The Positively Positive

In this week’s episode we are introduced to a new couple within the team – Tony and…..McGee?

No folks, it’s not what you think. In “Guilty Pleasure” Tony and McGee aren’t admitting to a romance. It’s a “bromance”, and I for one, love it. Tony and McGee make perfect partners/friends and the fact that they are starting to realize it, makes it even better.

The episode begins with the two getting into a little lover’s tiff over some miscommunication, causing Ziva to compare them to a married couple with a “seven year bitch” (she of course meant “itch”). Later in the episode Tony meets up with his (seemingly) perfect match. Another guy who dresses like he does, quotes movies and overall just “gets it”. McGee is not happy, though he does his best to hide it.

In the end, Tony breaks up with his new bro-mate and goes back to McGee. They go right back to bickering happily, just as they should.

Highlights….

The guy yelling at the chick to “get off Facebook and dial!”

Gibbs telling Ziva that Tony and McGee were not like a fighting married couple because “they’re still speaking”. Oh Gibbs, how you slay me.

Tony telling McGee “you were funnier when you were fatter.” – I’m kinda with Tony on this one. That “why did the dead guy cross the road?” joke was pretty bad.

McGee starting to get a little grumpy when Gibbs ordered Tony to work with Detective McCadden.

The look on Gibbs’ face when Abby started discussing why she wouldn’t be able to be a prostitute even though she met some of the “qualifications”.

Tony and McCadden bonding over movies and Tony calling him “McC”

Wondering just exactly what it was that Holly whispered into Gibbs’ ear and how it could be a “deal breaker”

Abby and Holly comparing their very different taste in shoes.

McGee asking what all of Holly’s code words meant…..and being instructed to check the internet. LOL.

Tony thinking that a smoking jacket was…..classy?

Tony’s surprise at getting a little more than he bargained for when his “date” started smacking him around a little.

Tony saying “Daddy’s gonna make wee-wee”. Really, Tony? Really??

Totally suspecting the lawyer as soon as I laid eyes on him.

McGee referring to Tony and his new bro-mate as “T-Cad” and wondering what he’d think if he knew that some people (*cough* fans *cough*) refer to him and Tony as “McNizzo”?

McGee using his iPhone to pull up a suspect’s rap sheet. My how technology (and the show) has grown in seven years.

McGee muttering to himself gloomily after Tony forgot his Nutter Butter cookies……and it making me totally crave Nutter Butters. Damn you, McGee. *adds them to her shopping list*

After Tony and McCadden leave, McGee sadly saying what HIS favorite call-girl movie was, even though he was never asked.

Abby of course being able to spot that McGee was very sad over losing his Tony.

Abby asking Gibbs to give her hug to McGee….and the look Gibbs gave McGee before being told he didn’t need one. ROTFLMAO!!!

Tony defending McGee and saying “there is no better” when McCadden suggested that he deserved better. Awwww! Too cute!

Tony defended McGee again and pointing out that “we’ve got nothing” after McCadden was hard on McGee for having nothing…..and then telling the detective he could go. I guess the bromance is over.

Finding out that I was right about the lawyer. Ha!

Gibbs blowing away the bad guy and saving the damsel. Gotta love an ending like that.

Tony referring to himself as an “NCIS geek” when breaking off his “date” with McCadden. Once again I say….Awwww!

Tony and McGee bickering again, and watching as Ziva smiled at them, knowing how much they love it.

Finding out that what Holly wanted in exchange for her help was simply a dinner with Gibbs, without expectations.

Feeling a little sorry for Gibbs when he said he didn’t have many friends, and him being to finish his dinner alone.

Overall I loved all the Tony and McGee interaction in this one and look forward to seeing more of those two being portrayed as partners and friends.

More NCIS….
NCIS Superbowl 2010 Ad
NCIS Soundtrack, Volume 2 Review
NCIS Season7 Promo
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”
NCIS, Season 7, episode 5 “Code of Conduct”
NCIS, Season 7, episode 6 “Outlaws and In-Laws”
NCIS, Season 7, episode 7 “Endgame”
NCIS, Season 7, episode 8 “Power Down”
NCIS, Season 7, episode 9 “Child’s Play”
NCIS, Season 7, episode 10 “Faith”
NCIS, Season 7, episode 11 “Ignition”
NCIS, Season 7, episode 12 “Flesh and Blood”
NCIS, Season 7, episode 13 “Jet Lag”
NCIS, Season 7, episode 14 “Masquerade”
NCIS, Season 7, episode 15 “Jack Knife”

I have to say that I got a big kick out of this episode and it was tons of fun to watch, with the team getting together with a couple old friends – Fornell and Damon Werth for a road trip. Between McGee on a caffeine high, Gibbs and Fornell’s hilarious banter, Tony being the quiet one for once and Ziva and Werth flirting – I liked it all. It almost didn’t even feel like a normal episode of the show, with all the old friends coming along for the ride.

Highlights….

McGee suggesting that he could feed Gibbs’ fish and that Gibbs could eat them. LOL.

Gibbs knowing there was someone in his house just from the fact that McGee didn’t mention the t-bone supposedly in the fridge.

McGee’s reaction to Gibbs asking him to “Get Ziva and DiNozzo out of bed.” – hilarious!

The sight of Fornell in his robe and him asking Gibbs not to look chipper.

I’m with McGee, sometimes I wish my brain had an on-ff switch too when I’m trying to go to sleep.

McGee falling so dead asleep that he didn’t even notice when Gibbs and Fornell got in the car.

The amount of times they managed to say “knot” and “not” in the space of two minutes.

Gibbs and Fornell bickering in Ducky’s lab. I swear it sounded like those two were married.

Tony telling McGee “I think there are a lot of people that would like to see you naked” when admitting that he almost stripped McGee and put him in a drawer in autopsy while he was asleep.

McGee sleeping with Bert…..awww. Guess he’s the go-to pillow when anyone needs to catch a few winks.

Abby asking McGee if he had sleeping sickness and it turning out it was just because he was trying to keep up with Gibbs. Have to admit that until then I couldn’t figure out what the heck was going on with him either.

Abby accusing Gibbs of enjoying having McGee as his valet….and him not denying it.

The way Ziva said “good luck with that” when Werth asked the guy not to enjoy patting her down too much.

Tony continuing to hold a grudge after Werth broke his nose. He has a good point – he does only have one nose and it is on his face.

Gibbs trying to put on his sling by himself. He can be such a big baby sometimes, refusing to ask for help.

Gibbs telling Fornell “yeah whatever, you already slept with my wife.”when Fornell remarked how easily he gave over the keys to his car. I know plenty of guys who’d be more worried about the car, especially a stunning ’71 Challenger like that one.

The amount of times they used the word ‘melons’ in the space of one minute.

Laughing at the fact that I actually understood most of what the head guy said in CB talk. Guess watching ‘Convoy’ all those years ago, plus episodes of ‘BJ and The Bear’ is really paying off.

McGee hollering “F U!” at Tony before he realized he was talking about Morse code.

Gibbs and Fornell bickering at the gas station. Those two were scary-good at it. Once again, they totally sounded like an old married couple.

Gibbs with the MOPAR reference! Nice!

McGee totally hopped up on caffeine and for once being more antsy than Tony.

Ziva staring down the truck as it came barreling towards her, more calm than the ex-Marine standing beside her. Whoa.

Gibbs and Fornell ending up in the back of the truck. Sneaky!

Abby asking the guy if he was stupid for paying that much for the ‘Cuda…..before she knew it was the Holy Grail of muscle cars.

Leaning something new. When I go shopping for my muscle car (oh yeah, I’m so getting me one), I’ll be sure to bring a magnet.

Abby rubbing it in the bad guy’s face that she was going to tear his pressure car apart.

McGee asleep on his desk…..again.

Tony finally letting the grudge go, by offering to help Werth find work.

Ziva being sly about whether or not she and Werth were going to be seeing more of each other. I always knew she liked that guy.

Overall an episode that was a rip roaring good time and I hope they keep doing more like it.

More NCIS….
NCIS Superbowl 2010 Ad
NCIS Soundtrack, Volume 2 Review
NCIS Season7 Promo
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”
NCIS, Season 7, episode 5 “Code of Conduct”
NCIS, Season 7, episode 6 “Outlaws and In-Laws”
NCIS, Season 7, episode 7 “Endgame”
NCIS, Season 7, episode 8 “Power Down”
NCIS, Season 7, episode 9 “Child’s Play”
NCIS, Season 7, episode 10 “Faith”
NCIS, Season 7, episode 11 “Ignition”
NCIS, Season 7, episode 12 “Flesh and Blood”
NCIS, Season 7, episode 13 “Jet Lag”
NCIS, Season 7, episode 14 “Masquerade”

Michael Weatherly and Sean Murray in NCIS, season 7, episode 14 “Masquerade”

This episode was full of excitement as the team chases a group of terrorists threatening to set off “dirty bombs” in DC. It had a lot of great team interaction, with everyone working together to catch the bad guy. Sometimes in the past it has felt like we always get the same people working together, McGee with Tony, Ziva with Gibbs, etc. This episode really felt like they mixed it up, McGee with Gibbs, McGee with Ziva, Gibbs and Vance – it was nice to see and I think it worked well.

Highlights…

The very interesting way they presented the body to us this week. Usually it’s by somebody stumbling across a crime scene, but this time we watched it happen on live tv. Very cool.

Seeing Gibbs still in a sling after throwing McGee out of the way of a moving car last week. Now I’m suspicious that perhaps Mark injured himself and that’s why (though I can’t confirm that anywhere), but still, it was very nice continuity.

Tony talking about getting a tweet the led him to a blog linked him to a holiday site and talking about taking dance lessons for National Tap Dance Day (I am so going to search online for that now)

Ziva and Tony talking about Talk Like A Pirate Day! Woot! I thought I was the only one who celebrated that…aaarrrrgggg!

McGee taking part in a wedding online

McGee forgetting that he had a head in a paper bag and chuckling about finding it near a bowling alley. Is it wrong that I chuckled at that, too?

Tony snatching McGee by the collar to pull him away from the radiation. It totally reminded me of Gibbs for some reason – gruffly and without words, Tony snatched his Probie away from danger. So awesome.

Tony worrying about his “Little DiNozzo makers” being exposed to radiation.

Abby full on tackle-hugging Tony in her hazmat suit.

Gibbs asking “what? On my blog?” when Kane said he’d heard of him.

The return of Attorney Hart. Boy, she sure does get herself under Gibbs’ feet a lot, doesn’t she?

Watching Gibbs try to do one of his normal interrogations with Hart there. She tries to break his stride but it doesn’t work and he ends up getting info even she didn’t have. Yeah! Go Gibbs!

Tony and McGee watching Gibbs and Hart from the other room, waiting for Ziva to bring the popcorn. Classic.

McGee coming up with the worst excuse ever to leave an awkward situation. A haircut? Really?

Is it just me or does Gibbs seem a little more chipper these days? Like the way he happily chomped on the popcorn, the funny little comments he made in interrogation when he saw that Hart didn’t know some things about her client, the way he raised his eyebrows at Tony in Abby’s lab when Tony noted how hot Vega’s girlfriend was….now I’m saying he’s going soft, not by a long shot, it was just nice to see is all.

Tony and Ziva debating over who would win in a fight between Hart and Gibbs

Tony’s quiet “come on, Ziva” when the two of them were in the warehouse and she finally started talking about Saleem and what he did to her. I like that he didn’t push her too hard but just enough. Great to see these two becoming friends again after the fiasco last year.

Abby staying in her hazmat suit because she thought it was cool and liked the way it sounded. I could totally see myself doing something like that.

Gibbs and Ducky stumbling upon Palmer tap dancing to his iPod and mentioning that Tony invited him to a National Tap Dance Day celebration. I love that they’re still hinting at the friendship between those two. I just wish we’d see more of it.

Gibbs and Vance both spotting the same thing in Vega’s record at the same time.

The dentist’s very creepy references to how perfect Vega’s teeth were.

The conversation between Tony and Attorney Hart about hair. I think she’s right about Tony’s hair…and Gibbs’ too, for that matter.

Gibbs letting Hart think that he was letting her client go because of her….when he really just wanted to tail the guy.

The way Tony and Ziva casually continued their conversation during the stakeout, even after she got out of the car.

Without saying anything, Gibbs managing to talk Vega into signing the attorney waiver and then jumping down his throat the moment he did.

Tony saying “don’t make me say it, McGee” and McGee replying “we’ll be careful, Tony” when Gibbs and McGee go to look for the bomb. Again, I just love how they’re playing Tony as protective of his team, just as much as Gibbs.

McGee disobeying Gibbs’ order to leave while he dealt with the bomb. Yeah right, like McGee (or any of the team for that matter) would ever do that.

Vance telling Kane that they have “better nerds” than he does…..and finding out it was all a bluff. Nice!

Gibbs realizing that maybe leaving his door unlocked all the time is a bad idea when he comes home to find Hart sitting in his living room.

Watching the tension between Gibbs and Hart building up and knowing where it was going to lead. Gibbs is right; she only seems to do charity cases that get her in front of him. I’m curious though how or why she found him in the first place and until we find out, I don’t completely trust her. Though I am intrigued to see where their relationship goes.

The episode cutting away right before Hart and Gibbs kiss! Ahhh! So mean.

Overall a very “teamcentric” episode that I enjoyed a lot.

More NCIS….
NCIS Soundtrack, Volume 2 Review
NCIS Season7 Promo
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”
NCIS, Season 7, episode 5 “Code of Conduct”
NCIS, Season 7, episode 6 “Outlaws and In-Laws”
NCIS, Season 7, episode 7 “Endgame”
NCIS, Season 7, episode 8 “Power Down”
NCIS, Season 7, episode 9 “Child’s Play”
NCIS, Season 7, episode 10 “Faith”
NCIS, Season 7, episode 11 “Ignition”
NCIS, Season 7, episode 12 “Flesh and Blood”
NCIS, Season 7, episode 13 “Jet Lag”

Michael Weatherly and Cote DePablo in NCIS, season 7, episode 13 “Jet Lag”.

Okay I’m gonna make another confession here. I had to watch this episode twice before I could think of anything to say about it. Not because it was bad, not at all, but because it confused me. I couldn’t help but wonder where it was trying to go with the whole “Ziva and Tony stayed in the same hotel room but who slept where?” part.

But after a second viewing, I got it. You see, I’m still a relatively new viewer to NCIS, having only been around since the summer before season 6 premiered. So I had to think back on when I was watching the DVD’s for season 3 and that’s when I remembered how much Tony and Ziva flirting they gave us back then. Episodes like “Under Covers” and “Boxed In” had them flirting, making innuendos, even faking sex with each other. I liked it. I may not be a fan of those two actually getting together anytime soon, but I still got a kick out of seeing them play off each other like that.

So once I realized that just because Tony and Ziva were in Paris (like Gibbs and Jenny, and we all know where those two ended up), it doesn’t mean the show is necessarily going the “Tiva” route. After that, I was able to relax and enjoy it. Then I was able to see the other part of the show I liked, which was more interaction with Gibbs and McGee, one on one. I like watching Gibbs take the time to train Tim the way he’s trained Tony in the past and this episode gave us that in spades.

Highlights….

Seeing a truly happy Tony in Paris taking pictures, buying souvenirs and enjoying the sites. Not being the “clown”, but actually acting as though he was having fun.

McGee getting caught with his feet up on his desk and watching something (not work related) on his computer. Totally reminded me of Tony getting caught like that a few times.

Ducky trying to take over for a missing Tony by making a movie reference at the crime scene.

McGee and Gibbs working the case by themselves. I just love watching Gibbs working alone with either of his “kids”.

Gibbs telling the woman’s husband that “our best agents are with her”. I just love it when he says stuff like that cuz he’d never say it when they’re around.

Tony showing his pictures to the witness and musing about what it would have been like if he’d gone into a career that was more creative. Aww.

The look Tony and Ziva shared after telling their witness that they “never get along”. Personally I think it meant that they do get along but don’t want anyone to know it.

Gibbs asking Ducky “you asking me on a date, Duck?” and Abby piping up to ask if she could come along too. LOL.

Ziva telling the Air Marshall that she once killed a man with a credit card. Oh yeah, I totally believe it.

Tony calling the Steward “Mr. Spock”. Funny that calling someone that these days means they look like Zachary Quinto and not Leonard Nimoy

Tony talking Twilight with the Air Marshall while Ziva picked his pocket. LOL’d so hard when he said he was on “Team Edward”.

Ducky telling Tony he was surprised Tony wasn’t already a member of the “Mile High Club” (people who’ve had sex on an airplane) and Tony saying he never said he wasn’t. Yeah, that didn’t surprise me at all, especially with all the stewardesses I’m sure he’s dated in the past.

Gibbs saying “Oh, there’s a time and a place for everything” after being accused of liking it rough. Excuse me while I fan myself ….did it get hot in here all of a sudden? No? Just me?

The man they just accused of being the hitman giving them his EpiPen for the witness and saving her life.

Ziva and the hitwoman getting into a knock down, drag out, girl fight. Go Ziva!

Gibbs throwing himself in front of a car to save McGee. Holy cow! I didn’t expect that at all.

LOLing when McGee asks Gibbs if he hit his shoulder and Gibbs replies “No, the car did.”. So droll, so very Gibbs.

Ziva saying that she thinks Tony’s picture would look better in black and white….and the show making that the final black and white shot. Nice, very nice.

Overall a rather confusing episode that turned into a very good one that was a little different than normal.

More NCIS….
NCIS Soundtrack, Volume 2 Review
NCIS Season7 Promo
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”
NCIS, Season 7, episode 5 “Code of Conduct”
NCIS, Season 7, episode 6 “Outlaws and In-Laws”
NCIS, Season 7, episode 7 “Endgame”
NCIS, Season 7, episode 8 “Power Down”
NCIS, Season 7, episode 9 “Child’s Play”
NCIS, Season 7, episode 10 “Faith”
NCIS, Season 7, episode 11 “Ignition”
NCIS, Season 7, episode 12 “Flesh and Blood”

Guest star Robert Wagner and Michael Weatherly in NCIS, season 7, episode 12 “Flesh and Blood”. Image from www.daemon’stv.com

I’m going to come right out and say that I was pretty nervous about last night’s episode ever since I heard that we were finally going to meet Tony’s father. The very first thing that drew me to this show was the relationship between Gibbs and Tony and I was worried that meeting Tony’s father was going to ruin that somehow.

I’m one of those fans who always believed that Tony’s father wasn’t likely to be nominated for “Father of The Year”. From the little bits and pieces he’s let slip over the years, I’m not the only one who came to that conclusion. So when I found out that Robert Wagner was hired to play DiNozzo Sr., I got nervous. Then when I saw the preview clips for this ep, I got even more nervous. Tony’s dad coming off as charming and funny? This was not the DiNozzo Sr., I was prepared to accept. I think us fans need Daddy DiNozzo to be a little messed up. We need that because we need Tony to need Gibbs.

As it turned out, I had absolutely nothing to worry about. The writers of this show must know what we fans are thinking, because last night’s ep was very nearly like a dream come true.

In fact, there is so much I loved about it that I’m not going to do my normal “highlights” section of this review. Because if I did, it would be way too long and I have plenty to talk about without even going into the moment by moment stuff.

For me there were probably three key scenes that I loved. Truthfully I pretty much loved the entire episode from beginning to end but in order to keep this post from being 3 miles long, I’ll keep it to these three scenes.

Tony confronts his father – finally we hear Tony say what we’ve all wanted him to say to DiNozzo Sr.

Gibbs confronts Tony’s father – Gibbs and Tony’s dad together, alone, in a conference room. Did I already mention that this episode was a dream come true? Okay good, just checking.

Gibbs and Tony hanging out – This final scene nearly had me in tears….okay so it DID have me in tears actually but I was afraid to admit that, not wanting to sound like a complete loon. But it did. So there, I admitted it. But for a fan who loves the idea that Tony is Gibbs’ pseudo son, a replacement of sorts for the daughter he lost – and Gibbs is more of a father to Tony than his real flesh and blood will ever be – oh yeah, it was waterworks central. And I found the matching pocket knives a nice touch.

Overall this has now become one of my favorite episodes of NCIS ever. With Tony’s father turning out to be exactly who so many of us needed him to be, and cementing the relationship between my two favorite characters on the show. Robert Wagner did a fantastic job and I for one would love to see him come back again.

Oh and for any interested in seeing even more comments about this episode, feel free to check out my other blog.

More NCIS….
NCIS Season7 Promo
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”
NCIS, Season 7, episode 5 “Code of Conduct”
NCIS, Season 7, episode 6 “Outlaws and In-Laws”
NCIS, Season 7, episode 7 “Endgame”
NCIS, Season 7, episode 8 “Power Down”
NCIS, Season 7, episode 9 “Child’s Play”
NCIS, Season 7, episode 10 “Faith”
NCIS, Season 7, episode 11 “Ignition”