Post by Llyan (Admin) on Feb 11, 2017 3:02:31 GMT
Seek – X.XIII
W. Scott Williams
D. Michael Weatherly
OAD: 3.19.13
Thank you, Gentlemen.
It's not often that I cry more than once in a poignant episode but tonight I did.
I totally and completely fell in love with Dex!
The episode felt like classic NCIS. Very case oriented with the personal stuff on the side and I thought it was wonderful.
Like One Last Score I loved how many movie references Scott and Michael managed to get in. Loved that we got a healthy dose of DiNozzo & McGee. Loved Gibbs relationship with Dex. Kelli Barrett was perfect as Ruby Lemere. Her quiet portrayal of grief was, for me, heartbreaking. The closing Phoof - the real closing phoof (thanks for not showing it up front) was one of those crying points.
Something I really liked and can't remember ever happening for me before. Teddy died in the Cold Open but he was still incredibly present for already being dead.
I remember seeing the photo that Scott Williams cited as the inspiration for this episode and I'm glad he and Michael were able to so beautifully create a version of that photo for this episode.
PHOOFS:
COLD OPEN/TEASER: Gibbs & Abby
ACT I: Tony & Tim
ACT II: Gibbs
ACT III: Gibbs
ACT IV: Gibbs - see real phoof at the end of this post.
Movies/TV:
Mrs Doubtfire
Mary Poppins
The Sound of Music
Nanny McPhee
Magnum, PI
The Doberman Gang
Aladdin
(two Robin Williams movies in one episode)
McNicknames:
McPhee
COLD OPEN:
* Contractor trying to recruit a Marine to come work for him when his enlistment is up. Sgt Ted Lemere not interested. Wants to go home to his wife and start a family. Teddy is the handler (friend) to Dex - a Marine service dog trained to sniff out IEDs and other bombs.
They're assigned to a civilian contract company to clear building before refurbishing them.
* Title of episode was actually used in the episode. A soccer ball/futbol rolls outside the safe zone. Like kids everywhere one goes after it. Teddy sees him and yell at him to stop. He does. The futbol blows up when it hits an IED. Teddy and Dex go to get him, with Dex on point. He sniffs out a suspicious spot in the sand and they go around it to get the boy.
Once back inside the compound Teddy and the contractor (Jim Virgil) praise Dex - and then Teddy is shot in the head and killed.
* 1st tears - Dex laying down beside his fallen friend.
No fair making me cry this early - just glad I didn't get a crying headache.
TEASER:
* Small things can sometimes mean so much. We had the standard bullpen opening of the Teaser, but not the standard fare. Vance comes off the elevator with a woman who turns out to be a nanny candidate. One of 12 for the week - so far.
Tony's perplexed that Vance hasn't been able to find even one suitable candidate. Ziva reminds him that his kids just lost their mother so it can't be easy to pick the right person. I'm pretty sure he hasn't forgotten this.
T: I'm just sayin' if Vance is waiting for Robin Williams in drag to come floating in on some magic umbrella singing "Do Re Mi" he's gonna be waiting a long time.
Tim: Wow, Tony. 3 movie nannies in one reference. That's impressive.
Tony: Thank you, it's called a mashup, McPhee and that makes movie names, in case you're counting.
1. Mrs Doubtfire- Robin Williams
2. Mary Poppins - Julie Andrews
3. The Sound of Music - Julie Andrews
4. Nanny McPhee - Emma Thompson
* Case comes a callin'. A woman is escorted into the bullpen and Tony introduces himself. Ruby Lemere - her husband, Teddy, is -- was a Marine stationed in Kabul.
* I loved that when Ruby told Gibbs that she believed Teddy was murdered and not killed by the Taliban that Gibbs came out from behind his desk to greet her.
Whoa! Gibbs told Ruby "I'm sorry". It was nice.
She shows him, and the team (McGee puts it up on the plasma) a video message Teddy sent to her. Says "I did something stupid" but is going to make things right by blowing the whistle. Send her his love - and love from Dex, too.
His body is coming into Dover, AFB. She asks Gibbs to investigate.
* Autopsy.
I loved the choice of laying Sgt Lemere's uniform out on his transport coffin while Ducky was preparing to do his autopsy and loved just how gently Ducky removed the bandage covering Teddy's head wound. It was really quite a touching scene.
* Gibbs arrives and Ducky discovers a fragment of metal embedded in Teddy's helmet. Probably a piece of the bullet - to Abby to verify.
* Abby-ville.
Fragment is indeed from a bullet. She hems and mumbles what she doesn't want to say - it's from a US made bullet.
ACT I:
* Tony trying to do his "Bogie". Says Ruby coming in the way she did was Phillip Marlow and Sam Spade.
McGee disagrees.
Tim: No and no. I WRITE mysteries, remember? This is nothing like those.
Well, perhaps yes and perhaps no. Not all mysteries are alike.
Wonder if McGee found his "all fiction" muse so he didn't have to write about his thinly veiled co-workers?
Gibbs comes in and tells Tony he sounds like a Kennedy (not Humphrey Bogart).
* Case so far summation by Tony, Tim and Ziva.
* MTAC.
Tim and Ziva.
(yes, I suspected the guy in the background).
James Virgil of Beta Co. Civilian contractor. They clear and refurbish structures.
They ask about any grievances against Teddy. Virgil is offended by that - so is background guy. Insist only Taliban unless it's something back in the states.
* Gibbs goes to talk with Ruby. I loved (that word again) that he touched and said "hey" to Dex.
Teddy had a minor scuffle with a dog trainer, Pit, at Pax River. He and Teddy differed over methods. It passed and was never brought up again.
* I was really touched by Ruby's quiet grief. She's hold herself together for a while and then tear up again.
* Dex is actually, Poindexter - too smart for his own good. Raised him from about 3 months old - is now 4 years. He'll be sent back and given to a new handler.
So sad - she lost her husband and now the dog they raised together is going to be taken away from her too. (I'm SURE Gibbs will have something to say about THIS).
* HQ
Next nanny, come on down, you're the next contestant on "exit, stage right".
She's "Mary Poppins" - has the "magic bag" an umbrella and an a British accent.
AND she's "Maria" too because her name IS Maria. 2 in 1.
* Pit, the dog trainer was in Kabul and left 3 hours after Teddy was killed.
* Point to McGee.
Upon seeing a "Beware of Dog" sign on the (open) iron gate to Pit's house Tony asks Tim if he's sweating just seeing the sign. Tim points out that they both tried to hop a fence at that police impound lot. Inside Man?
* Pit comes out of his house to yell at a teenage/early 20s kid. Calls him "Useless" which Tony being Tony sarcastically says what else would he be with a name like that.
Pit: You guys have 4 seconds.
Tony: 4 second? 4 seconds for what?
Tim is a bit quicker on the uptake and takes off at a run to their car yelling "Tony! Run!"
And out come 2 Dobermans.
Tony on the run yells "Zeus! "Apollo".
In a panic Tim locks the car doors (Tony: No McGee! No! Don't lock that door") leaving Tony with the only option of getting in the car via the sunroof.
Tim apologizes for panicking from upside down Tony just looks at him.
ACT II:
* Interrogation.
Tim & Tony with Pit.
He thought they were with the bank - behind on a loan payment so he sic'd his "Doberman Gang" on them.
He saw Teddy briefly but when questioned about this he tells them that the short visit was because Dex had no issues to be dealt with.
His issues with Teddy were due to a difference in style. Thinks Teddy coddled Dex. He's not the coddling type.
Concedes that Teddy was top notch with Dex.
Tony & Tim: We've noticed. - I love it when these 2 do interrogations together. Their style just appeals to me.
* NOOOOOO! Please tell me that she's not doing what she's doing. For someone with a Master's degree she's clueless.
Vance TRYING to interview another candidate. She goes on about her twitter feed coming alive with the news about her "job".
SAVED! (Vance owes Gibbs BIG!). When he apologizes for interrupting:
V: No, Gibbs. Come in - for God's sake. (laugh]
Bye bye, Sandy. Tells her he'll call with news about the job (she wants to discuss salary and when she'll meet the kids - fat chance) then changes that to sending her Text.
* Tries to draw in to his Nanny woes and is met with Gibbs telling him that "Nannies aren't in his wheelhouse".
Vance makes big decisions every day so why is it so hard to do this?
There's a difference, Leon - this is personal.
* Not much to report to the Commandant of the Marine Corps yet.
* Ruby & Dex pay a visit - had to talk herself on to public transportation (car in shop). No non-service dogs allowed and Dex's service is not in THAT wheelhouse.
Ziva is loving on Dex. Tony & Tim are keeping their distance.
Dear writers,
Please let this be the last time this happens, OK? I know you've all forgotten that Tim actually had a German Shepard, Butch/Jethro whom Abby convinced Tim to adopt. I know he never got mentioned again BUT we, the viewers haven't forgotten his existence. (Same for Kate adopting "Toni" - too late to bring that one up now but you've still got a chance to tell us what happened with Jethro.
Sincerely,
NavyResGirl.
* One more general note about Dex. As a highly trained dog he would not be growling at Tim & Tony. They're not a threat.
* Case. Teddy sent Ruby a necklace. An expensive looking necklace. Ziva takes it to Abby for analysis.
* Abby-ville.
Abbs asks Ziva why they haven't hung out lately - she's been "doing stuff" and then deflects more questions when she brings up the science project (A+) she helped Kayla with. Says she's surprised that Vance didn't ask for her advice. Has friends who would be great - a Nanny and a Manny.
Woman who juggles chainsaws.
Man who lost 300lbs.
Ziva tells her they should stay out of it.
* Necklace. It's real gold and emeralds. Design might take all night to find. Invites Ziva to join her - no, she's busy with "stuff'. Abby kind of looks at Ziva, knowing something isn't right, but says she'll recruit McGee.
* Gibbs gives Ruby a ride home.
Gibbs chivalrous - walks her to her door and she thanks him for taking her seriously. After she lets herself into the house Dex knows something is wrong. Someone in bedroom.
Of course she (with Dex)check it out - just in time to see someone try to make a get-a-way through the window - Ruby yells and Gibbs high tails it back into the house as Dex grabs hold of the perp and manages to tear off a piece of fabric from the guys sleeve.
Good job, Dex.
* Guy appears not to have taken anything, including Ruby's grandmother's ring. Being the investigator he is, Gibbs knows he was after the necklace.
ACT III:
* Symbol is a family crest. Not royalty but well-off by Afghan standards.
Seems McGee did help Abby, she brings him a coffee.
* How did thief know to go after the necklace? Gibbs tells Tony and Ziva to start digging. He's taking McGee with him.
McGee: Sure Boss. Where to?
* Vance office.
Vance: Afghanistan?
McGee: Afghanistan?
Hey McGee, now's your chance to shine. You wanted the assignment to Iraq (though you let yourself get hoodwinked into not even asking) a few years ago. Will look good on your performance review.
Gibbs needs 3 "seats".
Himself, McGee and .... Dex.
* Afghanistan.
Question without a logical answer.
Why isn't Gibbs wearing a combat helmet? Yeah yeah, I know he's "Gibbs" but not wearing one is just dumb.
* Captain Martens greets Gibbs & McGee and tells them that he's glad Dex is back and that he'll be assigned a new handler.
* Awww. I almost always like Gibbs but I just love him for pouring what remained of Marten's coffee from his mug, filling it with water from a bottle and giving it to Dex.
* How did McGee end up with a flax vest with his name stenciled on it? Gibbs vest didn't have his name on it.
* The Captain tells them they "got" the Taliban that killed Teddy. One of the "Beta Co" men made the shot.
* NCIS.
Ziva is tracking Ilan Bodnar. On her computer she has up a still from Heathrow.
Ilan Bodnar
Jan 13, 2013
(Jackie and Eli killed on Jan 8).
She quickly takes down her screen when Vance approaches. He comments she's in early and she counters with she stayed late "catching up".
Remember that admonition she gave Abby that they could "stay out of it"? Well, she's not abiding by her own advice.
Tells him that they are "bound" but recent events.
(In more ways than I believe Vance knows since I don't think he was ever filled in on her recognition of her father's photo)
V: As long as we share this "bond", David, promise me, when I come to offer my perspective, concerning on what it is you're "catching up on" you'll be as forthcoming as I'm about to be.
Ziva: I promise, I'll try".
WELL! That was a evasive answer and if Vance is as smart as I believe he caught her non-promise. I'll try means NOTHING.
I have no clue what's coming - but something is and when it does it's gonna be BIG!
* Vance's problem is that he's afraid that by hiring a nanny it will mean he really is moving on. She tells him to not do anything that he isn't ready for.
He leaves her to her "catching up".
* Afghanistan.
Good point Gibbs. He's talking to someone saying that the sniper would have killed the dog - since he's the one to save lives (by sniffing out the IEDs) - he's talking to Dex.
G: Why am I telling you this? (need correct line - got so involved in watching that I forgot to write it down).
* Love the American flag on Dex's harness.
* McGee introduces Gibbs to James Virgil and co-worker Chet Tyber, the latter of which might have gotten the kill shot - lots of guys firing, including Marten and his men. Virgil says the shot came from the mountains but Gibbs disagrees. What he heard was the echo. Shot came from a nearby building.
McGee: Trust me. He knows. .
I always like it when the writers recognize Gibbs job in the Marines.
ACT IV:
* Abby-ville
Tony still doing his Bogie impression. Ziva losing patience with him (he calls her an Israeli Fem fetal) not with Abby.
Tony: Pretty dame with the funny shoes was taking her time with the DNA results.
Abby: Tests are still running - Bogie.
She thought of another candidate for Vance. Ziva reminds her that she should stay out of it (hypocrite).
Z: It would be wise to stay out of it.
Tony: Wise. That's putting it mildly. Vance has put out some very clear signs: STOP. YIELD. NO TRESPASSING. You'd have to be a complete idiot to even offer their 2 cents
Z: (knowing that she did exactly what she's telling Abby not to do) I don't know about an idiot.
(2nd contraction of the evening - she used "I'll" earlier.)
* Abby got a hit. 3 hairs on the fabric that Dex took off of the would be thief.
1 human
2 dog - but only one is from Dex.
The other - from a Doberman. Hello, Pit.
* Afghanistan.
Awww again. Gibbs took the meat off his sandwich and gave it to Dex.
THIS is the Gibbs I really love. We get to see his softer side without him being the team daddy. Just perfect!
McGee contact is trying to get surveillance video of the building from where the shot was fired.
* DC/Afghanistan.
Culprit not Pit - but his nephew Marty, aka: Useless.
Was using the cover of his uncle's business as a cover. Sells stolen items from Afghanistan. Who's his contact?
* Afghanistan.
Dex new handler is there to pick him up. Red flag went up but it was a false alarm - just an over-eager Corporal wanting to get going. Fortunately, Gibbs nix's the "transfer" of Dex to him just yet.
* In this one camera angle I recognized the set as being the same one from Truth or Consequences.
Gibbs puts it all together. Virgil was using Teddy to clear building not just to clear them for refurbishing but so they could be searched for "buried treasure". Teddy realized what was going on and he confronted Virgil about it. Virgil's response was to buy him off with the necklace/pendant which he sent home as evidence. Virgil/Tyber sent "Useless" to steal it back.
* Tyber killed Teddy. As a Marine he was a sharpshooter, former Special Forces and had sniper training.
Came out a little ambiguous if Virgil knew Tyber killed Teddy. He looked surprised when Gibbs said "not you" and looked to Tyber. He's still scum for his actions but I'm not sure if he would have murdered.
* Dex knows that something is wrong and makes a leap toward Tyber - Gibbs drops his leash and lets him. A shot goes off, Dex goes down and so does Tyber when Gibbs shoots him.
Loved that McGee had his gun drawn, along with a Marine, on Virgil.
Gibbs goes down to Dex.
* DC
Vance heading home and as he's leaving his office (promising kids they'll stop for takeout on the way home) and is confronted by a prospective nanny, Lara. He canceled the interview but this one fell thorough the cracks.
She gets in his face about wasting the time of women who needed the job. Tells him that as a nanny she'll see that the kids will be taken care of but that she won't be there to fill the void left by Jackie's death.
He responds to this directness and as she's leaving asks if she wants to meet the kids.
* Sgt Theodore "Teddy" Lemere's graveside funeral - complete with Marine Honor Guard (I LOVE it when they bring on these guys).
I was impressed again at Ruby's quiet grief and again I was in tears.
As the service ends, and the honor guard walks away in formation, Gibbs approaches and tells her that her husband deserved better. She's glad that the men who killed him didn't get away with it and that Dex helped to catch them.
She asks about his new handler.
Team arrives unseen by Ruby in the background.
* I admit I stared bawling again here - I really thought Gibbs was about to tell her that Dex was dead too.
G: Dex isn't serving anymore.
R: What do you mean?
G: Unofficial - hands her a box with a ribbon and medal in it (what medal? Meritorious Service? Silver Star?) - but he earned it.
This solidified my belief that Dex hadn't made it.
* Tony, Tim & Ziva come over. Tim holding a leash which he drops and Dex goes to Ruby.
More crying at the reunion. She asks how long they have. Forever, Dex is retired and is now hers. I'm SO glad, they can grieve Teddy together and give each other comfort.
* Ziva comments on Tony being quiet (it's a funeral, so how else does she expect him to be?) As the team is leaving Tony says he's been thinking about getting a dog.
Gibbs: It's not a dog, it's/that's a Marine.
Final REAL Phoof: Ruby sitting in her chair at her husband's grave with Dex sitting in front of her, sitting vigil for his friend.
W. Scott Williams
D. Michael Weatherly
OAD: 3.19.13
Thank you, Gentlemen.
It's not often that I cry more than once in a poignant episode but tonight I did.
I totally and completely fell in love with Dex!
The episode felt like classic NCIS. Very case oriented with the personal stuff on the side and I thought it was wonderful.
Like One Last Score I loved how many movie references Scott and Michael managed to get in. Loved that we got a healthy dose of DiNozzo & McGee. Loved Gibbs relationship with Dex. Kelli Barrett was perfect as Ruby Lemere. Her quiet portrayal of grief was, for me, heartbreaking. The closing Phoof - the real closing phoof (thanks for not showing it up front) was one of those crying points.
Something I really liked and can't remember ever happening for me before. Teddy died in the Cold Open but he was still incredibly present for already being dead.
I remember seeing the photo that Scott Williams cited as the inspiration for this episode and I'm glad he and Michael were able to so beautifully create a version of that photo for this episode.
PHOOFS:
COLD OPEN/TEASER: Gibbs & Abby
ACT I: Tony & Tim
ACT II: Gibbs
ACT III: Gibbs
ACT IV: Gibbs - see real phoof at the end of this post.
Movies/TV:
Mrs Doubtfire
Mary Poppins
The Sound of Music
Nanny McPhee
Magnum, PI
The Doberman Gang
Aladdin
(two Robin Williams movies in one episode)
McNicknames:
McPhee
COLD OPEN:
* Contractor trying to recruit a Marine to come work for him when his enlistment is up. Sgt Ted Lemere not interested. Wants to go home to his wife and start a family. Teddy is the handler (friend) to Dex - a Marine service dog trained to sniff out IEDs and other bombs.
They're assigned to a civilian contract company to clear building before refurbishing them.
* Title of episode was actually used in the episode. A soccer ball/futbol rolls outside the safe zone. Like kids everywhere one goes after it. Teddy sees him and yell at him to stop. He does. The futbol blows up when it hits an IED. Teddy and Dex go to get him, with Dex on point. He sniffs out a suspicious spot in the sand and they go around it to get the boy.
Once back inside the compound Teddy and the contractor (Jim Virgil) praise Dex - and then Teddy is shot in the head and killed.
* 1st tears - Dex laying down beside his fallen friend.
No fair making me cry this early - just glad I didn't get a crying headache.
TEASER:
* Small things can sometimes mean so much. We had the standard bullpen opening of the Teaser, but not the standard fare. Vance comes off the elevator with a woman who turns out to be a nanny candidate. One of 12 for the week - so far.
Tony's perplexed that Vance hasn't been able to find even one suitable candidate. Ziva reminds him that his kids just lost their mother so it can't be easy to pick the right person. I'm pretty sure he hasn't forgotten this.
T: I'm just sayin' if Vance is waiting for Robin Williams in drag to come floating in on some magic umbrella singing "Do Re Mi" he's gonna be waiting a long time.
Tim: Wow, Tony. 3 movie nannies in one reference. That's impressive.
Tony: Thank you, it's called a mashup, McPhee and that makes movie names, in case you're counting.
1. Mrs Doubtfire- Robin Williams
2. Mary Poppins - Julie Andrews
3. The Sound of Music - Julie Andrews
4. Nanny McPhee - Emma Thompson
* Case comes a callin'. A woman is escorted into the bullpen and Tony introduces himself. Ruby Lemere - her husband, Teddy, is -- was a Marine stationed in Kabul.
* I loved that when Ruby told Gibbs that she believed Teddy was murdered and not killed by the Taliban that Gibbs came out from behind his desk to greet her.
Whoa! Gibbs told Ruby "I'm sorry". It was nice.
She shows him, and the team (McGee puts it up on the plasma) a video message Teddy sent to her. Says "I did something stupid" but is going to make things right by blowing the whistle. Send her his love - and love from Dex, too.
His body is coming into Dover, AFB. She asks Gibbs to investigate.
* Autopsy.
I loved the choice of laying Sgt Lemere's uniform out on his transport coffin while Ducky was preparing to do his autopsy and loved just how gently Ducky removed the bandage covering Teddy's head wound. It was really quite a touching scene.
* Gibbs arrives and Ducky discovers a fragment of metal embedded in Teddy's helmet. Probably a piece of the bullet - to Abby to verify.
* Abby-ville.
Fragment is indeed from a bullet. She hems and mumbles what she doesn't want to say - it's from a US made bullet.
ACT I:
* Tony trying to do his "Bogie". Says Ruby coming in the way she did was Phillip Marlow and Sam Spade.
McGee disagrees.
Tim: No and no. I WRITE mysteries, remember? This is nothing like those.
Well, perhaps yes and perhaps no. Not all mysteries are alike.
Wonder if McGee found his "all fiction" muse so he didn't have to write about his thinly veiled co-workers?
Gibbs comes in and tells Tony he sounds like a Kennedy (not Humphrey Bogart).
* Case so far summation by Tony, Tim and Ziva.
* MTAC.
Tim and Ziva.
(yes, I suspected the guy in the background).
James Virgil of Beta Co. Civilian contractor. They clear and refurbish structures.
They ask about any grievances against Teddy. Virgil is offended by that - so is background guy. Insist only Taliban unless it's something back in the states.
* Gibbs goes to talk with Ruby. I loved (that word again) that he touched and said "hey" to Dex.
Teddy had a minor scuffle with a dog trainer, Pit, at Pax River. He and Teddy differed over methods. It passed and was never brought up again.
* I was really touched by Ruby's quiet grief. She's hold herself together for a while and then tear up again.
* Dex is actually, Poindexter - too smart for his own good. Raised him from about 3 months old - is now 4 years. He'll be sent back and given to a new handler.
So sad - she lost her husband and now the dog they raised together is going to be taken away from her too. (I'm SURE Gibbs will have something to say about THIS).
* HQ
Next nanny, come on down, you're the next contestant on "exit, stage right".
She's "Mary Poppins" - has the "magic bag" an umbrella and an a British accent.
AND she's "Maria" too because her name IS Maria. 2 in 1.
* Pit, the dog trainer was in Kabul and left 3 hours after Teddy was killed.
* Point to McGee.
Upon seeing a "Beware of Dog" sign on the (open) iron gate to Pit's house Tony asks Tim if he's sweating just seeing the sign. Tim points out that they both tried to hop a fence at that police impound lot. Inside Man?
* Pit comes out of his house to yell at a teenage/early 20s kid. Calls him "Useless" which Tony being Tony sarcastically says what else would he be with a name like that.
Pit: You guys have 4 seconds.
Tony: 4 second? 4 seconds for what?
Tim is a bit quicker on the uptake and takes off at a run to their car yelling "Tony! Run!"
And out come 2 Dobermans.
Tony on the run yells "Zeus! "Apollo".
In a panic Tim locks the car doors (Tony: No McGee! No! Don't lock that door") leaving Tony with the only option of getting in the car via the sunroof.
Tim apologizes for panicking from upside down Tony just looks at him.
ACT II:
* Interrogation.
Tim & Tony with Pit.
He thought they were with the bank - behind on a loan payment so he sic'd his "Doberman Gang" on them.
He saw Teddy briefly but when questioned about this he tells them that the short visit was because Dex had no issues to be dealt with.
His issues with Teddy were due to a difference in style. Thinks Teddy coddled Dex. He's not the coddling type.
Concedes that Teddy was top notch with Dex.
Tony & Tim: We've noticed. - I love it when these 2 do interrogations together. Their style just appeals to me.
* NOOOOOO! Please tell me that she's not doing what she's doing. For someone with a Master's degree she's clueless.
Vance TRYING to interview another candidate. She goes on about her twitter feed coming alive with the news about her "job".
SAVED! (Vance owes Gibbs BIG!). When he apologizes for interrupting:
V: No, Gibbs. Come in - for God's sake. (laugh]
Bye bye, Sandy. Tells her he'll call with news about the job (she wants to discuss salary and when she'll meet the kids - fat chance) then changes that to sending her Text.
* Tries to draw in to his Nanny woes and is met with Gibbs telling him that "Nannies aren't in his wheelhouse".
Vance makes big decisions every day so why is it so hard to do this?
There's a difference, Leon - this is personal.
* Not much to report to the Commandant of the Marine Corps yet.
* Ruby & Dex pay a visit - had to talk herself on to public transportation (car in shop). No non-service dogs allowed and Dex's service is not in THAT wheelhouse.
Ziva is loving on Dex. Tony & Tim are keeping their distance.
Dear writers,
Please let this be the last time this happens, OK? I know you've all forgotten that Tim actually had a German Shepard, Butch/Jethro whom Abby convinced Tim to adopt. I know he never got mentioned again BUT we, the viewers haven't forgotten his existence. (Same for Kate adopting "Toni" - too late to bring that one up now but you've still got a chance to tell us what happened with Jethro.
Sincerely,
NavyResGirl.
* One more general note about Dex. As a highly trained dog he would not be growling at Tim & Tony. They're not a threat.
* Case. Teddy sent Ruby a necklace. An expensive looking necklace. Ziva takes it to Abby for analysis.
* Abby-ville.
Abbs asks Ziva why they haven't hung out lately - she's been "doing stuff" and then deflects more questions when she brings up the science project (A+) she helped Kayla with. Says she's surprised that Vance didn't ask for her advice. Has friends who would be great - a Nanny and a Manny.
Woman who juggles chainsaws.
Man who lost 300lbs.
Ziva tells her they should stay out of it.
* Necklace. It's real gold and emeralds. Design might take all night to find. Invites Ziva to join her - no, she's busy with "stuff'. Abby kind of looks at Ziva, knowing something isn't right, but says she'll recruit McGee.
* Gibbs gives Ruby a ride home.
Gibbs chivalrous - walks her to her door and she thanks him for taking her seriously. After she lets herself into the house Dex knows something is wrong. Someone in bedroom.
Of course she (with Dex)check it out - just in time to see someone try to make a get-a-way through the window - Ruby yells and Gibbs high tails it back into the house as Dex grabs hold of the perp and manages to tear off a piece of fabric from the guys sleeve.
Good job, Dex.
* Guy appears not to have taken anything, including Ruby's grandmother's ring. Being the investigator he is, Gibbs knows he was after the necklace.
ACT III:
* Symbol is a family crest. Not royalty but well-off by Afghan standards.
Seems McGee did help Abby, she brings him a coffee.
* How did thief know to go after the necklace? Gibbs tells Tony and Ziva to start digging. He's taking McGee with him.
McGee: Sure Boss. Where to?
* Vance office.
Vance: Afghanistan?
McGee: Afghanistan?
Hey McGee, now's your chance to shine. You wanted the assignment to Iraq (though you let yourself get hoodwinked into not even asking) a few years ago. Will look good on your performance review.
Gibbs needs 3 "seats".
Himself, McGee and .... Dex.
* Afghanistan.
Question without a logical answer.
Why isn't Gibbs wearing a combat helmet? Yeah yeah, I know he's "Gibbs" but not wearing one is just dumb.
* Captain Martens greets Gibbs & McGee and tells them that he's glad Dex is back and that he'll be assigned a new handler.
* Awww. I almost always like Gibbs but I just love him for pouring what remained of Marten's coffee from his mug, filling it with water from a bottle and giving it to Dex.
* How did McGee end up with a flax vest with his name stenciled on it? Gibbs vest didn't have his name on it.
* The Captain tells them they "got" the Taliban that killed Teddy. One of the "Beta Co" men made the shot.
* NCIS.
Ziva is tracking Ilan Bodnar. On her computer she has up a still from Heathrow.
Ilan Bodnar
Jan 13, 2013
(Jackie and Eli killed on Jan 8).
She quickly takes down her screen when Vance approaches. He comments she's in early and she counters with she stayed late "catching up".
Remember that admonition she gave Abby that they could "stay out of it"? Well, she's not abiding by her own advice.
Tells him that they are "bound" but recent events.
(In more ways than I believe Vance knows since I don't think he was ever filled in on her recognition of her father's photo)
V: As long as we share this "bond", David, promise me, when I come to offer my perspective, concerning on what it is you're "catching up on" you'll be as forthcoming as I'm about to be.
Ziva: I promise, I'll try".
WELL! That was a evasive answer and if Vance is as smart as I believe he caught her non-promise. I'll try means NOTHING.
I have no clue what's coming - but something is and when it does it's gonna be BIG!
* Vance's problem is that he's afraid that by hiring a nanny it will mean he really is moving on. She tells him to not do anything that he isn't ready for.
He leaves her to her "catching up".
* Afghanistan.
Good point Gibbs. He's talking to someone saying that the sniper would have killed the dog - since he's the one to save lives (by sniffing out the IEDs) - he's talking to Dex.
G: Why am I telling you this? (need correct line - got so involved in watching that I forgot to write it down).
* Love the American flag on Dex's harness.
* McGee introduces Gibbs to James Virgil and co-worker Chet Tyber, the latter of which might have gotten the kill shot - lots of guys firing, including Marten and his men. Virgil says the shot came from the mountains but Gibbs disagrees. What he heard was the echo. Shot came from a nearby building.
McGee: Trust me. He knows. .
I always like it when the writers recognize Gibbs job in the Marines.
ACT IV:
* Abby-ville
Tony still doing his Bogie impression. Ziva losing patience with him (he calls her an Israeli Fem fetal) not with Abby.
Tony: Pretty dame with the funny shoes was taking her time with the DNA results.
Abby: Tests are still running - Bogie.
She thought of another candidate for Vance. Ziva reminds her that she should stay out of it (hypocrite).
Z: It would be wise to stay out of it.
Tony: Wise. That's putting it mildly. Vance has put out some very clear signs: STOP. YIELD. NO TRESPASSING. You'd have to be a complete idiot to even offer their 2 cents
Z: (knowing that she did exactly what she's telling Abby not to do) I don't know about an idiot.
(2nd contraction of the evening - she used "I'll" earlier.)
* Abby got a hit. 3 hairs on the fabric that Dex took off of the would be thief.
1 human
2 dog - but only one is from Dex.
The other - from a Doberman. Hello, Pit.
* Afghanistan.
Awww again. Gibbs took the meat off his sandwich and gave it to Dex.
THIS is the Gibbs I really love. We get to see his softer side without him being the team daddy. Just perfect!
McGee contact is trying to get surveillance video of the building from where the shot was fired.
* DC/Afghanistan.
Culprit not Pit - but his nephew Marty, aka: Useless.
Was using the cover of his uncle's business as a cover. Sells stolen items from Afghanistan. Who's his contact?
* Afghanistan.
Dex new handler is there to pick him up. Red flag went up but it was a false alarm - just an over-eager Corporal wanting to get going. Fortunately, Gibbs nix's the "transfer" of Dex to him just yet.
* In this one camera angle I recognized the set as being the same one from Truth or Consequences.
Gibbs puts it all together. Virgil was using Teddy to clear building not just to clear them for refurbishing but so they could be searched for "buried treasure". Teddy realized what was going on and he confronted Virgil about it. Virgil's response was to buy him off with the necklace/pendant which he sent home as evidence. Virgil/Tyber sent "Useless" to steal it back.
* Tyber killed Teddy. As a Marine he was a sharpshooter, former Special Forces and had sniper training.
Came out a little ambiguous if Virgil knew Tyber killed Teddy. He looked surprised when Gibbs said "not you" and looked to Tyber. He's still scum for his actions but I'm not sure if he would have murdered.
* Dex knows that something is wrong and makes a leap toward Tyber - Gibbs drops his leash and lets him. A shot goes off, Dex goes down and so does Tyber when Gibbs shoots him.
Loved that McGee had his gun drawn, along with a Marine, on Virgil.
Gibbs goes down to Dex.
* DC
Vance heading home and as he's leaving his office (promising kids they'll stop for takeout on the way home) and is confronted by a prospective nanny, Lara. He canceled the interview but this one fell thorough the cracks.
She gets in his face about wasting the time of women who needed the job. Tells him that as a nanny she'll see that the kids will be taken care of but that she won't be there to fill the void left by Jackie's death.
He responds to this directness and as she's leaving asks if she wants to meet the kids.
* Sgt Theodore "Teddy" Lemere's graveside funeral - complete with Marine Honor Guard (I LOVE it when they bring on these guys).
I was impressed again at Ruby's quiet grief and again I was in tears.
As the service ends, and the honor guard walks away in formation, Gibbs approaches and tells her that her husband deserved better. She's glad that the men who killed him didn't get away with it and that Dex helped to catch them.
She asks about his new handler.
Team arrives unseen by Ruby in the background.
* I admit I stared bawling again here - I really thought Gibbs was about to tell her that Dex was dead too.
G: Dex isn't serving anymore.
R: What do you mean?
G: Unofficial - hands her a box with a ribbon and medal in it (what medal? Meritorious Service? Silver Star?) - but he earned it.
This solidified my belief that Dex hadn't made it.
* Tony, Tim & Ziva come over. Tim holding a leash which he drops and Dex goes to Ruby.
More crying at the reunion. She asks how long they have. Forever, Dex is retired and is now hers. I'm SO glad, they can grieve Teddy together and give each other comfort.
* Ziva comments on Tony being quiet (it's a funeral, so how else does she expect him to be?) As the team is leaving Tony says he's been thinking about getting a dog.
Gibbs: It's not a dog, it's/that's a Marine.
Final REAL Phoof: Ruby sitting in her chair at her husband's grave with Dex sitting in front of her, sitting vigil for his friend.
