One third into the season means that if the show-runners are doing their job properly, one can expect something significant. And the show-runners of NCIS know how to do their job properly. The plot practically goes onto untrodden territory while simultaneously putting focus on *multiple* long-running plot arcs that go as far as two and a half years back. Naturally, this also means numerous recurring characters appearing together, while still leaving room to introduce a new character - and what a character! To reveal more would constitute a spoiler.
When dealing with this kind of a significant episode there is always the danger of putting in too many ingredients, resulting in a mess, especially if the show is already on its 8th season. A decade earlier most shows didn't even make it this far, and if they did, tended to resort to gimmickry (musicals, live airings, returning ex-regulars, Special Guest Directors, you name it). Not this one. The thrilling plot is complex yet not convoluted (cough! - The X Files - cough!), there is both great action and meaningful character development, plus, most importantly, surprises. Any show that is able to surprise in its 8th season is a worthy show indeed. That said, while this one achieves greatness, greatness is still "only" 8/10. There has been, and no doubt, will be, even greater, truly *magnificent* episodes in this series.
When dealing with this kind of a significant episode there is always the danger of putting in too many ingredients, resulting in a mess, especially if the show is already on its 8th season. A decade earlier most shows didn't even make it this far, and if they did, tended to resort to gimmickry (musicals, live airings, returning ex-regulars, Special Guest Directors, you name it). Not this one. The thrilling plot is complex yet not convoluted (cough! - The X Files - cough!), there is both great action and meaningful character development, plus, most importantly, surprises. Any show that is able to surprise in its 8th season is a worthy show indeed. That said, while this one achieves greatness, greatness is still "only" 8/10. There has been, and no doubt, will be, even greater, truly *magnificent* episodes in this series.
