‘NCIS’ season 11, episode 4 review: Mike Franks and a blast from the past
Did Mike Franks have a secret on “NCIS” prior to his death? It was a big one, and one that we found out about over the course of Tuesday night’s episode. We learned about quite the operation that he had running when it came to human smuggling. Franks’ intentions were seemingly pure, but that does not mean that he was within the letter of the law. This entire story was in some ways about whether or not one man can be a savior, and whether or not that is a good thing to be in the first place.
As Gibbs and McGee went to the Middle East in an effort to try and put together the pieces of Franks’ past, we saw Tony stay back in Washington in hopes of manning the ship on that end. We wish that following the exit of Cote de Pablo that the character had more to do. It’s almost a reminder that something is off without Michael Weatherly in the thick of things, and this is hardly an everyday occurrence to have McGee overseas with Gibbs in the first place. (It’s best to say not to get used to it, either.) Also … why not more Abby?
Tony did have the night’s sweetest moment still with an “everything’s going to be okay” and a hug, followed by him announcing that he was “friend of the ladies” on the phone. It’s not that much of a stretch that the mission ended up being a success; as a matter of fact, we’re sure that you would not have it any other way.
“Anonymous Was a Woman” was an episode strongly anchored by Muse Watson’s performance, which is probably all the more impressive when you consider that he was not even around in the world of the living, but why didn’t we see much of this before? There are times when “NCIS” and other shows tend to act retroactively in order to suit the needs of their story, and this was one of them. It’s probably the weakest episode of the season over all; still passable, but the show has done better and this is not the time for them to begin getting into a slump. Grade: C.
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Photo: CBS
weatherlywatcher49
October 18, 2013 @ 1:36 am
I truly don’t understand how you could give this NCIS episode a C unless you are just completely bitter over Ziva not being around to save the day, or having the Tiva crap forced in at least twice. This was a great episode. It was the type of tv show that gets you thinking about things that you may not be aware of that is truly going on in the world. It makes you feel for each and every one of those women, as well as Gibbs, Tony, McGee as they watched this and Mike as he tried to help them when he was alive. And amongst the tragedy, we also got the funny moments – but not funny moments that put anyone down and made them look stupid. We finally get Gunny Gibbs back. We finally get McGee out from behind the desk – and why shouldn’t we expect more of it? We get competent, caring Tony back instead of the buffoon sidekick he became once all the Tiva crap started. We got an angry Ducky, who was sickened by what he saw and cheered Gibbs and the others on. We saw the reconnection of Tony and Gibbs, and Tony and McGee. and even Tony and Jimmy. FINALLY, FINALLY, FINALLY, we get to see Tony interacting with these people instead of Ziva all the time. Now if we could just get some of the scenes with Abby back, or Ducky. I feel like the NCIS that I fell in love with is FINALLY back!!!!! Thank you Steven Binder for writing this beautiful episode. Thank you Mark Harmon, Michael Weatherly, Sean Murray, and the rest of the cast for your wonderful acting. Now we get to see your talents shine once again! Don’t listen to what this crazy reviewer had to say. He wouldn’t know a good NCIS episode if it slapped him in his face. He needs a Gibbs slap. Can’t wait for next week!
Baby
October 16, 2013 @ 1:26 pm
“It’s probably the weakest episode of the season over all”.
Where’s your heart? Where is you brain? Lost in Ziva/tiva’s cr*p!
This was one of the best NCIS episode ever.
Perfectly written by a fantastic writer and perfectly played by an amazingly talented cast and guest cast.
I’ve just watched it and I still have tears in my eyes.
So deep, emotional, true and heartbreaking.
All characters in-character and even better than in the past (before Ziva).
Nothing was wrong.
The excitment, the action, the emotions, the humor, the smiles, the pain, the anger, the tears.
Everything was written in the right moment and played in the right way.
GG was right. There’s a fresh air on NCIS.
It’s clear that now writers and actors feel free to express their talent
without being forced to write/play something (tiva scenes/wonder woman
Ziva) that didn’t/doesn’t belong to the show.
THIS IS NCIS!!!