The Positively Positive

Michael Weatherly interviews a bunch of Hallowen pranksters in NCIS, season 7, episode 5 “Code of Conduct”. Image from www.daemonstv.com

By my count I think this was the second real Halloween episode we’ve gotten of the series after season 3’s “Witch Hunt” (though some may argue that “Chimera” may fall into that category). Personally I think this one was better than “Witch Hunt”. The team is still working out the dynamics now that Ziva is back and starting anew as a full NCIS agent.

Highlights….

Seeing yet another reference to Tony’s past in the police department as he takes part in a tradition called “larceny lotto”.

Finding out that McGee used to play pranks on “Mischief Night”. And here I thought only Tony was the prankster. Way to go, McGee!

The victim’s neighbor being named “Mr. Rogers”….and wearing a sweater like the real Mr. Rogers did.

Tony being able to spot what Ziva could not in the garage, that there was a struggle.

Ducky and Palmer moving the body around as it “crunched”. That part gave me the willies!

McGee reigning Tony in from checking on his wager and reminding him to get back to work. The fact that he asked and Tony complied, neither of them showing any anger at the other, was great to me as it showed how well they know each other these days.

Ducky and Palmer using a pumpkin to show Gibbs how the nitrogen affected the victim….and Palmer dropping the thing on the floor.

McGee’s joyful scientific description of the kids’ technique as he and Ziva watched the video of the pranks played before the body was discovered….and him telling Ziva to ask Tony when she didn’t get it. To me that shows once again how close McGee and Tony got over the summer. The snippiness from last year is gone, replaced with friendly banter and I love it.

Gibbs bringing the team apple cider, declaring “Happy Halloween!” then calling an end to the “break” a few seconds later. Hey, at least he tried.

Tony asking “So Mr. Rogers, did you kill your neighbor?”

Gibbs walking into Abby’s lab and setting off all of the prank stuff in her lab, and then walking slowly to avoid setting if all off again.

Abby saying that McGee dressed like one of the Jonas Brothers at NCIS last year. Now there’s something I would love to have seen.

The way Gibbs said “It’s gonna get ugly” when interviewing the suspect.

I’d like to interrupt this review by saying…….damn McGee looked hot in those jeans…..we now return you to the previously scheduled review….

The whole scene with Tony’s “mobile campfire”. Loved him wrangling his probies together, then making them wait outside the bathroom. Then when Ziva started to complain about being called a probie, I loved that Gibbs came out and knocked her down a peg or two, pointing out that she’d only been an agent a week and then called for a continuation of the mobile campfire. To me this shows that Gibbs is backing up Tony, and that he’s his second in command. Plus Gibbs is still called “Probie” by Franks so I think he believes it’s not a bad thing at all. I for one would be very upset if Tony stopped calling McGee (or Ziva too, now that he’s started it) “Probie”. Later in the episode he says it comes from love and I truly believe that. My mom still calls me a nickname that is better suited to the baby I was when she first started using it. Does that mean I begrudge her calling me that? Heck no. In fact I like it, makes me feel loved. I did notice that McGee didn’t speak up, making me wonder if he’s accepted being called Probie and possibly even likes it now.

Palmer coming with a clue to the case and receiving the second GibbSlap of the season. Yay Palmer! Also, if I’m not mistaken this might be the first ever headslap for Palmer and the fact that it was done as a reward for good work, was great. I’m sure Palmer understood what an honor that was.

Tony calling McGee and Ziva his “Probie sandwich” – awesome!

Seeing that the whole team was working on the case when not necessarily together. While Ziva and McGee interviewed all the members of the victim’s squad, Tony was talking to the victim’s wife and daughter again and Gibbs was getting the sign out log they needed. We’re so used to seeing them work at the same time, it was kind of nice to see them all working somewhat alone and then comparing notes afterwards.

Ziva smashing the suspect’s face in the…..was that sauerkraut?…when he couldn’t come with them right away. Well that’s one way to stop someone.

The little smile Gibbs gave Tony when he asked if there was any more cider because it was “deciderly delicious”. Totally made me wonder if that was an ad lib from Michael.

The tag team interrogation starring Tony and Gibbs They are quite a force to be reckoned with and I love it when they do that.

Another Tony and Gibbs tag team as they go pick up the daughter, with all the evidence that proves she killed her stepfather.

Ziva doing whatever she did to McGee’s keyboard so that it foamed up when he tried to use it. That was awesome. Go Ziva!

Finding out that Tony gave the money he won in the larceny lotto to charity.

Ziva giving Tony a drink that turned his teeth blue. Looks like someone has learned how to do pranks. Nice!

Overall probably the best of the Halloween episodes, with an unusual case, a few pranks and lots of laughs along the way.

More NCIS….

NCIS, Season 7, episode 1 “Truth or Consequences”

NCIS, Season 7, episode 2 “Reunion”

NCIS, Season 7, episode 3 “The Inside Man”

NCIS, Season 7, episode 4 “Good Cop, Bad Cop”

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