Post by Llyan (Admin) on Feb 11, 2017 2:29:13 GMT
Note: Posted "as is". Made no changes since I wrote them all those years ago.
TRUTH OR CONSEQUENCES – (7.1)
Written by: Jesse Stern
For me, just how very good this episode was is evident in how badly I slept. Although I didn't dream of it, it kept me awake.
There are several things I want to note 1st before getting into the nuts and bolts:
Writing: Jesse Stern wrote a masterpiece of a script. It's very high talent when an author can work in liberal amounts of humor to a very dark piece of work.
Directing (Dennis Smith): I'm as amazed by the directing as by the writing. You and Michael Weatherly must have a great trust relationship. He was great last night and that is partly your doing. When I see your name attached to an episode that what I'm going to be seeing is entirely believable and tonight was no exception
Lighting: I was taken aback by the stark contrast of that room in Somalia and NCIS HQ.
Makeup: Good God, did Michael look HORRIBLE! It was easy to believe that Tony had really been through Hell.
Performances: Everyone was on their game. Stand outs (for me) were Michael and Sean. That Tony and Tim had become friends and not just friendly co-workers was more than evident. Equals in every way. Michael outdid himself. - an EMMY worthy performance in my book. I hope Shane submits his name and this performance for next year's entries. Michael is a very physical actor and to have to act with the use of only his head, neck and face was fascinating and beautiful to watch.
Ever since Cloak became my series favorite episode I wondered how long it would be before something unseated it.
Well it's happened. I can see myself watching and re-watching Truth or Consequences many times over.
Name of the episode was perfect.
TEASER:
* OH MY GOD! I knew from the previews the predicament Tony was in but I definitely didn't expect it to open the show. For me Shane was right, I didn't quite believe what my eyes were telling me.
When the bad guy who'd been questioning Ziva walked into the room and unsheathed that syringe I cringed and then the camera panned to Tony tied to that chair and Saleem injected him with something I gasped audibly.
* I was so stunned at what I was seeing that I missed seeing the opening credits, so much so that I really thought they weren't there anymore. When we came back from commercial I expected to see the cast names pop up on the screen and when they didn't I thought it was just for this one episode. It wasn't until I re-watched that I found out I'd just missed them.
ACT I:
PHOOF: Saleem
* Truth serum with a kick. Something that Saleem made himself with a special ingredient. When Saleem tells him what it is and Tony told him he'd be dead soon I relaxed briefly thinking it would happen right away and then we'd find Ziva and move on. Boy was I WRONG.
* Until right this minute I couldn't figure out why Tony called Saleem, Mr. McCready. BUT I don't want to give it away just yet in case someone is reading this who hasn't had the chance to see the episode.
* Good heavens. As the drug began to take effect I could practically feel it.
It almost made me nauseous.
Under the influence of the drug Tony gives his title and name (with a little humor): "VERY Special Agent Anthony DiNozzo".
* Interesting comment from Saleem that until a few months ago he'd never heard of NCIS. Guess that gives us a little bit of an answer from the end of Aliyah - he fingers an NCIS badge and then tosses it across the room.
* Phew. It was difficult to watch Tony as he struggled to not answer Saleem's questions.
* MAY - Tony remembering back.
He and Tim are in a physical altercation with an unknown person. They're aboard a ship. The guy is making headway until Gibbs joins in and ends it.
* Tony calls his people: The Gang of Four (awwwwww)
Tony gives McGee's name and a description: "Small muscles, Big brain."
Then gives Gibbs' - "The Fearless L J Gibbs, former Marine Gunnery Sgt, Marine sniper, coffee aficionado and functional mute." - I LOVE this description. In just a few words Tony captured his essence perfectly.
* Saleem asks about the 4th member of the team.
T: "We lost her. For the last 4 years that spot has been filled by Mossad Liaison Officer Ziva David." I took this to mean Kate – “We lost her” then “last 4 years”.
* Tony mouths off to Saleem when he tells him that if NCIS killed his men they must have been bad guys/men. He gets backhanded for his words.
* Saleem now wants to know if NCIS is there to finish him off. Tony requests that glass of Chardonnay and his head is yanked back.
S (yelling): "Is your team here to finish the job?"
T: "Not only are you wrong but you're wrong at the top of your voice."
When Saleem asks what that means Tony chimes in with a movie reference. Only Tony would do this – even in peril he’s still “Tony”.
T: "Can you imagine Nicholson in A Bad Day at Black Rock? Would have liked.....
he's cut off when Saleem grabs his face to ask: "Where is the rest of your team?"
Breath taken away with the response: "I don't know. I don't care about your team. I don't care about my team."
Saleem wants to know why he would drive out into the desert without backup. Tony answers with his own question: (Paraphrasing)
"Why would he drive headlong into danger with no regard to his own well-being. Vengeance, Saleem. I'm here to kill ya."
* So very glad that this was the end of Act I because I needed to breath.
ACT II
Phoof: Tony
* Even while being battered/tortured Tony never loses his essential "Tony-ness". When Saleem tells Tony that he got his B.S. at Yale, Tony tells him that he got HIS B.S. on the streets.
Note: Tony has a BA (Bachelor of Arts) from Ohio State. Got his “BS” doesn’t mean Bachelor of Science in Tony’s case.
* It's obvious now that the "kick" in Saleem's truth serum has a pain ingredient. The way Tony moves his head and mouth and the look in his eyes showed he was hurting.
* Tony really does have a knack for making people underestimate him - football talk. Yale 18 championships but none since 1927.
* Saleem asks a pretty good question - why target him? I think we know why Tony's there but why was Mossad after him (though we have our suspicions I'd like to know for sure).
* JUNE
* Tony and Tim walk off the elevator at HQ, they're talking about Tony's home theater which isn’t working so well.
Another (well in a previous/future the time-line) mention of A Bad Day at Black Rock. Offers a copy of it to Tim if he'll come over and fix his system.
Now the one and only time I "SNORKED" in this episode.
Tim has told Tony that it's customary to be paid in money for a service.
T: "It's computers. It's your thing. If I had a thing I'd be showing it off all the time.
Gibbs: "There are rules against that DiNozzo."
I had to fight not to laugh so I wouldn't miss anything. This was one of the best comic lines of the night.
* Tim broaches the subject of filling the empty place on the team. Tony knows they have to but suggests Tim take the lead in approaching Gibbs. From the look that passes between them it's obvious they've discussed it between themselves.
Gibbs puts them both in charge so Tony won't employ a "casting couch"
* Dead Petty Officer aboard ship. Related to the fight Tony/Tim/Gibbs were involved with back in May. OD but how did he get the drugs since he was on a 60 day restriction and couldn't leave the ship.
* JUNE and PRESENT DAY - Tony remembering and giving Saleem a description of Ducky.
Lots to do with the case and not enough people to do it.
D: So many tasks so few hands. He asks about Ziva (no one has heard from her) and says that it's sad but time to move on.
* Interview #1 (after Pants Suit Girl) is Clair. I think Tony picked her because he knew she'd never make it past Gibbs. I also think that Tim knew this. I really loved that these two have meshed. So did Gibbs give the thumbs up?
Tim: "She's unflappable."
Tony: "She's unflappable."
At that exact moment she runs out of the conference room in tears. (Awww, Gibbs made a girl cry).
Gibbs: "Strike 1"
Again this show thrills me. For one brief moment I was laughing - forgetting that Tony was still tied to that chair in Somalia.
* PRESENT DAY
Tony is telling Saleem that it would be easier to replace the drummer in Spinal Tap, that Ziva is not replaceable.
Saleem asks why he/they aren't looking for her.
T: "If I could I'd drag her back, I'd do it in a heartbeat, but that's impossible. Ziva David is dead."
OK, my jaw hit the ground with this statement. We (the viewer) knew it wasn't true but the look on Tony's face said that he believed it.
ACT III
Phoof: Saleem
* Psychological torture. Saleem has a canteen. He opens it and takes a dramatic drink. Tony involuntarily tries to wet his lips. They very parched. Saleem talks about what's happening chemically to Tony then asks his next question:
"Who's in control of the flow of information.
Tony talks seemingly nonsense before answering against his will.
(NOTE: I really like this speech)
"Leon Vance. Some people don't like him. Some people don't trust him. Wish someone else were in his place. Show me someone who doesn't complain about his boss and they're either lying or unemployed."
While Tony is describing Vance we see him sometime in the recent past. (July)
Loved the scene transition – light in window behind Tony’s head to the skylight at HQ.
* JULY.
Gibbs and Vance talk about the on-going Meth case. Dimarco (the guy Tony and Tim were trying to subdue) is the suspect who is apparently drugged himself to throw off the scent that he's the one in charge of the Meth ring.
They then move on to discussing Ziva. Neither man has heard from her. Turns out that Eli is not being very open with the man who gave him the intel he needed to send Ziva off on the remainder of Rivkin's mission.
* While Tim interrogates (well interviews) PO Dimarco, Tony looks on with a woman with short hair - the next contestant in the search to fill the 3rd seat.
He seems to try to flirt with her but pulls back - just can't seem to do it.
* MTAC - Gibbs finds out from Special Agent Chad Dunham that the terrorist that Mossad has been looking for is close by and they apparently have a woman hostage. No clue to identity. I think both are thinking she might be Ziva. Enter Tony who tells Gibbs about the latest candidate.
It may be just me but these 2 are really in sync in how and what they are thinking. Their relationship is less tense and more respectful and calm. Both know that the 3rd chair needs to be filled but both are doing everything they can not to fill it.
* Loved Tony pointing out that calling the Sahara Desert by that name is redundant since Sahara in Arabic means desert. Desert desert.
* Still July. Tim and Tony are having dinner at an outdoor cafe. Tim is eating. Tony is distracted (for Tony not to be eating he must be in a really bad way). Tim is telling Tony about the Dimarco investigation and Tony isn't hearing word he says. Tony then just sort of wanders away. Tim follows (leaving money on the table.
Tim being very intuitive notices and says:
"I've been thinking about buying some tight red leather pants. Something that really cradles my butt.
(OK McGee crush girls - Snap out of it and get your mind back to the episode )
Tony: "It's not normal."
Tim: "I'm kidding."
Tony: "It's not normal that we haven't heard from Ziva.
Tim suggests that she might want to make a clean break of it.
Tony: "Maybe for some of us but not all of us. Unless you did something to her that you're not telling me about."
Oh boy. I really like the look on Tim's face at this remark. I'm really liking the evolved relationship between these two.
I think that Tim has been thinking the same thing as Tony but hasn't said anything so as not to throw dirt in Tony's face.
Tony is going to start digging for intel and Tim is going to be right there with him.
* BACK TO PRESENT DAY - Somalia
* Saleem is pacing the room and pushes a body with his foot.
"When he wakes up he will learn what a mistake your partner made in following your lead."
The body is TIM!!! OK now I'm not breathing. It took me totally by surprise that it was him. His face is battered and he appears unconscious.
Right now we're at the 1/2 way mark in the episode and man has it packed quite a punch.
* Real Phoof: Tim lying on the ground.
Now I really have to admire him. Once he came to he had to have heard some of the abuse (or perhaps all of it) being inflicted on Tony. That he was able to lie there with it happening made me appreciate him more than ever before.
* In previous seasons we've had teaser phoofs at the open of the act and a power punch phoof at the end. I hope this trend continues.
ACT IV
Phoof: Tony
* We open with Saleem asking Tony why he believes that he (Saleem) is responsible for the death of Ziva David. He doesn't answer.
* Tony is still trying to fight the effects of the drug. Here is where I really admire Michael. With only his face he was able to convey the psychological and physical agony Tony was going through. Gives me cold chills.
Saleem: "How did you find me? Who are you leaving out?"
* Tony tries not to answer but of course can't not answer - Abby.
* AUGUST
* Voice of Tony with scene of Abby in her lab. Loved this description (Tony got her down just as well as he did Tim and Gibbs) I think I got this all down.
T: Abby Scuito. NCIS resident forensic scientist. Heart and Soul. Paradox wrapped up in an oxymoron, smothered in contradiction in terms, sleeps in a coffin. Really the happiest Goth you'll ever meet.
* Turns out that Abby has been trying to track Ziva's movements too. Lost track a few months ago. Tim, Tony and Abby can only think of 2 ways to try to pick up her trail.
1. Hack into Mossad
2. Hack into Vance.
Uh Oh. Turns out they filled the 3rd chair - Becky Hastings - the former USAF officer. She walks into the lab and over hears this conversation. Exit Becky.
* Still August. Enter candidate #3. Heather Kinkade, a cop in a long line of cops in her family.
Tony takes her with him to observe Gibbs interrogating Dimarco. After a few minutes he tells her that they're not hiring after all.
Note: Not one of these people were even remotely right for the job - but I think this was the point.
* Techie stuff. Abby, Tim and Tony hacked into Mossad (perhaps a little safer than to hack into Vance since he's upstairs and Eli is half a world away).
I got a fit of the giggles with Tim and Abby singing the "Goat" song. Kind of reminded me of "This is the House that Jack Built." Tony looks at them like they've lost their marbles. The info they found was on the "fried" computer that Abby and Tim gave to Gibbs.
Gibbs gave to Vance
Vance gave to Eli who read it and put Ziva on the Damocles out of Jordan.
Tony tells them to try to find the ship - enter Gibbs who tells them that it went down in a storm on May 28 - there were no survivors.
* BACK TO SOMALIA - PRESENT DAY
Tony to Saleem: After that, business lost all meaning. He flashes snippets of things after he got the news. Most of what he hears from Tim and Abby is "Blah blah blah" (thin Charlie Brown adults).
Over and over he hears Gibbs saying "Grab your gear" which shows passage of time.
Then he suddenly stands up at his desk and shouts: :NO!"
Gibbs: "No?"
T: "We have an obligation. Saleem Ulman. He's got to be stopped before one more person dies."
G: "Make your case."
so he does (tries)
* MTAC with Tim and Abby. Vance and Gibbs in the theater seats. Cargo manifest uncovered by Tim and Abby - turns out the supplies have a pretty specific item aboard. Wait for it ------ Caf-Pow. Saleem has a caffeine addiction.
* Tony has told him of how he was tracked down. Saleem throws his canteen full of Caf-Pow against the wall and storms out.
* Sigh of relief. Tony speaks to Tim and Tim answers back. He wants to know when they're going to act. Tony tells him to wait for his queue.
* Saleem reenters the room with a hostage in tow. Bag over the head. OK, WE knew who it was going to be (or at least I did) but Tony and Tim are in for one heck of a jolt. Saleem wants to know the names and locations of all operatives in the area or the person with the bag over their head or Tony will die.
* When Saleem pulls the bag off the captive’s head we see that it’s Ziva looking shell-shocked.
Tony: "Well, how was your summer?"
ACT V
Phoof: Abby
* Lots of dialogue to come. I think I got most of it.
Z: "Out of everyone in the world who could have found me, it had to be you."
T: "You're welcome. So you're glad to see me?"
Z: (doesn't answer the question) "You should not have come."
T: "Alright then, Good catching up. I'll be going now." (tries to stand up) Oh yeah, I forgot - taken prisoner."
Z: "Are you alright - McGee?"
Phew - all is not well with Ziva's opinion of Tony - but I have hopes that time will heal all wounds.
Tim: "I'm just glad you're alive."
Z: "You thought I was dead?"
T: "Oh yeah."
Z: "Then why are you here?"
T: "McGee, McGee didn't think you were dead."
Z: "TONY!" "Why are you here?"
At this point I was having trouble catching my breath, even on the 2nd viewing to take these notes. The struggle Tony was going through not to answer was painful to watch.
T: "I couldn't live without you, I guess." (Whoa! How's that for honesty?)
Z: "So you will die with me. You should have left me alone."
T: "OK. Tried, couldn't. OK, listen. You should know I've taken (been given) some kind of truth serum so if there's anything you don't want to know the answer to..."
Z: "I did not ask for anyone to put themselves in harms way for me. I do not deserve it."
Tony goes on to ask if this is some kind of Monastic experience and she tells him it's justified.
T: "Get over yourself."
Z: "I have. Now you tell Saleem everything he wants to hear (WHAT!?!?) and you try to save yourselves. I am ready to die."
Tim: "That's not how it works."
---- I think Ziva and Tony had momentarily forgotten that Tim was on the floor - that the whole world just kind of melted away. Not that they didn't care but there they sat facing each other for the 1st time in months with a lot unresolved.
Z: "How what works?"
Tony: "The plan."
Z: "You have an escape plan?"
Tony nods his head.
Ziva tells them what the terrorists have at their disposal to protect themselves: 30 men who are heavily armed, anti-tank and anti-aircraft weapons.
"What do you have?"
Tony: "Well that's where things get a little tricky."
SHORTLY BEFORE PRESENT DAY - Vance can't give the go ahead for the mission. His hands are tied. Circumstantial evidence won't get them the military support they need. Tony leaves Vance's office. Gibbs follows a few moments later.
* Ah Ha. Gibbs and Vance have a secret language that Tony didn't pick up on.
Need more intel - Gibbs needs a few volunteers to go to Somalia to gather that intel.
Tony finally gets it. "Wink wink. Nudge Nudge. Bob's your Uncle. You guys have a whole little thing going on that I'm not getting. I’m hip. I dig it."
Tony volunteers himself and Tim to go on the "fact finding mission."
* WITHIN SPITTING DISTANCE OF PRESENT DAY - perhaps hours ago.
* The Somalia desert. 2 men in a jeep - Tony and Tim (now we know who was in the floppy hat with Tony). They've been to several locations. They stop at what appears to be an abandoned village. Tim is going to call in their position.
Tony: "Uh, Timmy?" (loved Tony using this name) - they are surrounded by bad guys.
He tells Tim to "say things" - Tim speaks in Arabic
Yelling going on. Tony tells Tim to say "the other thing." Tim speaks more Arabic. Both are taken down by the bad guys.
* BACK TO NOW.
* Z: "Wait, you got captured on purpose."
T: "Yep."
Z: "These men are killers, Tony."
T: "Yeah, I know. That's why we have to stay alive long enough not to get dead." (GREAT LINE)
Z: "That would involve being rescued."
T: "Yes, it would."
* Reenter Saleem carrying a really big knife which he holds to Ziva's throat. She offers herself up to be killed. Tony give the code word (Pizza) to Tim and the tables begin to turn. (But all is not well yet).
* Saleem is momentarily distracted and Tim (who's been pretending to be unconscious again) rolls over and knocks Saleem off his feet - the knife goes skittering across the room. But he has a gun which he pulls on Tim whose hands are still bound. Tony stalls for time by reminding Saleem that he's told him about all the team members (including Vance) except himself.
T: "I'm the wildcard." He tells Saleem that he should be terrified right about now but isn't. He brings up True Lies - Arnie is bound to a chair, shot full of truth serum but he picks his cuffs and kills everyone.
T: "You've got 30 seconds to live, Saleem."
S: "You're still bound - you're lying."
T: "I can't lie and I didn't say I was going to be the one to kill you. I'm the one who told you that my boss was a sniper."
AND THE KILL SHOT COMES THROUGH THE WINDOW.
I scared my cats half to death when this happened. I pounded my chair with my fists and shouted WHU!
Gibbs give the "GO" order to the rescue team and we hear shots ring out and yelling.
Ziva cuts Tim's binding and Tim then cuts Tony's. Tim and Tony with Ziva between them (half walking, half dragging) they leave the room where they've been held. Bad guy at end of hall aims to stop them. Unseen someone kills him - Gibbs.
G: "Let's go home
* Elevator NCIS.
Tim: Looking battered. Still in his torn t-shirt.
Ziva: Looking strangely blank - shell shocked.
Tony: Standing at the back of the elevator - slightly apart from the other 3.
Gibbs: Looking better than the other 3 but strangely silent, even for him.
Just before the doors open: Tony: "Just another day at the office."
None of them, including Tony, cracks a smile.
The doors open and they step out. Abby and Ducky are waiting.
Then it happens: Vance who's on the stairs starts the applause (warmed my heart) and the whole office joins in.
None of them acknowledge the salute.
Gibbs heads to his desk
Tony heads to his after a very brief pause with Ducky.
Tim stands next to Ducky watching Abby as she greets Ziva with a hug.
Then the camera pans back to show Tony watching this greeting.
* Final Phoof - Ziva who looks entirely broken.
TRUTH OR CONSEQUENCES – (7.1)
Written by: Jesse Stern
For me, just how very good this episode was is evident in how badly I slept. Although I didn't dream of it, it kept me awake.
There are several things I want to note 1st before getting into the nuts and bolts:
Writing: Jesse Stern wrote a masterpiece of a script. It's very high talent when an author can work in liberal amounts of humor to a very dark piece of work.
Directing (Dennis Smith): I'm as amazed by the directing as by the writing. You and Michael Weatherly must have a great trust relationship. He was great last night and that is partly your doing. When I see your name attached to an episode that what I'm going to be seeing is entirely believable and tonight was no exception
Lighting: I was taken aback by the stark contrast of that room in Somalia and NCIS HQ.
Makeup: Good God, did Michael look HORRIBLE! It was easy to believe that Tony had really been through Hell.
Performances: Everyone was on their game. Stand outs (for me) were Michael and Sean. That Tony and Tim had become friends and not just friendly co-workers was more than evident. Equals in every way. Michael outdid himself. - an EMMY worthy performance in my book. I hope Shane submits his name and this performance for next year's entries. Michael is a very physical actor and to have to act with the use of only his head, neck and face was fascinating and beautiful to watch.
Ever since Cloak became my series favorite episode I wondered how long it would be before something unseated it.
Well it's happened. I can see myself watching and re-watching Truth or Consequences many times over.
Name of the episode was perfect.
TEASER:
* OH MY GOD! I knew from the previews the predicament Tony was in but I definitely didn't expect it to open the show. For me Shane was right, I didn't quite believe what my eyes were telling me.
When the bad guy who'd been questioning Ziva walked into the room and unsheathed that syringe I cringed and then the camera panned to Tony tied to that chair and Saleem injected him with something I gasped audibly.
* I was so stunned at what I was seeing that I missed seeing the opening credits, so much so that I really thought they weren't there anymore. When we came back from commercial I expected to see the cast names pop up on the screen and when they didn't I thought it was just for this one episode. It wasn't until I re-watched that I found out I'd just missed them.
ACT I:
PHOOF: Saleem
* Truth serum with a kick. Something that Saleem made himself with a special ingredient. When Saleem tells him what it is and Tony told him he'd be dead soon I relaxed briefly thinking it would happen right away and then we'd find Ziva and move on. Boy was I WRONG.
* Until right this minute I couldn't figure out why Tony called Saleem, Mr. McCready. BUT I don't want to give it away just yet in case someone is reading this who hasn't had the chance to see the episode.
* Good heavens. As the drug began to take effect I could practically feel it.
It almost made me nauseous.
Under the influence of the drug Tony gives his title and name (with a little humor): "VERY Special Agent Anthony DiNozzo".
* Interesting comment from Saleem that until a few months ago he'd never heard of NCIS. Guess that gives us a little bit of an answer from the end of Aliyah - he fingers an NCIS badge and then tosses it across the room.
* Phew. It was difficult to watch Tony as he struggled to not answer Saleem's questions.
* MAY - Tony remembering back.
He and Tim are in a physical altercation with an unknown person. They're aboard a ship. The guy is making headway until Gibbs joins in and ends it.
* Tony calls his people: The Gang of Four (awwwwww)
Tony gives McGee's name and a description: "Small muscles, Big brain."
Then gives Gibbs' - "The Fearless L J Gibbs, former Marine Gunnery Sgt, Marine sniper, coffee aficionado and functional mute." - I LOVE this description. In just a few words Tony captured his essence perfectly.
* Saleem asks about the 4th member of the team.
T: "We lost her. For the last 4 years that spot has been filled by Mossad Liaison Officer Ziva David." I took this to mean Kate – “We lost her” then “last 4 years”.
* Tony mouths off to Saleem when he tells him that if NCIS killed his men they must have been bad guys/men. He gets backhanded for his words.
* Saleem now wants to know if NCIS is there to finish him off. Tony requests that glass of Chardonnay and his head is yanked back.
S (yelling): "Is your team here to finish the job?"
T: "Not only are you wrong but you're wrong at the top of your voice."
When Saleem asks what that means Tony chimes in with a movie reference. Only Tony would do this – even in peril he’s still “Tony”.
T: "Can you imagine Nicholson in A Bad Day at Black Rock? Would have liked.....
he's cut off when Saleem grabs his face to ask: "Where is the rest of your team?"
Breath taken away with the response: "I don't know. I don't care about your team. I don't care about my team."
Saleem wants to know why he would drive out into the desert without backup. Tony answers with his own question: (Paraphrasing)
"Why would he drive headlong into danger with no regard to his own well-being. Vengeance, Saleem. I'm here to kill ya."
* So very glad that this was the end of Act I because I needed to breath.
ACT II
Phoof: Tony
* Even while being battered/tortured Tony never loses his essential "Tony-ness". When Saleem tells Tony that he got his B.S. at Yale, Tony tells him that he got HIS B.S. on the streets.
Note: Tony has a BA (Bachelor of Arts) from Ohio State. Got his “BS” doesn’t mean Bachelor of Science in Tony’s case.
* It's obvious now that the "kick" in Saleem's truth serum has a pain ingredient. The way Tony moves his head and mouth and the look in his eyes showed he was hurting.
* Tony really does have a knack for making people underestimate him - football talk. Yale 18 championships but none since 1927.
* Saleem asks a pretty good question - why target him? I think we know why Tony's there but why was Mossad after him (though we have our suspicions I'd like to know for sure).
* JUNE
* Tony and Tim walk off the elevator at HQ, they're talking about Tony's home theater which isn’t working so well.
Another (well in a previous/future the time-line) mention of A Bad Day at Black Rock. Offers a copy of it to Tim if he'll come over and fix his system.
Now the one and only time I "SNORKED" in this episode.
Tim has told Tony that it's customary to be paid in money for a service.
T: "It's computers. It's your thing. If I had a thing I'd be showing it off all the time.
Gibbs: "There are rules against that DiNozzo."
I had to fight not to laugh so I wouldn't miss anything. This was one of the best comic lines of the night.
* Tim broaches the subject of filling the empty place on the team. Tony knows they have to but suggests Tim take the lead in approaching Gibbs. From the look that passes between them it's obvious they've discussed it between themselves.
Gibbs puts them both in charge so Tony won't employ a "casting couch"
* Dead Petty Officer aboard ship. Related to the fight Tony/Tim/Gibbs were involved with back in May. OD but how did he get the drugs since he was on a 60 day restriction and couldn't leave the ship.
* JUNE and PRESENT DAY - Tony remembering and giving Saleem a description of Ducky.
Lots to do with the case and not enough people to do it.
D: So many tasks so few hands. He asks about Ziva (no one has heard from her) and says that it's sad but time to move on.
* Interview #1 (after Pants Suit Girl) is Clair. I think Tony picked her because he knew she'd never make it past Gibbs. I also think that Tim knew this. I really loved that these two have meshed. So did Gibbs give the thumbs up?
Tim: "She's unflappable."
Tony: "She's unflappable."
At that exact moment she runs out of the conference room in tears. (Awww, Gibbs made a girl cry).
Gibbs: "Strike 1"
Again this show thrills me. For one brief moment I was laughing - forgetting that Tony was still tied to that chair in Somalia.
* PRESENT DAY
Tony is telling Saleem that it would be easier to replace the drummer in Spinal Tap, that Ziva is not replaceable.
Saleem asks why he/they aren't looking for her.
T: "If I could I'd drag her back, I'd do it in a heartbeat, but that's impossible. Ziva David is dead."
OK, my jaw hit the ground with this statement. We (the viewer) knew it wasn't true but the look on Tony's face said that he believed it.
ACT III
Phoof: Saleem
* Psychological torture. Saleem has a canteen. He opens it and takes a dramatic drink. Tony involuntarily tries to wet his lips. They very parched. Saleem talks about what's happening chemically to Tony then asks his next question:
"Who's in control of the flow of information.
Tony talks seemingly nonsense before answering against his will.
(NOTE: I really like this speech)
"Leon Vance. Some people don't like him. Some people don't trust him. Wish someone else were in his place. Show me someone who doesn't complain about his boss and they're either lying or unemployed."
While Tony is describing Vance we see him sometime in the recent past. (July)
Loved the scene transition – light in window behind Tony’s head to the skylight at HQ.
* JULY.
Gibbs and Vance talk about the on-going Meth case. Dimarco (the guy Tony and Tim were trying to subdue) is the suspect who is apparently drugged himself to throw off the scent that he's the one in charge of the Meth ring.
They then move on to discussing Ziva. Neither man has heard from her. Turns out that Eli is not being very open with the man who gave him the intel he needed to send Ziva off on the remainder of Rivkin's mission.
* While Tim interrogates (well interviews) PO Dimarco, Tony looks on with a woman with short hair - the next contestant in the search to fill the 3rd seat.
He seems to try to flirt with her but pulls back - just can't seem to do it.
* MTAC - Gibbs finds out from Special Agent Chad Dunham that the terrorist that Mossad has been looking for is close by and they apparently have a woman hostage. No clue to identity. I think both are thinking she might be Ziva. Enter Tony who tells Gibbs about the latest candidate.
It may be just me but these 2 are really in sync in how and what they are thinking. Their relationship is less tense and more respectful and calm. Both know that the 3rd chair needs to be filled but both are doing everything they can not to fill it.
* Loved Tony pointing out that calling the Sahara Desert by that name is redundant since Sahara in Arabic means desert. Desert desert.
* Still July. Tim and Tony are having dinner at an outdoor cafe. Tim is eating. Tony is distracted (for Tony not to be eating he must be in a really bad way). Tim is telling Tony about the Dimarco investigation and Tony isn't hearing word he says. Tony then just sort of wanders away. Tim follows (leaving money on the table.
Tim being very intuitive notices and says:
"I've been thinking about buying some tight red leather pants. Something that really cradles my butt.
(OK McGee crush girls - Snap out of it and get your mind back to the episode )
Tony: "It's not normal."
Tim: "I'm kidding."
Tony: "It's not normal that we haven't heard from Ziva.
Tim suggests that she might want to make a clean break of it.
Tony: "Maybe for some of us but not all of us. Unless you did something to her that you're not telling me about."
Oh boy. I really like the look on Tim's face at this remark. I'm really liking the evolved relationship between these two.
I think that Tim has been thinking the same thing as Tony but hasn't said anything so as not to throw dirt in Tony's face.
Tony is going to start digging for intel and Tim is going to be right there with him.
* BACK TO PRESENT DAY - Somalia
* Saleem is pacing the room and pushes a body with his foot.
"When he wakes up he will learn what a mistake your partner made in following your lead."
The body is TIM!!! OK now I'm not breathing. It took me totally by surprise that it was him. His face is battered and he appears unconscious.
Right now we're at the 1/2 way mark in the episode and man has it packed quite a punch.
* Real Phoof: Tim lying on the ground.
Now I really have to admire him. Once he came to he had to have heard some of the abuse (or perhaps all of it) being inflicted on Tony. That he was able to lie there with it happening made me appreciate him more than ever before.
* In previous seasons we've had teaser phoofs at the open of the act and a power punch phoof at the end. I hope this trend continues.
ACT IV
Phoof: Tony
* We open with Saleem asking Tony why he believes that he (Saleem) is responsible for the death of Ziva David. He doesn't answer.
* Tony is still trying to fight the effects of the drug. Here is where I really admire Michael. With only his face he was able to convey the psychological and physical agony Tony was going through. Gives me cold chills.
Saleem: "How did you find me? Who are you leaving out?"
* Tony tries not to answer but of course can't not answer - Abby.
* AUGUST
* Voice of Tony with scene of Abby in her lab. Loved this description (Tony got her down just as well as he did Tim and Gibbs) I think I got this all down.
T: Abby Scuito. NCIS resident forensic scientist. Heart and Soul. Paradox wrapped up in an oxymoron, smothered in contradiction in terms, sleeps in a coffin. Really the happiest Goth you'll ever meet.
* Turns out that Abby has been trying to track Ziva's movements too. Lost track a few months ago. Tim, Tony and Abby can only think of 2 ways to try to pick up her trail.
1. Hack into Mossad
2. Hack into Vance.
Uh Oh. Turns out they filled the 3rd chair - Becky Hastings - the former USAF officer. She walks into the lab and over hears this conversation. Exit Becky.
* Still August. Enter candidate #3. Heather Kinkade, a cop in a long line of cops in her family.
Tony takes her with him to observe Gibbs interrogating Dimarco. After a few minutes he tells her that they're not hiring after all.
Note: Not one of these people were even remotely right for the job - but I think this was the point.
* Techie stuff. Abby, Tim and Tony hacked into Mossad (perhaps a little safer than to hack into Vance since he's upstairs and Eli is half a world away).
I got a fit of the giggles with Tim and Abby singing the "Goat" song. Kind of reminded me of "This is the House that Jack Built." Tony looks at them like they've lost their marbles. The info they found was on the "fried" computer that Abby and Tim gave to Gibbs.
Gibbs gave to Vance
Vance gave to Eli who read it and put Ziva on the Damocles out of Jordan.
Tony tells them to try to find the ship - enter Gibbs who tells them that it went down in a storm on May 28 - there were no survivors.
* BACK TO SOMALIA - PRESENT DAY
Tony to Saleem: After that, business lost all meaning. He flashes snippets of things after he got the news. Most of what he hears from Tim and Abby is "Blah blah blah" (thin Charlie Brown adults).
Over and over he hears Gibbs saying "Grab your gear" which shows passage of time.
Then he suddenly stands up at his desk and shouts: :NO!"
Gibbs: "No?"
T: "We have an obligation. Saleem Ulman. He's got to be stopped before one more person dies."
G: "Make your case."
so he does (tries)
* MTAC with Tim and Abby. Vance and Gibbs in the theater seats. Cargo manifest uncovered by Tim and Abby - turns out the supplies have a pretty specific item aboard. Wait for it ------ Caf-Pow. Saleem has a caffeine addiction.
* Tony has told him of how he was tracked down. Saleem throws his canteen full of Caf-Pow against the wall and storms out.
* Sigh of relief. Tony speaks to Tim and Tim answers back. He wants to know when they're going to act. Tony tells him to wait for his queue.
* Saleem reenters the room with a hostage in tow. Bag over the head. OK, WE knew who it was going to be (or at least I did) but Tony and Tim are in for one heck of a jolt. Saleem wants to know the names and locations of all operatives in the area or the person with the bag over their head or Tony will die.
* When Saleem pulls the bag off the captive’s head we see that it’s Ziva looking shell-shocked.
Tony: "Well, how was your summer?"
ACT V
Phoof: Abby
* Lots of dialogue to come. I think I got most of it.
Z: "Out of everyone in the world who could have found me, it had to be you."
T: "You're welcome. So you're glad to see me?"
Z: (doesn't answer the question) "You should not have come."
T: "Alright then, Good catching up. I'll be going now." (tries to stand up) Oh yeah, I forgot - taken prisoner."
Z: "Are you alright - McGee?"
Phew - all is not well with Ziva's opinion of Tony - but I have hopes that time will heal all wounds.
Tim: "I'm just glad you're alive."
Z: "You thought I was dead?"
T: "Oh yeah."
Z: "Then why are you here?"
T: "McGee, McGee didn't think you were dead."
Z: "TONY!" "Why are you here?"
At this point I was having trouble catching my breath, even on the 2nd viewing to take these notes. The struggle Tony was going through not to answer was painful to watch.
T: "I couldn't live without you, I guess." (Whoa! How's that for honesty?)
Z: "So you will die with me. You should have left me alone."
T: "OK. Tried, couldn't. OK, listen. You should know I've taken (been given) some kind of truth serum so if there's anything you don't want to know the answer to..."
Z: "I did not ask for anyone to put themselves in harms way for me. I do not deserve it."
Tony goes on to ask if this is some kind of Monastic experience and she tells him it's justified.
T: "Get over yourself."
Z: "I have. Now you tell Saleem everything he wants to hear (WHAT!?!?) and you try to save yourselves. I am ready to die."
Tim: "That's not how it works."
---- I think Ziva and Tony had momentarily forgotten that Tim was on the floor - that the whole world just kind of melted away. Not that they didn't care but there they sat facing each other for the 1st time in months with a lot unresolved.
Z: "How what works?"
Tony: "The plan."
Z: "You have an escape plan?"
Tony nods his head.
Ziva tells them what the terrorists have at their disposal to protect themselves: 30 men who are heavily armed, anti-tank and anti-aircraft weapons.
"What do you have?"
Tony: "Well that's where things get a little tricky."
SHORTLY BEFORE PRESENT DAY - Vance can't give the go ahead for the mission. His hands are tied. Circumstantial evidence won't get them the military support they need. Tony leaves Vance's office. Gibbs follows a few moments later.
* Ah Ha. Gibbs and Vance have a secret language that Tony didn't pick up on.
Need more intel - Gibbs needs a few volunteers to go to Somalia to gather that intel.
Tony finally gets it. "Wink wink. Nudge Nudge. Bob's your Uncle. You guys have a whole little thing going on that I'm not getting. I’m hip. I dig it."
Tony volunteers himself and Tim to go on the "fact finding mission."
* WITHIN SPITTING DISTANCE OF PRESENT DAY - perhaps hours ago.
* The Somalia desert. 2 men in a jeep - Tony and Tim (now we know who was in the floppy hat with Tony). They've been to several locations. They stop at what appears to be an abandoned village. Tim is going to call in their position.
Tony: "Uh, Timmy?" (loved Tony using this name) - they are surrounded by bad guys.
He tells Tim to "say things" - Tim speaks in Arabic
Yelling going on. Tony tells Tim to say "the other thing." Tim speaks more Arabic. Both are taken down by the bad guys.
* BACK TO NOW.
* Z: "Wait, you got captured on purpose."
T: "Yep."
Z: "These men are killers, Tony."
T: "Yeah, I know. That's why we have to stay alive long enough not to get dead." (GREAT LINE)
Z: "That would involve being rescued."
T: "Yes, it would."
* Reenter Saleem carrying a really big knife which he holds to Ziva's throat. She offers herself up to be killed. Tony give the code word (Pizza) to Tim and the tables begin to turn. (But all is not well yet).
* Saleem is momentarily distracted and Tim (who's been pretending to be unconscious again) rolls over and knocks Saleem off his feet - the knife goes skittering across the room. But he has a gun which he pulls on Tim whose hands are still bound. Tony stalls for time by reminding Saleem that he's told him about all the team members (including Vance) except himself.
T: "I'm the wildcard." He tells Saleem that he should be terrified right about now but isn't. He brings up True Lies - Arnie is bound to a chair, shot full of truth serum but he picks his cuffs and kills everyone.
T: "You've got 30 seconds to live, Saleem."
S: "You're still bound - you're lying."
T: "I can't lie and I didn't say I was going to be the one to kill you. I'm the one who told you that my boss was a sniper."
AND THE KILL SHOT COMES THROUGH THE WINDOW.
I scared my cats half to death when this happened. I pounded my chair with my fists and shouted WHU!
Gibbs give the "GO" order to the rescue team and we hear shots ring out and yelling.
Ziva cuts Tim's binding and Tim then cuts Tony's. Tim and Tony with Ziva between them (half walking, half dragging) they leave the room where they've been held. Bad guy at end of hall aims to stop them. Unseen someone kills him - Gibbs.
G: "Let's go home
* Elevator NCIS.
Tim: Looking battered. Still in his torn t-shirt.
Ziva: Looking strangely blank - shell shocked.
Tony: Standing at the back of the elevator - slightly apart from the other 3.
Gibbs: Looking better than the other 3 but strangely silent, even for him.
Just before the doors open: Tony: "Just another day at the office."
None of them, including Tony, cracks a smile.
The doors open and they step out. Abby and Ducky are waiting.
Then it happens: Vance who's on the stairs starts the applause (warmed my heart) and the whole office joins in.
None of them acknowledge the salute.
Gibbs heads to his desk
Tony heads to his after a very brief pause with Ducky.
Tim stands next to Ducky watching Abby as she greets Ziva with a hug.
Then the camera pans back to show Tony watching this greeting.
* Final Phoof - Ziva who looks entirely broken.
