‘NCIS’ season 12 debate: Where has the buzz gone for CBS’ biggest drama?

More news -Tomorrow night, there is a new episode of “NCIS” season 12 on CBS, but is anyone really talking about it, or excited to see exactly what happens?

This has been a strange season for CBS as a whole so far. The ratings for almost every one of their shows is down by a pretty good margin; “The Big Bang Theory” has lost some steam, “NCIS: Los Angeles” has faded on Monday nights, and “Elementary” looks like it is barely keeping their head above water.

“NCIS” is meant to be the constant, and in some ways, it has a few things to be proud about. It continues to be the network’s most-watched show, and is a syndication monster all around the world. Being the most-watched TV show globally is an honor that only a few shows can attest to having over the past decade or so.

With all of this being said, why is there a problem right now? It comes mostly from what we feel is a sea change in programming right now. In the internet age, the Netflix age, and the age of having a billion shows on your DVR, life is harder for a procedural. It is even harder for one that doesn’t feel like it is bringing anything new to the table.

Let’s recount where we are right now with season 12: The Tony character has regressed since losing Ziva, and we’re not just saying that because we were a fan of Cote de Pablo’s character. The whole dating storylines just don’t feel natural. Meanwhile, nothing is happening new for Gibbs, we haven’t seen McGee’s girlfriend Delilah once, and most of the Bishop stories revolve around her either being a probie, or having a husband who we have not even met yet.

Then, there is the matter of staging a good villain. While “The Mentalist” had Red John, “Criminal Minds” recently had the Replicator, and “Castle” had Bracken, this show has not produced a worthy adversary in a while that gives you someone specific to fear, but also look forward to seeing. Parsa last season wasn’t even that terrifying. They need a more dynamic adversary, and someone who really challenges these people.

Basically, this show feels now like it has been on for 12 years. The stories are too comfortable, often lacking in great moments, and don’t seem like they are challenging anyone as much as they could. This is a show with a golden opportunity to do amazing things! You have a very talented cast, and writers who we’ve seen put out great episodes over the years. There were a few good ones near the end of season 11 that started to make us think we were going in a great direction.

At this point, though, “NCIS” needs to take a quick look at itself going into the second half of its season, and realize it can and needs to do more than just being a really good example of a solid procedural. It’s being forgotten about, and whenever it does leave the air, we don’t want to see it happen with a whimper.

We’re going to have more news on the show, including a preview for tomorrow night’s episode, soon. Stay tuned, and click here to see all of our other recent “NCIS” coverage. Also, sign up now if you want to get further TV updates on all we cover via our CarterMatt Newsletter. (Photo via CBS.)

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