Source: Poptimal — by Allison Toner, May 25 2010
If you’re not watching NCIS Los Angeles, you’re missing out.NCIS LA, the spin off of NCIS (Naval Criminal Investigative Service) has become a huge hit even though it’s in its first season. This new CBS show stands on its own—you don’t have to be a fan of the original NCIS to enjoy this action packed show. You’ll tune in to see great looking actors, likeable characters, strong writing featuring sarcastic and witty dialogue, the backdrop of LA beaches plus lots of awesome cutting edge technology…what else could you want?
NCIS LA, a branch of NCIS, and also known as the Office of Special Projects (OSP) is appointed with the monumental task of capturing dangerous individuals who pose serious threats to national security.
One of the most important aspects of NCIS LA and what makes it one of my new favorites is the rapport and chemistry of the ensemble cast. The group meshes well together and its snappy and amusing banter keeps the show extremely entertaining and the viewer wanting more. Not only are they taking down the bad guys and dedicated to each other but they mix in laughter and other fun activities like, believe it or not, karaoke nights.
Special Agent G. Callen (Chris O’Donnell) is quite the chameleon, playing any role necessary to help with the case. Although one sore spot for Callen is his background—he grew up in numerous foster homes and doesn’t know anything about his family or even what his first name is (he is simply called “G”).
Callen’s partner is Special Agent Sam Hanna (LL Cool J), a former U.S. Navy Seal who saw time in both in Afghanistan and Iraq. A real tough guy and also super intelligent, a master of many languages. The duo know each other extremely well and sometimes they affectionately bicker like an old married couple. For example:
Sam: You’ve never gotten a single birthday card?
Callen: Nope… What? It’s not a big deal.
Sam: I’m definitely getting you a birthday card this year.
Callen: Great. Make sure you put some money in it.
Sam: How about a personality in it?
Henrietta “Hetty” Lange (Linda Hunt) is the petite den mother of the team, with connections to higher ups in the government, plus the controller of nifty gadgets, clothes and cars. Don’t underestimate her because of her size—Hetty is a spitfire and will quickly put the agents in their place but she also has a soft spot for and is devoted to her agents.
Special Agent Kensi Blye (Daniela Ruah) is a strong and feisty woman with a girl next-door type of charm who always seems to be in the middle of the action scenes. Relatable dating woes seem to constantly plague Kensi. Nate Getz (Peter Cambor) is the team’s psychologist. He is smart but somewhat dorky and constantly desires to be in the field with the other agents and carry a gun. Add in the final member, Eric Beal (Barrett Foa), the high-tech wiz who is at the same time a surfing beach bum, shorts and sandals kind of guy.
In a recent episode, Callen perfectly described his team: “Sam sees the glass as half full. I see it half empty. That’s why we make a good team. Kensi, on the other hand, drinks right out of the bottle. Nate wonders why it has to be a glass and Eric usually breaks the glass by putting his feet on the table.”
NCIS LA is a can’t miss show! It’s definitely become a must see for me each week. The season one finale airs Tuesday night at 9 pm on CBS…check it out!
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Photographs courtesy of CBS, Sonja Flemming, and Monty Brinton.