two episodes. There was humor (“what’s a hashtag?” and other funny questions from Gibbs when it comes to social media), and also some tremendous drama courtesy of a battle in the air.  This entire plot to use social media to help solve a case ended up actually saving his job in many ways; right when he was about to land in some hot water over a lost bit of identification, he managed to become a hero. Way to go, McGee.

There was also the arrival of a new character in Vera that we really wish was around longer. She brought a very different sort of energy than Ziva, so it didn’t just feel like there was a placeholder that was being thrown at us. It’s too bad that the character was retiring.

Did you appreciate this “NCIS” episode overall? Be sure to share what you think below! Click here if you want to read further as to how Cote’s exit is going to change Tony, and we are going to have more news here as soon as it becomes available.

Photo: CBS