The fourth season of NCIS is finally reaching adolescence. After evolving through six fairly predictable (though possessing flashes of fine television) episodes, the NCIS staff detonate a universe of intrigue (both professional and personal) with “Sandblast.” This is the episode where the interpersonal relationships blossom and transform from innuendo and speculation into kinetic powers with their own momentum.
A Marine Colonel Frederick Cooper (David Fabrizio) is playing golf with his son, Josh Cooper (Blake Bashoff) at the Army-Navy Golf Club the day before he is deploying to Iraq. The Colonel has a lay in a bunker; he tries to blast out of this with a sand wedge and instead is blasted by a booby-trapped explosive device. The subsequent investigation brings together Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs’ (Mark Harmon) NCIS team with Army Lt. Col. Hollis Mann’s (Susanna Thompson) Army Criminal Investigative Division (CID), the latter of which has beaten Gibbs to the scene.
Jurisdiction at the scene is complex as the murder occurred at the Army-Navy Club, giving both CID and NCIS authority and a sturdy turf battle. Gibbs’ and Mann’s introductions are cool, reflecting Gibbs’ suspicious state of mind and old school attitude. However, the observer’s eyebrows should twitch. Mossad Agent Ziva David (Cote de Pablo) observed, “Gibbs just found his fourth ex-wife.”
The viewers finally see Special Agent Tony DiNozzo’s (Michael Weatherly) girlfriend, medical student Jeanne Benoit (Scottie Thompson). Benoit questions Tony on how he stayed single for so long. Tony claims commitment issues and Benoit is not buying, reasoning that Tony has not looked at one other woman in spite of the fact that ample comely ones have walked by. Coyly (would Tony act any other way?) he answers, “I am patiently waiting to find the right girl.” Benoit further probes if he will ever find her. “I am getting more and more confident by the day” is DiNozzo’s provocative response.
In another budding relationship, Mann pays Gibbs an unannounced visit at his house, much to his annoyance. Gibbs is finishing his boat by naming her “Kelly” after his dead daughter. Hollis makes conversation, ostensibly because she and Gibbs lead a joint investigation. Plowing too close to the cotton regarding the name Kelly, Mann is treated to the famous Gibbs silent stare. Among all of this intrigue, Gibbs and Hollis spend ample time inspecting one another’s anatomy. NCIS Director Jenny Shepard (Lauren Holly) questions Gibbs about his working relationship with Mann, foreshadowing a complex relationship triangle.
Article comments
1 - CID Chief
The sad part is they can't get the Army CID part right...there are NO commissioned officer CID Agents. Haven't been since a failed experiment in the mid 70's.
2 - C. Michael Bailey
CID Chief:
Thank you for your correction. Reality (and often the truth) are the first sacrifices to poetic license and its criticism.
3 - Jazz Man
Anyone know what Coltrane piece was playing while Tony was talking to the son?
Thanks!
4 - C. Michael Bailey
Jazz Man:
I am going to give it a try. Sounds like Coltrane's Impulse period and perhaps from his "Ballads" album, maybe, "I Wish I Knew" or "Easy to Remember."
Michael