When it comes to watching TV it seems there is better programming on these days than ever. Even compared to what folks consider the golden age of television there seem to be more shows on worth watching now then at that time. Even the spin offs, programs that link themselves to already hit shows have gotten better. Case in point, NCIS LOS ANGELES.
I was never a big fan of the original series NCIS (which stands for Naval Criminal Investigative Service) that took a look at the investigative unit for the Navy and Marines that focused on crimes committed involving either or. When I got around to watching it on DVD I realized why it was such a hit show and that folks were watching. With the success CBS had in generating 2 spin off shows in their CSI franchise it only made sense they'd try the same here. But NCIS LOS ANGELES while similar is completely different.
Rather than focus solely on the criminal aspects and turning the show into another police procedural, this one takes on more international criminals and more often than not terrorist activity. This is not a group that works regularly in the public eye (though with the number of shoot outs on city streets seen here it's hard to believe they've never been filmed or made newsworthy in their world). This is a more clandestine group preferring to go undercover in an attempt to thwart bad guys and terrorist on US soil.
I never got the chance to watch season one but came in with this DVD collection of season two. It kicks in right away with a thread that will involve several episodes throughout continuing to the shows cliff hanger season two finale. This involves the past of agent G. Callen (Chris O'Donnell) the teams leader. Callen continues to have flash backs of his past while still unable to remember it all. Various episodes here take on things seen in those flashbacks and just who he really is. On the surface he's the teams on the scene leader, the man who decides who does what and gets the job done. But even Callan answers to someone.
That someone is Hetty Lange (Linda Hunt), an old operative in the field who now focuses her attention on pulling together jobs for the team to take on. Hetty is in charge of the LA field office for this group and is a legend in her time. She also inspires many things in the team beginning with fear, respect and love. While cautious around her, the team would do anything to protect her and in fact do so in one episode this season.
The next important piece of the team is Sam Hanna (LL Cool J), the rough and tough partner for Callan, an ex-Navy SEAL member who's seen bad and good times both. Hanna is a conundrum of sorts, being the muscle on the team but at the same time its spiritual guide as well. Sam takes no gruff but also knows there are better things in this world.
The other set of partners are far different than these two. Kensi Blye (Daniela Ruah) is another ex-military agent whose partner was killed in season one. Kensi is the optimistic agent but never let it be said that she's soft. She's as deadly as any other agent and perhaps more so when need be. Her new partner is the team's liaison with the local police, Marty Deeks (Eric Christian Olsen), a quick witted flirtatious member who jokes non-stop but who displays a serious side as well. Deeks may seem silly at times but inside he carries as much baggage as the rest of the team which makes itself known in various episodes here.
The team is aided in the background at home base by two tech geeks who supply them with backgrounds when they go undercover, information when they're in the field and support as often as needed. Eric Beale (Barret Foa) and Nell Jones (Renee Felice Smith) are unconventional when it comes to military protocol but the tops in their field when it comes to anything high tech. This team finds the buried information that helps lead the field teams to find the bad guys.
With the teams in place this show seems much like the original. The team works well together, each banters back and forth in a good natured way and the Kensi/Deeks team hints at a possible romance between the two eventually (though it never plays out in this season). The entire group is like an extended family, each one concerned about the other and with a closeness one can only wish they had. This closeness is so intense that by the last episode of the season the team quits NCIS to go search for Hetty who has disappeared.
The team is also one that you hope we actually have in place, a team that is willing to do what it takes to protect their country. Themes of loyalty, family and honor run throughout the season two set and all combine to make these character modern day heroes, something we seem to be short of or rarely hear of these days in real life. And its important that a young generation realize that there are heroes in this world.
Season two features the team taking on various bad guys throughout. Villains involved in human trafficking, stolen weapons, hijacked information, and terrorist's attempts on the country are all just a day at the office for this group. And while the occasional quip might be made after a case is solved, the team never takes things lightly or without a touch of personal psychological damage. But they pick up and do it all over again the next episode.
The cast involved here are amazing. O'Donnell has the charisma and intensity that many associate with Matt Damn in the Bourne films. He's a much unappreciated and underrated actor and it shows here. LL Cool J may just be another rapper to some but his acting chops have upgraded with each role he's ever played. That sharpening of skills gives his performances here the edge that is needed. Ruah and Olsen play their roles with an ease that seems natural to both. Their playful back and forth banter that has the undercurrent of a personal interest in each other is subtle yet there at all times. And Hunt as the enigmatic Hetty is a treasure. This is the role she was made for. No one knows for sure if the legends about Hetty are true or just legend, but they make a point of walking lightly around her while at the same time adoring her. It is in great part due to the performance Hunt displays here that the whole legend becomes believable.
The only bad thing one can say about this season 2 set is that it ends leaving you wanting more. But it will be some time before season 3 arrives. Until then you have to make do looking for the episodes on TV or streaming. Myself I tend to like to wait so that I can sit down for a few nights with folks that now seem like old friends. Once you watch this set you may feel the same way too. Now I just need to make sure and pick up season one.
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