NCIS Los Angeles Series 1 Identity - Review
Chris O'Donnell and LL Cool J in NCIS Spin off
Oct 27, 2009
Special Agent G. Callen (O’Donnell) although still recovering from his near fatal shooting, joins the newly formed Special Projects division of the NCIS. Partnered with his friend and former Navy Seal, Sam Hanna (LL Cool J), Callen gets to work investigating the kidnapping of a prominent naval officer who was killed during a shootout between police and the kidnappers. The two agents learn that the murdered officer had vital information concerning an impending raid on one of the major drug cartels in Mexico.
As the investigation progresses it is revealed that the officer’s niece had been kidnapped and her life threatened and in exchange for her release he was to reveal his knowledge of the raid. The team realising the niece has now become a liability and may be killed have to find the cartel so they can rescue her in time and ensure the raid can be executed as planned.
Poor Offspring
Spin offs from successful long running shows involve a delicate balancing act between familiar traits identifying its relation to the parent show, as well as unique elements to make it stand out as a series in its own right. Sadly NCIS: Los Angeles has neither. The absence of NCIS creator Donald P Bellisario, in any aspect, is evident in this humdrum all action opener, and one is left feeling that his guiding handed was sorely needed.
With the exception of the opening titles, and the characters identifying themselves at every opportunity, there is no discernible link between Bellisario’s military cop drama (which is itself a spin off from JAG) and this weakly crafted episode which is more T.J. Hooker than Criminal Minds. NCIS Los Angeles errs not in the concept but in the execution. It borrows from various shows ranging from Law and Order and even The Mentalist to name but a few but such is the volume of appropriated ideas it risks having any identity of its own.
The dialogue whilst passable, does at times, border on cheese, however it is the inferior plot that is the ultimate let down. It whizzes from scene to scene focussing more on the action scenes involving shootouts, car chases and bone crunching and to hand combat, than the actual story. The episode moves at such a pace that little time is actually spent doing any investigating and much is left unexplained.
Casting Doubt
Whilst Chris O’ Donnell looks the part of a hard chiselled veteran Government Agent (complete with designer stubble and short cropped hair) he fails to convince as a man troubled by his past (we don’t know what the G in his name stands for) and still unbalanced from his shooting. However, he does handle the action well, throwing himself into each scene with gusto and at times manages to convey a sense of authority. It is likely that both character and actor may grow as the series progresses. O’Donnell also manages to play off his on-screen partner LL Cool J seamlessly. As the wise cracking former seal, LL oozes impish charm and wit, and is completely relaxed in the role, relishing every moment. The two exude a natural chemistry and bond that is by far the most endearing and watchable element.
Sadly however the remaining characters either have very little to do or appear too much of a carbon copy mish mash of personalities from other shows, to attract any interest. What is absent is the unique, quirky and without a doubt memorable cast of characters that is a staple feature of NCIS (Paulie Perrette’s caffeine addicted Goth Forensic Scientist or David McCallum as the eccentric but brilliant pathologist Dr “Ducky” Mallard for example). It is a particular shame to see the wonderful Oscar Winner, Linda Hunt as Hetty Lange (whom we assume is in charge) under-used in a role that seems little more than a mother hen in charge of her little chicks in the coop. It is never explained what her role within Special Projects comprises of but one hopes it is more than just picking out clothes and offering motherly advice.
Come Back Gibbs
NCIS Los Angeles kicks off disappointingly but should have been far superior given the quality of its parent show. However without Bellisario at the helm, and an overall lack of interesting characters (with some exceptions) as well as a decent script, it does make for dull viewing. It is essentially beefcake testosterone pumped action, an element adequately executed, and is largely carried by the lead actors. Subsequent episodes need to be consistently superior with equal focus on the cerebral as well as the brawn if it hopes to hold onto its audience and will have to go some way to supersede the more entertaining investigations and engaging of Agent Gibbs (Mark Harmon) and his team.
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