NCIS: Los Angeles season 8, episode 16 review: Callen’s family; saying goodbye
The mission tonight revolved around the disappearance of a military veteran, and someone who was previously within a senior citizen home. This, in turn, brought us the sensational Eddie and Ginger, played wonderfully by Debra Jo Rupp and Martin Mull. While the two were not connected in every way to the central story of the night, they were still all sorts of fun. The two were scam artists, and had a thing for coming into senior citizens and ripping off veterans. Despite their questionable way of doing business, the two proved themselves to be rather hilarious, and then also a little bit of a resource to Kensi and Deeks.
Are the two a look into the future for the two? We don’t see that, though we do know that there are some people online who’ve discussed that here and there. This was more of just a fun diversion from some of the more serious stuff in the episode, which included Beale and Nell getting a chance bond amidst everything that they’ve been through in the past year. Nell also told him that she was still seeing Nate, but as a psychologist.
As far as main stories go, this one proved to be rather interesting.
As for Callen…
Seeing a course of family confessions can be fun, but in this present circumstance, we found this one almost a tear-jerker. After spending so much of the series being a little bit more of a loner, tonight marked an opportunity for him to expand his social circle and his family group. In turn, we had the chance to see him start to find a little bit of happiness. This was something that’s been a long time coming for the character, but was certainly worthwhile.
Remembering Miguel Ferrer
This is something that the show gave us a tribute to at the end of the episode, and they handled this every bit as well as they could have all things considered. It was simple, but at the same time also effective and it worked well within the flow of the episode. After some comedy and a heartfelt moment for Callen, it felt right to end on something a little bit softer and reflective. We can only imagine what it was like filming that scene with Hetty and the empty bed where Granger once was.
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Overall, “Old Tricks” was a nice return to typical form for the series after the mole arc — which still technically has some gas in the tank. This was fun at times, but also emotional at others. Grade: B.
Next time – For some further details on the next new NCIS: Los Angeles episode, be sure to head over to the link here.
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March 10, 2017 @ 3:41 am
Enjoyed the episode, especially the way they handled Miguel’s exit–classy and emotional without being maudlin. I’m sure Granger would have approved. The rest of the episode was fun. Especially liked the scene between Callen and his dad with Paley in the trunk. The retirement scenes with Densi and the con artists were cute, but the cane fight was a little ridiculous (I could have grabbed that cane in about 5 seconds). Glad Callen and his dad finally decide to tell Alex the truth. Liked the coins in both stories and the flashback. Hope Alex doesn’t appear in many more episodes (her “son” makes Bar look like an Oscar winner). I’d much rather see Callen and Sam or Callen and Anna (and a little of his dad). Looking forward to Callen’s date next episode and Sam’s undercover assignment.
Catherine Betham
March 6, 2017 @ 2:20 am
I loved the way Granger was handled he went off into the mist and out on his terms. Much like Miguel Ferrer.
Densi was great, back in the field. And even if it was a small part, they are back in sync. Enjoyed Eric Christian Olsen with Martin Mull playing poker. All four, including Daniela Ruah and Debra Jo Rupp were fun.
As for Callen, I wish they would spend more time with his Dad and sister and stop craming Bar Paly down our throats. There is this great story to be told instead we get forced chemistry that doesn’t exist between Callen and Anna.