"Just loved this episode, especially the end. It's so good to learn something about Abby's background. It seems she came from loving (and normal) parents even if not biologically. I noticed one little inconsistency though. I remember an early episode where an old boyfriend of Abby's brought a gift (perfume I think) from her mother, but I read her mother died in 2002 which would've been before the series began."

"I agree i loved this episode, so many great scenes.
Abby's mum could have died in a later season that we don't know about.
The reference to 2002 is when Pauley Perrette's mum died, that's her real mum in the picture in the locket."

"1. YES -- perfect actor for Abby's brother. Adorable. Same smile. The actors did a nice job playing up their similar expressions. He'll be a fun addition.

2. This is the first episode in a while that I've really enjoyed. It was a little obvious that something was "hinky" with the officer they were protecting, but all in all I felt it was a really enjoyable episode. The only thing that felt off to me was McGee's continuous deep irritation with Tony. Tony may be obnoxious with McGee but he also comes across as actually liking him under all the teasing. McGee these days comes across as really NOT liking Tony. And often correcting him or being more competent than Tony. If it's a writer's thread that will be developed over time, with some kind of culmination that leads to a deeper relationship -- okay. Actually, pretty interesting. But if it's just device to create banter or "humor" based on being mean to each other, it's making McGee seem like an unlikable sourpuss.
3.Back to the episode: I liked how both Tony and Ziva were taken in by the good looks of the people they were dealing with -- that it wasn't just a dumb Tony thing. Funny, I'm not really a Tony fan but I don't like it when he is made to look a fool or act too young for his age and postion. It demeans the whole team/episode.
4.And I have to say I loved the amount of Gibbs in this episode. For me, Mark Harmon is the glue to this program. I don't need his personal life at the center of the story but I always like his Gibbs-ness to be a central feature. Except for Abby, none of the other actors/characters to me have the weight to anchor a full episode.
A long post, sorry. I'm such an NCIS fan in my heart and was delighted at long last to feel the love."