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NCIS MODERATORS' BLOG 122
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THE SPIDER AND THE FLY
19th October 2010
Season 8 finally began here in Australia last night. This was a great episode that tied up a lot of loose ends from season 7, gave us some more loose ends, and an intriguing start to a new season.
"The Spider and the Fly" had a lot of great dramatic moments and a few good humorous ones. I loved Tony in MTAC talking to McGee in Canada. The stupid hat McGee was wearing, and the fact the horse kept nudging him. I do wonder if the season 8 running gag is going to be silly hats. Both McGee and Ziva wore hats best described as silly during the course of the episode.
All the scenes with Mike Franks in them were great. From Mike sneaking in the back door of Gibbs' house, to his conversation in the basement with Jackson, to the final scene where Vance gives him an airline ticket. One thing struck me. Vance has to be running Mike Franks! He knew without Gibbs telling him that Mike was with Gibbs, then he gives him an airline ticket to where ever Layla and Amira are!
One of the best scenes has to be the confrontation with Alejandro Rivera. Rivera's less than subtle threat to Abby, Gibbs stepping in, and then Vance's attack out of left field. We are left in no doubt exactly what Vance thinks of Alejandro and that he protects his team.
The follow up scene in the car park with the Day of the Dead dolls on the cars and Paloma's phone call to Gibbs really helped heighten the atmosphere. We even got some incidental knowledge about Gibbs. It was settled once and for all exactly where he lives. When McGee traces the last incoming call to Gibbs' phone, Gibbs' home address comes up on the computer. Gibbs lives in Alexandria, VA.
The very best scene had to be the one at the safe house. The death of Paloma Reynosa at the hands of her brother Alejandro Rivera. Calculated, cold blooded and absolute and perfect justice.
The final scene of Vance burying the forensic report, which Gibbs must have given to him, followed by the cryptic text message from Eli David set season 8 up to be a real block buster. I am really looking forward to this episode.
"The Spider and the Fly" had some really memorable lines.
Paloma: You're just like your son.
Jackson: No, Ma'am. He's just like me.
Jethro: You're lucky you're not dead.
Jackson: I'm lucky I had a storm cellar to hide in.
Tony: It's hard to observe when you're being shot at.
Gibbs: Saddle up, DiNozzo.
Tony: We're not going to Arizona again?
Ziva: Is killing Gibbs' father business or pleasure?
Tony: Both.
Gibbs: What took you so long, cowboy?
Gibbs: I thought you were dead.
Mike: I got better.
Mike: Do what you have to do for family.
Gibbs: Which rule is that?
Mike: The unspoken one.
Mike: I've got an opinion. He's got a right to hear it.
Gibbs: Yeah, well, it's hard to take a guy seriously who keeps getting body parts blown off.
Vance: Your sister is a drug dealer and a murderer and I have reason to believe it runs in the family.
Vance: Someone show Senor Rivera out before he gets hurt.
Alejandro: By whom?
Vance: By me.
Mike: I've run from a few women in my time. Chased a few, too.
LAST UPDATE ON 20th October 2010, 6.43AM AEDT
SUBMITTED BY MargyW
FLESH AND BLOOD - COMMENTARY
18th October 2010
I watched "Flesh and Blood" with the commentary provided by Michael Weatherly and Robert J. Wagner last night.
It was interesting to listen too, but I think would have been better if Michael and RJ had concentrated more on the episode and less on their mutual admiration society. It was great to discover that the two men had become friends, but I was hoping to learn more about the shooting of the episode. The sort of commentary that Mark Harmon, Gary Glasberg and Arvin Brown did for "Faith".
It was interesting to learn that Robert Wagner has been watching NCIS for years. You never really stop and wonder what actors watch on television. At least, I don't.
Did learn a few little things about the episode. Michael shot the episode under difficulties. He had a broken toe on his left foot, which is why he was limping in some scenes. It was George Schenck and Frank Cardea's idea to cast Robert Wagner as Anthony DiNozzo senior. And finally, the hotel used was the Millennium Biltmore Hotel.
Both men made similar comments to Arvin Brown and Gary Glasberg regarding the strength of affection between the cast and the crew on the show. And both Michael and RJ were full of praise for Mark Harmon. Michael: "Mark is an incredible anchor and lead of the show." RJ: "He is a remarkable person. He really is so consistent and caring."
It really does say something about the caliber of NCIS when Robert J. Wagner refers to appearing on it as a highlight of his career. You really can't get higher praise than that.
LAST UPDATE ON 19th October 2010, 6.38AM AEDT
SUBMITTED BY MargyW
WHY I DIDN'T LIKE GERALD
17th October 2010
I know a lot of people liked Ducky's first assistant, Gerald Jackson, but from the first I did not like the character.
He didn't seem as well rounded as other recurring characters, for example, Tobias Fornell and Tom Morrow. It was as if the idea of giving Ducky an assistant was an after thought.
I think what annoyed me about the character was that he was rude and disrespectful to Ducky. Preferring to listen to a CD than to his boss.
Gerald was written out and replaced by Palmer. When you contrast Gerald's indifference to Palmer's enthusiasm it becomes more obvious that the writers did the best thing for the show by writing out the character of Gerald.
Gerald did have his place in some of NCIS' bigger moments. Being shot by Ari in "Bete Noire" comes to mind. An act of shocking, senseless violence that hammered home just what Ari was. His brief return in the two part "Kill Ari" was the last we saw of Gerald.
I know they say that never say a character on NCIS won't return unless they're dead, but I really do hope Gerald Jackson never returns to the show.
LAST UPDATE ON 18th October 2010, 6.42AM AEDT
SUBMITTED BY MargyW
GIBBS AND MCGEE REVISITED
14th October 2010
I got a massive response to my blog about the relationship between Gibbs and McGee.
I am afraid I cannot agree with a number of respondents who feel there is no chemistry between the characters. The chemistry is there, it is just more subtle than that between many of the other characters. Very little is spoken between Gibbs and McGee, but both actors have the ability to convey volumes without speaking a solitary word!
Most people agree that McGee has enormous respect (and dare I say love) for Gibbs. We saw this most recently in "The Spider and the Fly". McGee returns from Canada, happy to be home. His face falls at the lack of welcome, then Gibbs says "Welcome home, Tim." McGee's smile is like the sun coming out from behind a cloud. McGee wasn't worried that Tony and Ziva hadn't missed him, but he was upset to think that Gibbs might not have cared.
I thought Marion612 summed up the relationship best: "I find amusing that even though Gibbs and McGee are very different (and I mean very), Gibbs is actually the one who seems to understand/know McGee the best (with maybe the exception of Abby). He quickly understood that there was more to him than just meets the eye, never doubted him and did all he could so that he became a better agent. Not only is Gibbs glad to have him for his tech abilities but he is also training him in his weaker points: field work and standing up to people. Sure there were times when Gibbs was harsh with him, but that's who he is, he was always fair and gave may "good job" when deserved and I think it was exactly what Tim needed. Gibbs was a good mentor to Tim and I think Tim really appreciates it."
Thank you to everyone who took part in the original discussion.
LAST UPDATE ON 15th October 2010, 6.34AM AEDT
SUBMITTED BY MargyW
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| Started By | Thread Subject | Replies | Last Post | ||
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| MargyW | The Spider and the Fly - Blog Entry | 2 | Nov 9 2010, 9:32 AM EST by Vix1602 | ||
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Thread started: Oct 19 2010, 3:44 PM EDT
Watch
My blog entry for today:
http://www.ncisfanwiki.com/page/NCIS+MODERATORS%27+BLOG+122 Any feedback/discussion would be great.
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| MargyW | Flesh and Blodd - Commentary | 4 | Oct 18 2010, 4:30 PM EDT by MargyW | ||
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Thread started: Oct 18 2010, 3:40 PM EDT
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My blog entry for today:
http://www.ncisfanwiki.com/page/NCIS+MODERATORS%27+BLOG+122 I would be interested to hear your opinions. |
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| MargyW | Why I didn't Like Gerald | 10 | Oct 18 2010, 3:03 PM EDT by Scorpio-lady | ||
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Thread started: Oct 17 2010, 3:43 PM EDT
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My blog entry for today:
http://www.ncisfanwiki.com/page/NCIS+MODERATORS%27+BLOG+122 Any feedback/discussion would be great.
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