The Positively Positive

This week’s episode of NCIS was a little different than I expected and once again, like last week’s episode of Supernatural, I’m totally blaming it on the preview. I swear I’m gonna stop watching the darn things because they keep giving me the wrong impression of what the upcoming episode will be like.

Last week’s preview of ‘Moonlighting’ gave me the distinct impression that it was going to be pretty serious, with Gibbs getting hooked up to a polygraph and having to face the demons from a past he’s trying very hard to forget (like for instance having shot the man who killed his first wife and child). But that wasn’t the case at all. This week’s ep wasn’t necessarily all that serious and as for Gibbs on the polygraph, well that scene happens mostly as a joke and barely lasts a few minutes.

So once again, I found myself having to forget what I thought I knew about the ep, and simply enjoy it…..and there was a lot to enjoy. McGee and Tony’s constant (and good natured) ribbing of each other continues as Tony finds out that the Probie has been spending way too much time online.

Hmm….considering how much weight Sean Murray has lost this season, maybe they should have McGee take up a more strenuous hobby, like maybe jogging or something. Personally I never thought McGee looked bad before but yay for Sean for dropping what looks to be some serious lbs (I’d wager at least 20). I too have been working on losing weight (20 lbs and counting so far for me too) so I applaud anyone who makes the commitment.

Oh and speaking of Sean (and going off on a slight tangent) – I just heard he and his wife had their second child this week (a boy named River), congrats to them!

Okay now back to our regularly scheduled programming…..

I also loved that we got to see a lot of Palmer in this episode – he fits in nicely with the Tony and McGee, giving them someone else to pick on than each other. Since those two are being portrayed more as friends these days (which I am loving!), it’s kinda funny to watch them give Palmer some of the hell they used to give each other.

Speaking of boys giving each other hell, Gibbs and Fornell totally remind me of Tony and McGee sometimes themselves. Gibbs making cracks about Fornell’s beard, Fornell getting a kick out of watching Gibbs take a polygraph (with its “sphincter sensor” – LOL!), they’re just as much fun to watch as the other “boys”.

Plus there was the fun of McGee being in the awkward situation of having to deal with the woman who had a crush on him.

Highlights….

The many ‘Gremlins’ references made about Palmer. Especially Gibbs saying “don’t get him wet”.

The two “dudes” trying to give a description of the other “dudes” they saw drive away from the murder scene. Seriously, when did Bill and Ted get to DC?

Gibbs telling Fornell that he’s going to start calling him “The Gambler” because of his undercover beard. LOL!

Palmer continuously saying the most inappropriate things at the most inappropriate times….and still not learning his lesson (no matter how many Gibbs’ glares he receives).

Tony spotting Sacks’ name on the report he was checking over and hoping that the man was the leak. Hey, can’t say I blame Tony for that.

Watching how fast McGee scooted out of the room when the Susan said she thought it was fate that brought them together. LOL.

Palmer joking that maybe the victim with the rabbit’s foot should try and get their money back….because obviously it didn’t work. Okay yeah, totally inappropriate but still freaking funny!

Abby trying to hide her jealousy over McGee and Susan. The look on her face when she found them blowing up a mattress in her lab was classic.

McGee begging Gibbs to let him go with Tony instead of Ziva so he could get away from Susan. He looked like such a little kid! LOL.

Tony giving McGee what sounds like very mature advice to give Susan a chance…..until he admits that it’s because he has a feeling she has a nice ass. Yep, that’s more like the Tony we know.

Ziva saying “Shamu” when she meant “SNAFU” – LOL! (Note: for any who don’t know “SNAFU” stands for “situation normal: all fucked up”)

Fornell and Vance in the other room giggling like little children as Gibbs gets his first-ever polygraph exam at NCIS.

Gibbs still managing to get out of answering the “have you ever committed a felony?” question. Whew. That was a close one.

Gibbs using what he knew after sitting for his own polygraph, to catch the judge in her lies. Nice. Loved all the “bells and whistles” (no doubt added by McGee).

Tony and Ziva running in terror from a shirtless Palmer covered in welts from his henna tattoo and needing someone to put salve on his back. Palmer looks good without a shirt, I’ll admit it, but I’d probably be running just as fast as they were cuz…you know….ick.

Overall a much lighter episode than I was expecting this week, with great appearances from Palmer and Fornell.

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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”
NCIS, Season 7, episode 19 “Guilty Pleasure”

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”