"NCIS" has come to the halfway point of what has been a pretty abnormal season. It began with the unexpected departure of Cote de Pablo and ended with the arrival of Emily Wickersham. Here's my midseason review for Season 11 of "NCIS":
THUMBS UP:
I've never been a showrunner (or a show walker for that matter...I apologize for the bad joke) but I can imagine the bind Gary Glasberg was in when he learned Cote de Pablo would not be returning to the show. They were rushed to wrap up Ziva's storyline and then go through a number of substitutes before Emily Wickersham finally made her debut as NSA Analyst Eleanor Bishop. Throughout it all "NCIS" was able to keep up the jokes and the chemistry from week to week. The addition of Ellie Bishop has also worked out so far. We are able to see why Emily Wickersham was made a series regular before she even debuted. There are similarities between her character and both Kate and Ziva, but Bishop brings her own style and personality to the team. It will be interesting to delve more into her character going forward. The show also did a good job with Tony during the aftermath of Ziva's departure. He wasn't quite right for a couple episodes (as anyone would be after the love their life left them) and it showed. The good news is, Tony will finally return to dating in 2014. Finally, it was nice to see how the writers touched on the Vance family's first Christmas without Mrs. Vance, reuniting her father with his grandchildren.
THUMBS DOWN:
My only issues this season came with "Ziva's Farewell". Now I understand there were obvious obstacles. The first two episodes of the season most likely had to be written in a short period of time. Also, whatever may have caused Cote de Pablo to leave the show may have also affected her availability during those two episodes. Even though I am keeping these things in mind, I will still point out the two episodes felt a bit unrealistic. Tony was with Ziva in Israel for an extended period of time so I guess he and Ziva could have used that time to grow closer. They've always cared about each other deeply. However, having them appear hopelessly in love in one episode seemed a bit rushed. Also, Ziva's Farewell made a terror plot which might have been solved in one episode, drawn out over two.
Despite the first two episodes of the season, "NCIS" has been great TV in its 11th season. We definitely have something to look forward to in 2014.
"NCIS" airs Tuesdays at 8/7c on CBS.
RELATED ARTICLE: Elementary Season 2 Spoilers: Sherlock & Co. Approach Moriarty For Help; EP Talks Holmes' Advantage Over His Arch Nemesis
