Post by Llyan (Admin) on Feb 11, 2017 2:56:14 GMT
Nature of the Beast - (9.1)
W. Gary Glasberg
D. Tony Wharmby
OAD: 9.1.2001
LONG LONG LONG - sorry 'bout that but I just couldn't condense.
Having read a lot of comments since 9pm last night I know there are mixed reviews, so I guess I should offer this warning: I. LOVED. IT! I'm very fond of Tony and or Gibbs episodes and this was no exception. I think that what we were presented with is going setting up the season where Team Gibbs does have to work together "in a way they never have before" - and this looks like it will include Director Vance and even Secretary of the Navy Jarvis.
Having read a few comments that the show should stick to what the real NCIS does, I went to the official NCIS website and found that the show actually is sticking to real life canon.
The NCIS Mission:
The NCIS mission is to investigate and defeat criminal, terrorist, and foreign intelligence threats to the United States Navy and Marine Corps, wherever they operate, ashore or afloat.
Since our new nemesis' are apparently trying to sell US secrets to the highest foreign bidder, killed a US Navy officer and at least 1 NCIS agent this does fall under the auspices of NCIS.
Is it pushing the envelope a bit? Up for individual interpretation. But it's not out of the agency's purview.
I thought Michael gave a performance that even eclipsed his "owing it" in Truth or Consequences and Baltimore.
Initial reactions:
Teaser/ACT I: OMG!
ACT II: WOW!
ACT III: Add in: Heart rate up
ACT IV: Add in Sweaty Palms
ACT V: Add in AWESOME
PHOOFS:
ACT I: Tony/Gibbs
ACT II: Gibbs
ACT III: Tony
ACT IV: Tony and Abby
ACT V: Gibbs
Movies/TV:
Red Badge of Courage (shiny new badge of courage comment)
Angels with Dirty Faces
Dragnet - Tony's mention of Joe Friday.
Possibly Animal House. "Don't stop her, she's on a roll" is such a common phrase that it never dawned on me that Tony was referencing a movie.
McNicknames:
McWorrywart.
Ziva-isms:
1. Upon Gibbs handing Ziva her regular NCIS badge after her Probationary year is over:
Ziva: Tonight we should all go out and celebrate.
McGee: You mean a Whetting Down
Z: No, there is no wedding, Palmer's not getting married until next spring.
Gibbs: It's called a whetting down, David. It means "you're paying".
2. Ziva to Tony: You and Ray are cut from the same quilt.
Gibbs: Cloth.
TEASER:
* Dr Rachel Cranston (Kate's sister for anyone who didn't see S8's A Man Walks into a Bar) steps off an elevator - no, not Gibbs Office - to be met by Gibbs who is anxious/agitated/hurried.
Rare that we see him like this so it was a bit disconcerting.
He's talking about "him" being found unconscious in an ally, with a single GSW to the chest and a concussion.
Knew right away that it was Tony (those pesky episode descriptions, don't you know).
* Just outside Tony's room there was an IV stand - possibly used on DiNozzo.
Edit: There is one in his room too, it’s over by the window.
* Given that Gibbs called in Rachel it appears that Gibbs is listed as Tony's Next of Kin - at least for medical reasons. Not surprising really given the unpredictability of "Senior".
* WHOA! Seeing DiNozzo sitting on the side of his hospital bed in a hospital gown and robe was a bit disconcerting. Face/forehead had bruising and he was rather out of it being even more "Tony" with is chatter than normal. He's messing with something he's holding. I think he was talking nonsense so he could delay having to talk about anything of substance.
Tony has a nickname for Rachel: "Dr Kate's Sister". Offers her an "Appletini" (box of apple juice) and "lime Jello shots" (green Jello).
He's all over the place verbally.
She's surprised to see him sitting on the side of his bed after Gibbs GSW statement.
G: I didn't say they were successful.
Rachel notices what Tony has been fidgeting with and comments.
R: Looks like the vest saved your life.
T: You could say I'm well INvested. In VEST we trust. Go VEST young man.
God that was hard (in a good way) to watch. We've seen Tony with "issues" before but this took that to a whole new level.
* Gibbs leaves saying he's going to get Tony's clothes. I think it was so he could give Rachel a few minutes to assess her patient. It's clear she's been read in because she points out that 2 shell casings were found in the alley where he was found but no slugs and no body, though there was a lot of blood. She asks who he shot and gets no response. When Gibbs returns we get to the crux of the matter.
T: You got me pizza, Boss?
Brought back the memory of Gibbs bringing Tony pizza when he was in trouble before (comfort food) in Frame Up.
This time it's not pizza but a box containing the clothes Tony was wearing when whatever went down went down.
Gibbs pulls a bloody badge from the jacket Tony had been wearing. Not Tony's. His is laying on the bedside table along with is ID.
Tony finally (heart dropped) answers the question. Looks at Gibbs? Looks at Rachel? and says: "I need your help. I don't know. I can't remember any of it.
* He looked so lost that I just wanted to reach into the screen and take care of him.
ACT I:
* Tony's pacing. Gibbs isn't sure he should be doing it. He's trying to piece it together but can only remember he was following orders but can't remember who gave the order. Gibbs supplies: "SecNav".
Had to smile just a little when Rachel called him out on answering for Tony.
G: I'm trying to help here.
With Tony unable to unlock his memories Rachel asks Gibbs if the rest of the team is accounted for. He doesn't know since it's after midnight.
* How's this for a bit of tension? When Tony apologizes saying he was following orders Gibbs gets a bit snippy.
G: Not MY orders.
R: That's not fair Gibbs.
G: It's the truth.
Oh yes! She kicks him out. But Gibbs being Gibbs and living up to that 2nd "B" has to get in a parting shot.
G: “Hey, knock yourself out” - tosses bloody badge on Tony's bed – “no pun intended”.
C'mon Gibbs. Your teammate is injured and suffering emotionally. You knew (this time) that your agent was being used by a higher up and you have to behave that way?
Rachel waits until he's gone and then asks Tony to tell her about his assignment - from the beginning.
* MAY
Tony playing a round of golf with the SecNav. (Did anyone recognize the clubhouse? I know I've seen it but can't place the name.)
It's pretty clear that Tony is wary and that the 2 men don't really like one another despite Jarvis indicating otherwise. He's good. Really good at manipulation by compliment. DiNozzo's a good agent. Not afraid to get his hands dirty. Knows what it takes to get the job done.
He firmly slams the door when Tony suggests that the team - his team - could be of help.
Jarvis: You saw the photo. You know who the problem is. Make it happen.
* I really feel bad for Tony for getting used by a higher up again but at least this time it isn't personal. Anyway, for now the team will be in the dark.
Still May.
* "Ziver" now a journeyman agent. Her year-long probationary period is over.
1. One who has fully served an apprenticeship in a trade or craft and is a qualified worker in another's employ.
2. An experienced and competent but undistinguished worker.
When Gibbs came in bearing the news she was writing an email to Ray to make him smile - in case he got the opportunity to read it.
It read in part:
I miss you. Write when you can. I'm making something.....
Men are not in the ....
McGee congratulates her on her becoming a Special Agent.
Tony enters and congratulates her too. She tells him they're now equals but he's subdued and tells her to be careful of what she wishes for.
* Time for a celebration.
Tim: You mean a whetting down?
Ziva: No, there is not a wedding. Palmer is not getting married until next spring.
In a display that Tony is distracted he doesn't correct her. Gibbs does.
G: It's called a Whetting Down, David. It means you pay.
She suggests someplace fun and when McGee suggests a gaming bar he just gets looked at by Gibbs and Ziva. Never mind. Asks Tony what he thinks. He can't join them, has "homework" to do but tells her to have a good time, that she deserves it. He leaves carrying a smallish flat box with him.
Gibbs sits there but looks concerned.
* Firing range. Tony is getting prepared for "live fire" when Gibbs walks up (he does have a habit of following his Senior Field Agent).
Tony tries to be his normal self but Gibbs sees right through it. Gibbs knows that Tony is on a special assignment from the SecNav (Vance filled him in) and tells him to keep his eyes open. Tony responds that he has eyes in the back of his head and that he learned from the best.
G: You haven't learned everything. I'd have told him to forget it. (Advantage of being the Lead Agent)
It's clear that Tony is troubled. Became a cop because he thought there were clear lines; good/bad, right/wrong. Those lines have become blurred for him.
Whoa! The "commence firing" order comes and Tony takes 7 shots before the "ceasefire order comes". 2 sets of perfect groupings. 5 in the chest. 2 in the head.
ACT II:
* Hospital.
Tony is very shaky as he's pouring himself a cup of water as the conversation with Rachel continues. She draws him out - pointing out that he's killed before (big responsibility) and asks if he was prepared to do it again.
This is where his memory gets dicey. Tells her that who his target was was presented to him in a photo. She asks who.
T: - dripping with sarcasm - Well sweetheart, if I could remember that we wouldn't be her, would we?
R: I'm not your sweetheart. Try harder. Liked that she kept her tone professional.
T: I AM trying (gritted teeth)
His struggles really touched me. Watching Tony trying to put his memory back together was painful - but Michael was a joy to watch.
* Rachel has done her research. When he tells her that she doesn't know him she gives him a few facts, including that she remembers his comment about "that kid in Baltimore" and his relationships with Kate and Ziva and even Jeanne Benoit.
Oh Yeah! Looks like we might re-visit the "kid in Baltimore" since it was brought up twice now (AMWIAB).
* Unfortunately for Tony and those trying to help him, he destroyed the photo of the person he was assigned to "handle". Him having that photo stowed somewhere would have been helpful but destroying it was probably best for the mission to stay secret.
* Past.
Ziva trying to have a conversation w/Tony but he's doing his normal evasive thing. She tries to push his buttons by talking about going on vacation to South America to visit a friend - he asks if CI-Ray has anything to be worried about. No Ray is safe from worrying because her friend is a woman. Tony puts on earphones (wonder what he was listening to?) Ziva pulls them off his ears and tells him she doesn't need to know what he's working on but to look after himself. With the deaths of Levin and Franks and EJ leaving, NCIS has already lost a lot.
* Hospital.
Rachel points out that his team is just concerned about him. He agrees and says they were trying to put the puzzle together.
Nice segue to Gibbs and Ducky conversation - obviously took place near the beginning of Tony's assignment back in May.
Ducky is unusually reticent. Tells Gibbs about finding the postmortem cut on Levin's arm and about checking the security footage to see what happened. Tells him about EJ (and her having the same affinity for retractable knives as Gibbs). (Tony has one too, almost identical to Gibbs' - Flesh and Blood.)
Timing of Tony's assignment is too much NOT to be connected.
* Past.
Vance and Gibbs. Gibbs barges into Vance's office as usual and points out that Tony is HIS responsibility. Vance counters with DiNozzo being HIS responsibility - they're both technically right but we all know what Gibbs means. Vance says he's known Jarvis for 20 years and trusts him.
* Meanwhile down in Abby-ville Abby, Tim and Ziva are looking at the security footage of Tony looking at "something" - they can tell it's a photo but can't see who's in it.
McGee thinks it looks like a woman. Abby thinks it looks like a male hairy pirate.
Only McGee is uncomfortable spying on his teammate.
* EARLY JUNE.
Well, that didn't take long. Gibbs confronts Jarvis. I like how he did this. In a public place where Jarvis couldn't put up much of a fuss.
It's a very quiet showdown.
J: You get DiNozzo back when I'm done with him.
(I don't think Jarvis gave a damn if Tony made it out alive as long as he completed the mission).
G: What if he doesn't make it back? (Took my breath away)
J: Sounds like you know more about this mission than you should.
G: No Sir, I've just been there, many times, myself.
NRG likes. More parallels between Gibbs and Tony have been teased over the seasons and this is another one.
* Helluva interruption. Naval officer stumbles into their conversation. He's bloody and has had something sliced out of his left arm near the wrist. Capt Felix Wright, friend of the SecNav. Dead.
ACT III:
* Jimmy! He just can't help himself. When Ducky wonders out loud about what Vance, Gibbs and Jarvis are talking about Jimmy suggest they're chatting about how to get out blood stains and starts talking about methods. With a look from Ducky he gets serious and says they're talking about the cut out chip.
* Jarvis says that Wright was DoD and tells Gibbs and Vance that Wright deaths is to remain "compartmentalized". Gibbs confirms Jimmy's thoughts - that Wright's cut is the same as Levin's.
Woo Hoo Vance. He waits until Jarvis is out of earshot and tells Gibbs to have McGee and David look into a connection between Levin and Wright and to keep it on the DL (Down Low). He doesn't have any info on the microchip.
* Hospital.
Tony in bed playing at watching an old black and white movie as Rachel continues to try to draw out his memories.
I like how she let him drift at times before she brought him back to the subject. She asks what he said to Gibbs about not being at Wright's crime scene. Nothing. Didn't have to. Gibbs knew about his assignment and sees everything.
* Loved that Tony was still fidgety - fingering his badge. This whole scene was one when I had my hands up over my mouth. Tony talking about his mom was just about my undoing and his obvious distress at talking about her was heartbreaking.
When she was dying the movie Angels with Dirty Faces was playing on the TV.
(insert: He remembered the movie and who was in it but got the Priest role wrong. It came to me that it might be the one old movie that he hasn't seen since then. Maybe it's just too hard to watch since it brings up memories of him mom's death.)
Anyway: Tony talking about this time in his life, when he was just 8 had to be hard. We know what his life was like afterward; boarding schools, summer camps and only rare contact with his dad.
Rachel lets him talk then turns off the TV and gently prods him back to his mission. He tells her the pieces weren't fitting together. Needed to see EJ.
Rachel asks if SHE was the one in the photo.
No direct answer.
JULY
* EJ getting ready to head to Kiawa Island (thanks NCISJJ for the correction. My spell check was OK with how I spelled originally spelled it.) when Tony catches up with her.
Wondering if EJ going to Kiawa was a trap - being sent there so she could be killed and the chip retrieved.
* At the time Tony knew it wasn't EJ in the photo but didn't know her involvement.
T: I don't know what you're mixed up in but people are looking for you. People who don't have the same personal investment as yours truly.
I'm SO glad that she decided to trust him and not get on that helicopter.
* Recent past.
HQ. McGee and Gibbs.
McGee has made the connection between Levin and Wright. Both worked for the ONI (Office of Naval Intelligence) in a Special Operations department for a man named Sean Latham. He ran/runs Secret Vessel Ops (spy ships) called "The Watcher Fleet". Spies spying on spies.
* Hospital.
Uh Oh! This guy made those little hairs on the back of my neck stand up and I'm glad Gibbs was playing Watch Dog (Tony's loyal St Bernard?) outside Tony's room. Says his name is FBI Agent Stratton and he wants to talk to Tony. HAH! Right. Not a chance. Gibbs all but pushes him physically into the elevator. Presses the number for the 1st floor number and watches as the doors close.
* Past - probably July.
EJ fulfilling a promise to Levin. He told her to take the chip and get it to the right people.
Tony suspicious. Gets her to tell who she was taking it to. Navy Capt Felix Wright. He gives her the bad news about Wright being dead.
Looks like EJ is a good guy after all. Someone starts firing at them. They manage to escape with shot out windows in Tony company car.
ACT IV:
* Hospital.
Rachel suggests that EJ was the one in the photo. She does this to push Tony a bit to force the repressed memories a bit - get the endorphins going to make him angry to trigger his memory. Says he likes hot women who carry guns. He says "who doesn't like hot women who carry guns?" and this brings them back to EJ.
* Recent Past.
Abby-ville. The chip is an RFID tag. Old because they were rusting – and painful. Inserted into both Levin and Wright at the same approximate time. They're "door openers".
* Meet Sean Latham. (Edit to include whole conversation)
Latham: Gayne Levin and Felix Wright worked for me as part of a program called Phantom 8. An 8 man squad that tried to preemptively influence international acts of terrorism.
Gibbs: Stop em before they happen.
Latham: Each operative was tagged with a microchip, a pass key giving them access worldwide to the Watcher database.
SecNav: Wave their arm over a secure laptop, download sensitive information our enemies would pay top dollar for.
Latham: When Levin was killed ONI's intention was to remove his chip immediately. Fortunately, one of your agents got to him first.
Vance: And you think Agent Barrett is involved.
Latham: We don't want to risk finding out.
Gibbs: Why are you sharing this with me?
(good question - to "gaslight" him is my guess. Make him see what they want him to see.)
SecNav: We now believe she's working internally with someone else.
Gibbs: You want to know who.
SecNav: We're already looking Gibbs. Find her. Find the microchips. It's a matter of national security.
(Already looking - Tony who's tracking EJ so she can help him lure out the guy (Cade) in the photo.)
* September.
Gibbs appears to be locking his door but unless Tony has a key it's not working to keep people out.
EJ and Tony waiting on him.
EJ: Hi Gibbs.
Tony: Boss? We need your help.
Gibbs: Um Hm. After you cook dinner.
(Love he knows that Tony can cook)
Tony telling a Franks story - seems the 2 spent some time together in the past - about being in a bar when some badass drug dealers come in. "3 of the deadliest drug dealers in Mexico come into the bar and say...
Gibbs: (doing a helluva great impression of his former "boss") Cervesas(sp) for my Amigos. If I'm dead put it on my tab, Probie.
Layla and Amira are living nearby now - Gibbs said this as almost as an aside.
* LOVED THIS!
EJ: You don't trust anyone, do you Gibbs?
Gibbs: Yea, I do. I just make them earn it.
Big implication that EJ HAS earned his trust. By coming "in" with Tony, asking for his help and giving him the chip she's done that. Not to mention the last conversation they had when he told her "Come back any time Agent Barrett" in Pyramid.
* Dinner eaten and conversation had, EJ pulls out the evidence jar containing the chip. When Gibbs asks if she knows what it is she says No and she doesn't want to. Per Levin's instructions to her she was suppose to give it to Wright.
Jarvis a suspect.
Cade a suspect.
* EJ going to try to get Cade back to DC.
* Hospital.
NCIS is part of who Tony is.
Rachel likens Tony's team to his family. He dispels this notion. Team more reliable than his family (father). Suggests that she'd understand if she ever met him. She'd like that. He suspects his father would too.
(Really hope this is NOT the last we've see of Rachel)
* Oh Boy! Stratton got past Gibbs (where did he go?). Seems taken aback that Tony is on his feet and has company. He's trying to be smooth but not pulling it off. Tony breaks out in a cold sweat. Rachel notices. I noticed too and it gave me the chills.
Rachel calls Gibbs and Stratton makes a very hasty exit after telling Tony that he's glad that he's alive. Now why didn't I believe that? Skin crawling.
* September - possibly a day or two ago.
Tony comes in from the cold.
McGee express his relief. Tony calls him McWorrywart.
Ziva tells Tony that he and Ray are cut from the same Quilt.
G: Cloth, same cloth.
Tony tells Gibbs to let her go - she's on a roll.
She tries to get him to talk about his mission and says that EJ's the one in the photo "is she not?".
He tells her she knows he can't answer that.
She doesn't look pleased with that answer.
EDIT: What was in the envelope Tony handed Gibbs - “Here ya go, Boss”?
* OK this was odd even with her panic. Tony's been gone for weeks and Abs doesn't even acknowledge that he's "home". She got a text message video of Cade of himself pleading for help. Someone is after him.
ACT V:
* Hospital.
Kinda figured, but good to have my own gut verified - Gibbs called Fornell. Stratton is not a Fibbie.
* Gibbs has Rachel "take a break" but she has parting words for him after she tells him she's going for her 6th cup of coffee for the evening.
It took me 4 viewings but I FINALLY caught what Gibbs said to her: "Lightweight".
R: Ruin all my hard work and I'll kill you.
G: Copy that.
Now that's a good doctor. Gibbs might be Gibbs but Rachel's 1st and only priority was the health of her patient.
* Gibbs comes back in bearing Tony's brass from the alley shooting. Tony tries to talk but Gibbs cuts him off.
G: Shut up and listen DiNozzo!
Tells him that Abby is running DNA from the blood at the scene. 2 types OTHER than Tony's.
Gibbs really needs to know who Tony was handling.
* Back in time - but not far, probably days ago.
Tony confronts Jarvis at the golf club where they played months before.
Jarvis has a rule:
Don't take work personally.
Tony gives him a few back - including a new Gibbs rule.
Tony: Rule #3: Never believe what you're told (double check).
Jarvis: What are you insinuating?
Tony: Rule #5: Don't waste good.
Jarvis: In other words, I'm wasting your time.
Tony: Then there's Rule #36, If you feel like you're being played you probably are.
He demands to be let off the assignment. He feels like he's too close.
Jarvis tells him it's the "Nature of the Beast".
Tony responds that it's NOT a request - "Take me off this assignment or I resign from NCIS.
Jarvis doesn't budge, gets into Tony's face and recites another of his rules.
Don't screw with me. I own you. Know it. Accept it.
- Whoa! That gave me chills right down to my toes.
Tells Tony he's OB (??) and to get lost.
EDIT: Thanks to NCISJJ - OB is a golf term that means Out of Bounds.
Thanks to jsusna who pointed it out too.
* And just when I thought that was bad enough, Jarvis walks over the the clubhouse patio and sits down with Sean Latham.
Latham: DiNozzo's not handling this as well as you thought. Implied that Tony might need to be sacrificed (killed) along with the person he's handling.
* Hospital.
Tony says he was blindsided. EJ Blindsided.
* The alley the night (last night it seems) that this all came down.
EJ is there. Cade comes out from the shadows and he and EJ hug. Tony comes out from the shadows and tells EJ to step away from him. Then tells Cade that he killed Wright. Cade confused. Came to DC due to a message from EJ. Came to alley after getting a text from her.
EJ didn't send it. She got a text from Tony saying they should all meet there. Tony didn't send it. Tony got the same text from EJ. EJ didn't send one to Tony either.
They were all set up.
* All hell breaks loose.
Cade shot in chest and goes down.
EJ shot in lower chest - below heart from the freeze frame I did - and goes down.
Tony shot in upper chest and goes down (hitting his head when he fell). His eyes close.
* Hospital.
Tony's weapon was fired but he didn't shoot anyone. Cade's body was found in the Potomac. Shots from Tony's gun were postmortem.
Tony believes EJ to be dead too. Gibbs says they haven't found her body. Something tells me that Gibbs knows where she is. Maybe with her Uncle - former Secretary of the Navy Phillip Davenport. Maybe in a small hospital in Pennsylvania?
* Photo in file was of Cade. Tony knew it wasn't EJ. He needed her help to draw out Cade (thus "blood on Tony's hands" - he got EJ to lure him out - to his death). SecNav was positive it was Cade.
Question: Where'd he get his intel?
* Rachel's "doctoring" helps Tony to remember who the alley shooter was - Stratton.
This is NOT good. Stratton shot Tony. Tony saw him do it. Nope, this is not good at all. Until he's caught Tony's gonna have to watch his back 24/7.
* Vance office.
Gibbs puts Cade's badge (now cleaned up) and the evidence jar with the RFID tag in it on Vance's desk.
In attendance: Lathem and Jarvis.
Gibbs makes a vow to find out who Stratton really is - "Lots of blood shed".
Tells Vance, SecNav and Latham that Stratton tried to kill DiNozzo twice - alley and then came to the hospital to finish the job.
Latham: DiNozzo is alive, Mr Secretary. I guess you got lucky.
AND THE LIGHTBULB WENT ON HIGH BEAM! Just the way he said that put me on high alert. I think Gibbs was suspicious too.
* Ship at sea.
Guy comes down ladder (steps). He holds his wrist up to a sensor by a Secure door. Latham.
Inside already is Stratton.
Jarvis not in on this because Latham comments that Jarvis is none the wiser.
It looks like EJ is still alive because Latham and Stratton don't have her.
Latham asks Stratton if he's "found the girl". Not yet. Latham orders: Find her.
They're ready to get down to business. Latham brought the RFID and the two men are ready to open the bidding to 4 or 5 "potential buyers" for the 2 chips they have - Wright's and Levin's.
* Gibbs turned the microchip over to Latham. He got played too.
* Gibbs basement. Opens Mike Franks box of treats. He pulls out a file marked Phantom 8. Levin is in the photo and so is Latham.
EDIT: Jem pointed out that Stratton was in photo too. I even freeze framed but didn't spot him because I was thinking he was too young.
Edited in Notes:
* When Tony is getting his gun ready (the one he puts in the box) at his desk there's an Ohio State Football player photo on the cube wall behind his chair. It's from a Buckeye v Wolverines game (recognize the uniforms).
* Jethro may be techno virgin but Ducky isn't. Love the new large plasma screen in autopsy and that he knows how to use it.
* Tony may have been looking at the movie playing on the TV but he wasn't really watching. When Rachel turned it off he didn't even blink.
* Several people besides Tony (and possibly the team and Vance and SecNav) are in danger. 2 of the Phantom 8 are dead (Levin and Wright), 2 are the traitors (Latham and Stratton). This leave 4 more who, if still alive, need to be brought into the loop. Perhaps protective custody.
* Something I should have said in my OP. Gary did a helluva a job on this script. His interpretation of the characters is outstanding, very DPB-esque.
* On yet another viewing I spotted something in Abby's lab. Blink and you'll miss it. When Abbs is telling Tim about the microchips there's a quick shot of a photo of Abby and Simon Cade.
W. Gary Glasberg
D. Tony Wharmby
OAD: 9.1.2001
LONG LONG LONG - sorry 'bout that but I just couldn't condense.
Having read a lot of comments since 9pm last night I know there are mixed reviews, so I guess I should offer this warning: I. LOVED. IT! I'm very fond of Tony and or Gibbs episodes and this was no exception. I think that what we were presented with is going setting up the season where Team Gibbs does have to work together "in a way they never have before" - and this looks like it will include Director Vance and even Secretary of the Navy Jarvis.
Having read a few comments that the show should stick to what the real NCIS does, I went to the official NCIS website and found that the show actually is sticking to real life canon.
The NCIS Mission:
The NCIS mission is to investigate and defeat criminal, terrorist, and foreign intelligence threats to the United States Navy and Marine Corps, wherever they operate, ashore or afloat.
Since our new nemesis' are apparently trying to sell US secrets to the highest foreign bidder, killed a US Navy officer and at least 1 NCIS agent this does fall under the auspices of NCIS.
Is it pushing the envelope a bit? Up for individual interpretation. But it's not out of the agency's purview.
I thought Michael gave a performance that even eclipsed his "owing it" in Truth or Consequences and Baltimore.
Initial reactions:
Teaser/ACT I: OMG!
ACT II: WOW!
ACT III: Add in: Heart rate up
ACT IV: Add in Sweaty Palms
ACT V: Add in AWESOME
PHOOFS:
ACT I: Tony/Gibbs
ACT II: Gibbs
ACT III: Tony
ACT IV: Tony and Abby
ACT V: Gibbs
Movies/TV:
Red Badge of Courage (shiny new badge of courage comment)
Angels with Dirty Faces
Dragnet - Tony's mention of Joe Friday.
Possibly Animal House. "Don't stop her, she's on a roll" is such a common phrase that it never dawned on me that Tony was referencing a movie.
McNicknames:
McWorrywart.
Ziva-isms:
1. Upon Gibbs handing Ziva her regular NCIS badge after her Probationary year is over:
Ziva: Tonight we should all go out and celebrate.
McGee: You mean a Whetting Down
Z: No, there is no wedding, Palmer's not getting married until next spring.
Gibbs: It's called a whetting down, David. It means "you're paying".
2. Ziva to Tony: You and Ray are cut from the same quilt.
Gibbs: Cloth.
TEASER:
* Dr Rachel Cranston (Kate's sister for anyone who didn't see S8's A Man Walks into a Bar) steps off an elevator - no, not Gibbs Office - to be met by Gibbs who is anxious/agitated/hurried.
Rare that we see him like this so it was a bit disconcerting.
He's talking about "him" being found unconscious in an ally, with a single GSW to the chest and a concussion.
Knew right away that it was Tony (those pesky episode descriptions, don't you know).
* Just outside Tony's room there was an IV stand - possibly used on DiNozzo.
Edit: There is one in his room too, it’s over by the window.
* Given that Gibbs called in Rachel it appears that Gibbs is listed as Tony's Next of Kin - at least for medical reasons. Not surprising really given the unpredictability of "Senior".
* WHOA! Seeing DiNozzo sitting on the side of his hospital bed in a hospital gown and robe was a bit disconcerting. Face/forehead had bruising and he was rather out of it being even more "Tony" with is chatter than normal. He's messing with something he's holding. I think he was talking nonsense so he could delay having to talk about anything of substance.
Tony has a nickname for Rachel: "Dr Kate's Sister". Offers her an "Appletini" (box of apple juice) and "lime Jello shots" (green Jello).
He's all over the place verbally.
She's surprised to see him sitting on the side of his bed after Gibbs GSW statement.
G: I didn't say they were successful.
Rachel notices what Tony has been fidgeting with and comments.
R: Looks like the vest saved your life.
T: You could say I'm well INvested. In VEST we trust. Go VEST young man.
God that was hard (in a good way) to watch. We've seen Tony with "issues" before but this took that to a whole new level.
* Gibbs leaves saying he's going to get Tony's clothes. I think it was so he could give Rachel a few minutes to assess her patient. It's clear she's been read in because she points out that 2 shell casings were found in the alley where he was found but no slugs and no body, though there was a lot of blood. She asks who he shot and gets no response. When Gibbs returns we get to the crux of the matter.
T: You got me pizza, Boss?
Brought back the memory of Gibbs bringing Tony pizza when he was in trouble before (comfort food) in Frame Up.
This time it's not pizza but a box containing the clothes Tony was wearing when whatever went down went down.
Gibbs pulls a bloody badge from the jacket Tony had been wearing. Not Tony's. His is laying on the bedside table along with is ID.
Tony finally (heart dropped) answers the question. Looks at Gibbs? Looks at Rachel? and says: "I need your help. I don't know. I can't remember any of it.
* He looked so lost that I just wanted to reach into the screen and take care of him.
ACT I:
* Tony's pacing. Gibbs isn't sure he should be doing it. He's trying to piece it together but can only remember he was following orders but can't remember who gave the order. Gibbs supplies: "SecNav".
Had to smile just a little when Rachel called him out on answering for Tony.
G: I'm trying to help here.
With Tony unable to unlock his memories Rachel asks Gibbs if the rest of the team is accounted for. He doesn't know since it's after midnight.
* How's this for a bit of tension? When Tony apologizes saying he was following orders Gibbs gets a bit snippy.
G: Not MY orders.
R: That's not fair Gibbs.
G: It's the truth.
Oh yes! She kicks him out. But Gibbs being Gibbs and living up to that 2nd "B" has to get in a parting shot.
G: “Hey, knock yourself out” - tosses bloody badge on Tony's bed – “no pun intended”.
C'mon Gibbs. Your teammate is injured and suffering emotionally. You knew (this time) that your agent was being used by a higher up and you have to behave that way?
Rachel waits until he's gone and then asks Tony to tell her about his assignment - from the beginning.
* MAY
Tony playing a round of golf with the SecNav. (Did anyone recognize the clubhouse? I know I've seen it but can't place the name.)
It's pretty clear that Tony is wary and that the 2 men don't really like one another despite Jarvis indicating otherwise. He's good. Really good at manipulation by compliment. DiNozzo's a good agent. Not afraid to get his hands dirty. Knows what it takes to get the job done.
He firmly slams the door when Tony suggests that the team - his team - could be of help.
Jarvis: You saw the photo. You know who the problem is. Make it happen.
* I really feel bad for Tony for getting used by a higher up again but at least this time it isn't personal. Anyway, for now the team will be in the dark.
Still May.
* "Ziver" now a journeyman agent. Her year-long probationary period is over.
1. One who has fully served an apprenticeship in a trade or craft and is a qualified worker in another's employ.
2. An experienced and competent but undistinguished worker.
When Gibbs came in bearing the news she was writing an email to Ray to make him smile - in case he got the opportunity to read it.
It read in part:
I miss you. Write when you can. I'm making something.....
Men are not in the ....
McGee congratulates her on her becoming a Special Agent.
Tony enters and congratulates her too. She tells him they're now equals but he's subdued and tells her to be careful of what she wishes for.
* Time for a celebration.
Tim: You mean a whetting down?
Ziva: No, there is not a wedding. Palmer is not getting married until next spring.
In a display that Tony is distracted he doesn't correct her. Gibbs does.
G: It's called a Whetting Down, David. It means you pay.
She suggests someplace fun and when McGee suggests a gaming bar he just gets looked at by Gibbs and Ziva. Never mind. Asks Tony what he thinks. He can't join them, has "homework" to do but tells her to have a good time, that she deserves it. He leaves carrying a smallish flat box with him.
Gibbs sits there but looks concerned.
* Firing range. Tony is getting prepared for "live fire" when Gibbs walks up (he does have a habit of following his Senior Field Agent).
Tony tries to be his normal self but Gibbs sees right through it. Gibbs knows that Tony is on a special assignment from the SecNav (Vance filled him in) and tells him to keep his eyes open. Tony responds that he has eyes in the back of his head and that he learned from the best.
G: You haven't learned everything. I'd have told him to forget it. (Advantage of being the Lead Agent)
It's clear that Tony is troubled. Became a cop because he thought there were clear lines; good/bad, right/wrong. Those lines have become blurred for him.
Whoa! The "commence firing" order comes and Tony takes 7 shots before the "ceasefire order comes". 2 sets of perfect groupings. 5 in the chest. 2 in the head.
ACT II:
* Hospital.
Tony is very shaky as he's pouring himself a cup of water as the conversation with Rachel continues. She draws him out - pointing out that he's killed before (big responsibility) and asks if he was prepared to do it again.
This is where his memory gets dicey. Tells her that who his target was was presented to him in a photo. She asks who.
T: - dripping with sarcasm - Well sweetheart, if I could remember that we wouldn't be her, would we?
R: I'm not your sweetheart. Try harder. Liked that she kept her tone professional.
T: I AM trying (gritted teeth)
His struggles really touched me. Watching Tony trying to put his memory back together was painful - but Michael was a joy to watch.
* Rachel has done her research. When he tells her that she doesn't know him she gives him a few facts, including that she remembers his comment about "that kid in Baltimore" and his relationships with Kate and Ziva and even Jeanne Benoit.
Oh Yeah! Looks like we might re-visit the "kid in Baltimore" since it was brought up twice now (AMWIAB).
* Unfortunately for Tony and those trying to help him, he destroyed the photo of the person he was assigned to "handle". Him having that photo stowed somewhere would have been helpful but destroying it was probably best for the mission to stay secret.
* Past.
Ziva trying to have a conversation w/Tony but he's doing his normal evasive thing. She tries to push his buttons by talking about going on vacation to South America to visit a friend - he asks if CI-Ray has anything to be worried about. No Ray is safe from worrying because her friend is a woman. Tony puts on earphones (wonder what he was listening to?) Ziva pulls them off his ears and tells him she doesn't need to know what he's working on but to look after himself. With the deaths of Levin and Franks and EJ leaving, NCIS has already lost a lot.
* Hospital.
Rachel points out that his team is just concerned about him. He agrees and says they were trying to put the puzzle together.
Nice segue to Gibbs and Ducky conversation - obviously took place near the beginning of Tony's assignment back in May.
Ducky is unusually reticent. Tells Gibbs about finding the postmortem cut on Levin's arm and about checking the security footage to see what happened. Tells him about EJ (and her having the same affinity for retractable knives as Gibbs). (Tony has one too, almost identical to Gibbs' - Flesh and Blood.)
Timing of Tony's assignment is too much NOT to be connected.
* Past.
Vance and Gibbs. Gibbs barges into Vance's office as usual and points out that Tony is HIS responsibility. Vance counters with DiNozzo being HIS responsibility - they're both technically right but we all know what Gibbs means. Vance says he's known Jarvis for 20 years and trusts him.
* Meanwhile down in Abby-ville Abby, Tim and Ziva are looking at the security footage of Tony looking at "something" - they can tell it's a photo but can't see who's in it.
McGee thinks it looks like a woman. Abby thinks it looks like a male hairy pirate.
Only McGee is uncomfortable spying on his teammate.
* EARLY JUNE.
Well, that didn't take long. Gibbs confronts Jarvis. I like how he did this. In a public place where Jarvis couldn't put up much of a fuss.
It's a very quiet showdown.
J: You get DiNozzo back when I'm done with him.
(I don't think Jarvis gave a damn if Tony made it out alive as long as he completed the mission).
G: What if he doesn't make it back? (Took my breath away)
J: Sounds like you know more about this mission than you should.
G: No Sir, I've just been there, many times, myself.
NRG likes. More parallels between Gibbs and Tony have been teased over the seasons and this is another one.
* Helluva interruption. Naval officer stumbles into their conversation. He's bloody and has had something sliced out of his left arm near the wrist. Capt Felix Wright, friend of the SecNav. Dead.
ACT III:
* Jimmy! He just can't help himself. When Ducky wonders out loud about what Vance, Gibbs and Jarvis are talking about Jimmy suggest they're chatting about how to get out blood stains and starts talking about methods. With a look from Ducky he gets serious and says they're talking about the cut out chip.
* Jarvis says that Wright was DoD and tells Gibbs and Vance that Wright deaths is to remain "compartmentalized". Gibbs confirms Jimmy's thoughts - that Wright's cut is the same as Levin's.
Woo Hoo Vance. He waits until Jarvis is out of earshot and tells Gibbs to have McGee and David look into a connection between Levin and Wright and to keep it on the DL (Down Low). He doesn't have any info on the microchip.
* Hospital.
Tony in bed playing at watching an old black and white movie as Rachel continues to try to draw out his memories.
I like how she let him drift at times before she brought him back to the subject. She asks what he said to Gibbs about not being at Wright's crime scene. Nothing. Didn't have to. Gibbs knew about his assignment and sees everything.
* Loved that Tony was still fidgety - fingering his badge. This whole scene was one when I had my hands up over my mouth. Tony talking about his mom was just about my undoing and his obvious distress at talking about her was heartbreaking.
When she was dying the movie Angels with Dirty Faces was playing on the TV.
(insert: He remembered the movie and who was in it but got the Priest role wrong. It came to me that it might be the one old movie that he hasn't seen since then. Maybe it's just too hard to watch since it brings up memories of him mom's death.)
Anyway: Tony talking about this time in his life, when he was just 8 had to be hard. We know what his life was like afterward; boarding schools, summer camps and only rare contact with his dad.
Rachel lets him talk then turns off the TV and gently prods him back to his mission. He tells her the pieces weren't fitting together. Needed to see EJ.
Rachel asks if SHE was the one in the photo.
No direct answer.
JULY
* EJ getting ready to head to Kiawa Island (thanks NCISJJ for the correction. My spell check was OK with how I spelled originally spelled it.) when Tony catches up with her.
Wondering if EJ going to Kiawa was a trap - being sent there so she could be killed and the chip retrieved.
* At the time Tony knew it wasn't EJ in the photo but didn't know her involvement.
T: I don't know what you're mixed up in but people are looking for you. People who don't have the same personal investment as yours truly.
I'm SO glad that she decided to trust him and not get on that helicopter.
* Recent past.
HQ. McGee and Gibbs.
McGee has made the connection between Levin and Wright. Both worked for the ONI (Office of Naval Intelligence) in a Special Operations department for a man named Sean Latham. He ran/runs Secret Vessel Ops (spy ships) called "The Watcher Fleet". Spies spying on spies.
* Hospital.
Uh Oh! This guy made those little hairs on the back of my neck stand up and I'm glad Gibbs was playing Watch Dog (Tony's loyal St Bernard?) outside Tony's room. Says his name is FBI Agent Stratton and he wants to talk to Tony. HAH! Right. Not a chance. Gibbs all but pushes him physically into the elevator. Presses the number for the 1st floor number and watches as the doors close.
* Past - probably July.
EJ fulfilling a promise to Levin. He told her to take the chip and get it to the right people.
Tony suspicious. Gets her to tell who she was taking it to. Navy Capt Felix Wright. He gives her the bad news about Wright being dead.
Looks like EJ is a good guy after all. Someone starts firing at them. They manage to escape with shot out windows in Tony company car.
ACT IV:
* Hospital.
Rachel suggests that EJ was the one in the photo. She does this to push Tony a bit to force the repressed memories a bit - get the endorphins going to make him angry to trigger his memory. Says he likes hot women who carry guns. He says "who doesn't like hot women who carry guns?" and this brings them back to EJ.
* Recent Past.
Abby-ville. The chip is an RFID tag. Old because they were rusting – and painful. Inserted into both Levin and Wright at the same approximate time. They're "door openers".
* Meet Sean Latham. (Edit to include whole conversation)
Latham: Gayne Levin and Felix Wright worked for me as part of a program called Phantom 8. An 8 man squad that tried to preemptively influence international acts of terrorism.
Gibbs: Stop em before they happen.
Latham: Each operative was tagged with a microchip, a pass key giving them access worldwide to the Watcher database.
SecNav: Wave their arm over a secure laptop, download sensitive information our enemies would pay top dollar for.
Latham: When Levin was killed ONI's intention was to remove his chip immediately. Fortunately, one of your agents got to him first.
Vance: And you think Agent Barrett is involved.
Latham: We don't want to risk finding out.
Gibbs: Why are you sharing this with me?
(good question - to "gaslight" him is my guess. Make him see what they want him to see.)
SecNav: We now believe she's working internally with someone else.
Gibbs: You want to know who.
SecNav: We're already looking Gibbs. Find her. Find the microchips. It's a matter of national security.
(Already looking - Tony who's tracking EJ so she can help him lure out the guy (Cade) in the photo.)
* September.
Gibbs appears to be locking his door but unless Tony has a key it's not working to keep people out.
EJ and Tony waiting on him.
EJ: Hi Gibbs.
Tony: Boss? We need your help.
Gibbs: Um Hm. After you cook dinner.
(Love he knows that Tony can cook)
Tony telling a Franks story - seems the 2 spent some time together in the past - about being in a bar when some badass drug dealers come in. "3 of the deadliest drug dealers in Mexico come into the bar and say...
Gibbs: (doing a helluva great impression of his former "boss") Cervesas(sp) for my Amigos. If I'm dead put it on my tab, Probie.
Layla and Amira are living nearby now - Gibbs said this as almost as an aside.
* LOVED THIS!
EJ: You don't trust anyone, do you Gibbs?
Gibbs: Yea, I do. I just make them earn it.
Big implication that EJ HAS earned his trust. By coming "in" with Tony, asking for his help and giving him the chip she's done that. Not to mention the last conversation they had when he told her "Come back any time Agent Barrett" in Pyramid.
* Dinner eaten and conversation had, EJ pulls out the evidence jar containing the chip. When Gibbs asks if she knows what it is she says No and she doesn't want to. Per Levin's instructions to her she was suppose to give it to Wright.
Jarvis a suspect.
Cade a suspect.
* EJ going to try to get Cade back to DC.
* Hospital.
NCIS is part of who Tony is.
Rachel likens Tony's team to his family. He dispels this notion. Team more reliable than his family (father). Suggests that she'd understand if she ever met him. She'd like that. He suspects his father would too.
(Really hope this is NOT the last we've see of Rachel)
* Oh Boy! Stratton got past Gibbs (where did he go?). Seems taken aback that Tony is on his feet and has company. He's trying to be smooth but not pulling it off. Tony breaks out in a cold sweat. Rachel notices. I noticed too and it gave me the chills.
Rachel calls Gibbs and Stratton makes a very hasty exit after telling Tony that he's glad that he's alive. Now why didn't I believe that? Skin crawling.
* September - possibly a day or two ago.
Tony comes in from the cold.
McGee express his relief. Tony calls him McWorrywart.
Ziva tells Tony that he and Ray are cut from the same Quilt.
G: Cloth, same cloth.
Tony tells Gibbs to let her go - she's on a roll.
She tries to get him to talk about his mission and says that EJ's the one in the photo "is she not?".
He tells her she knows he can't answer that.
She doesn't look pleased with that answer.
EDIT: What was in the envelope Tony handed Gibbs - “Here ya go, Boss”?
* OK this was odd even with her panic. Tony's been gone for weeks and Abs doesn't even acknowledge that he's "home". She got a text message video of Cade of himself pleading for help. Someone is after him.
ACT V:
* Hospital.
Kinda figured, but good to have my own gut verified - Gibbs called Fornell. Stratton is not a Fibbie.
* Gibbs has Rachel "take a break" but she has parting words for him after she tells him she's going for her 6th cup of coffee for the evening.
It took me 4 viewings but I FINALLY caught what Gibbs said to her: "Lightweight".
R: Ruin all my hard work and I'll kill you.
G: Copy that.
Now that's a good doctor. Gibbs might be Gibbs but Rachel's 1st and only priority was the health of her patient.
* Gibbs comes back in bearing Tony's brass from the alley shooting. Tony tries to talk but Gibbs cuts him off.
G: Shut up and listen DiNozzo!
Tells him that Abby is running DNA from the blood at the scene. 2 types OTHER than Tony's.
Gibbs really needs to know who Tony was handling.
* Back in time - but not far, probably days ago.
Tony confronts Jarvis at the golf club where they played months before.
Jarvis has a rule:
Don't take work personally.
Tony gives him a few back - including a new Gibbs rule.
Tony: Rule #3: Never believe what you're told (double check).
Jarvis: What are you insinuating?
Tony: Rule #5: Don't waste good.
Jarvis: In other words, I'm wasting your time.
Tony: Then there's Rule #36, If you feel like you're being played you probably are.
He demands to be let off the assignment. He feels like he's too close.
Jarvis tells him it's the "Nature of the Beast".
Tony responds that it's NOT a request - "Take me off this assignment or I resign from NCIS.
Jarvis doesn't budge, gets into Tony's face and recites another of his rules.
Don't screw with me. I own you. Know it. Accept it.
- Whoa! That gave me chills right down to my toes.
Tells Tony he's OB (??) and to get lost.
EDIT: Thanks to NCISJJ - OB is a golf term that means Out of Bounds.
Thanks to jsusna who pointed it out too.
* And just when I thought that was bad enough, Jarvis walks over the the clubhouse patio and sits down with Sean Latham.
Latham: DiNozzo's not handling this as well as you thought. Implied that Tony might need to be sacrificed (killed) along with the person he's handling.
* Hospital.
Tony says he was blindsided. EJ Blindsided.
* The alley the night (last night it seems) that this all came down.
EJ is there. Cade comes out from the shadows and he and EJ hug. Tony comes out from the shadows and tells EJ to step away from him. Then tells Cade that he killed Wright. Cade confused. Came to DC due to a message from EJ. Came to alley after getting a text from her.
EJ didn't send it. She got a text from Tony saying they should all meet there. Tony didn't send it. Tony got the same text from EJ. EJ didn't send one to Tony either.
They were all set up.
* All hell breaks loose.
Cade shot in chest and goes down.
EJ shot in lower chest - below heart from the freeze frame I did - and goes down.
Tony shot in upper chest and goes down (hitting his head when he fell). His eyes close.
* Hospital.
Tony's weapon was fired but he didn't shoot anyone. Cade's body was found in the Potomac. Shots from Tony's gun were postmortem.
Tony believes EJ to be dead too. Gibbs says they haven't found her body. Something tells me that Gibbs knows where she is. Maybe with her Uncle - former Secretary of the Navy Phillip Davenport. Maybe in a small hospital in Pennsylvania?
* Photo in file was of Cade. Tony knew it wasn't EJ. He needed her help to draw out Cade (thus "blood on Tony's hands" - he got EJ to lure him out - to his death). SecNav was positive it was Cade.
Question: Where'd he get his intel?
* Rachel's "doctoring" helps Tony to remember who the alley shooter was - Stratton.
This is NOT good. Stratton shot Tony. Tony saw him do it. Nope, this is not good at all. Until he's caught Tony's gonna have to watch his back 24/7.
* Vance office.
Gibbs puts Cade's badge (now cleaned up) and the evidence jar with the RFID tag in it on Vance's desk.
In attendance: Lathem and Jarvis.
Gibbs makes a vow to find out who Stratton really is - "Lots of blood shed".
Tells Vance, SecNav and Latham that Stratton tried to kill DiNozzo twice - alley and then came to the hospital to finish the job.
Latham: DiNozzo is alive, Mr Secretary. I guess you got lucky.
AND THE LIGHTBULB WENT ON HIGH BEAM! Just the way he said that put me on high alert. I think Gibbs was suspicious too.
* Ship at sea.
Guy comes down ladder (steps). He holds his wrist up to a sensor by a Secure door. Latham.
Inside already is Stratton.
Jarvis not in on this because Latham comments that Jarvis is none the wiser.
It looks like EJ is still alive because Latham and Stratton don't have her.
Latham asks Stratton if he's "found the girl". Not yet. Latham orders: Find her.
They're ready to get down to business. Latham brought the RFID and the two men are ready to open the bidding to 4 or 5 "potential buyers" for the 2 chips they have - Wright's and Levin's.
* Gibbs turned the microchip over to Latham. He got played too.
* Gibbs basement. Opens Mike Franks box of treats. He pulls out a file marked Phantom 8. Levin is in the photo and so is Latham.
EDIT: Jem pointed out that Stratton was in photo too. I even freeze framed but didn't spot him because I was thinking he was too young.
Edited in Notes:
* When Tony is getting his gun ready (the one he puts in the box) at his desk there's an Ohio State Football player photo on the cube wall behind his chair. It's from a Buckeye v Wolverines game (recognize the uniforms).
* Jethro may be techno virgin but Ducky isn't. Love the new large plasma screen in autopsy and that he knows how to use it.
* Tony may have been looking at the movie playing on the TV but he wasn't really watching. When Rachel turned it off he didn't even blink.
* Several people besides Tony (and possibly the team and Vance and SecNav) are in danger. 2 of the Phantom 8 are dead (Levin and Wright), 2 are the traitors (Latham and Stratton). This leave 4 more who, if still alive, need to be brought into the loop. Perhaps protective custody.
* Something I should have said in my OP. Gary did a helluva a job on this script. His interpretation of the characters is outstanding, very DPB-esque.
* On yet another viewing I spotted something in Abby's lab. Blink and you'll miss it. When Abbs is telling Tim about the microchips there's a quick shot of a photo of Abby and Simon Cade.