Author: lzcxq

NCIS: Sydney Season 2 Set to Raise the Stakes

NCIS: Sydney, the first international spin-off of the NCIS franchise, debuted in 2023 to mixed reviews. While audiences were less enthusiastic—resulting in a 28% Rotten Tomatoes audience score—critics were more receptive, giving it a 73% rating. Now, as Season 2 premieres on CBS this Friday, February 7, series creator Morgan O’Neill has teased what’s in store, revealing that the team behind the show has become “more ambitious” in both production quality and storytelling.

A Bold Step for the NCIS Franchise

As one of television’s longest-running franchises, NCIS has spawned six spin-offs, with NCIS: Origins being the most recent addition. However, NCIS: Sydney stands out as the first iteration set outside the United States. Taking the series overseas was a risk, but it paid off—NCIS: Sydney became the most-streamed CBS network premiere ever on Paramount+.

Now, with the groundwork laid in Season 1, O’Neill says the creative team had the freedom to dive deeper into the characters and elevate the stakes. Speaking to TVLine, he explained:

“On a global scale, we’ve just been more ambitious—in terms of production values and the breadth of the stories we’re telling. But one of the things that’s allowed us to be ambitious is that we now know the characters. We’re not in those first-season days where you’re still trying to work out who they are and how they interact.”

With Season 1 establishing the dynamics of the NCIS and Australian Federal Police (AFP) team, Season 2 provides an opportunity to explore the characters on a deeper level.

“Now that we’ve established those characters, we have that fabulous opportunity to peel back the lid and actually see what makes these guys tick in a much more profound way.”

Meet the Team

NCIS: Sydney follows a joint task force between the U.S. Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) and the Australian Federal Police (AFP) as they work together to solve naval crimes. The main cast includes:

• Olivia Swann (Legends of Tomorrow) as NCIS Special Agent-in-Charge Michelle Mackey
• Todd Lasance as AFP Second-in-Command JD Dempsey
• Sean Sagar as NCIS Special Agent DeShawn Jackson
• Tuuli Narkle as AFP Liaison Officer Constable Evie Cooper
• Mavournee Hazel as AFP Forensic Scientist Blue Gleeson
• William McInnes as AFP Forensic Pathologist Roy Penrose

Where to Watch

NCIS: Sydney Season 2 premieres on CBS on February 7, with Season 1 available for streaming on Paramount+.

With higher stakes, deeper character exploration, and an expanded global scope, NCIS: Sydney is poised to build on its success and bring a fresh new energy to the franchise.

NCIS Season 22, Episode 11: “For Better or Worse” Tackles Longstanding Criticism

In a rare moment of self-awareness, NCIS addresses one of its biggest criticisms in Season 22, Episode 11, “For Better or Worse.” The episode follows the Major Case Response Team (MCRT) as they uncover Nick Torres’ (Wilmer Valderrama) undercover operation, which leads them to a high-stakes mission involving a Baltimore gang. While the case itself treads familiar territory for a show that has been on the air for over two decades, the episode stands out for its meta-commentary on the agents’ approach to investigations.

Tensions Rise as Personal Drama Collides with the Case

Torres has been deep undercover as “Donny Rico,” infiltrating a gang in Baltimore. When his team is alerted to an associate linked to his cover identity, they step in to assist. However, when Alden Parker’s (Gary Cole) team joins the mission, tensions run high, revealing how the agents often contribute to high-pressure moments rather than easing them.

Meanwhile, personal conflicts continue to simmer. NCIS Season 22, Episode 9 (“Humbug”) introduced the revelation that Torres is dating Robin Knight (Lilian Bowden)—the sister of his teammate, Jessica Knight (Katrina Law). While some colleagues, like Jimmy Palmer (Brian Dietzen), are supportive of the relationship, Jess isn’t thrilled.

A Call-Out on NCIS’ Biggest Criticism

The brewing tension reaches a boiling point when Jess confronts Torres—but at the worst possible time. While undercover at a bar with Roman (Steven Flynn) and his gang, Torres meets up with Jess to provide a sit-rep. Instead of focusing on the case, she questions him about giving Robin a drawer at his apartment—information she learned from Jimmy. Jess warns Torres about her sister’s deep attachment to relationships, but Torres quickly shuts her down, calling out the inappropriateness of discussing personal matters in the middle of a sensitive mission.

Torres’ frustration echoes a common complaint from longtime NCIS viewers: the agents’ casual, often distracting personal banter during investigations. While lighthearted moments in the bullpen or forensics lab make sense, agents treating crime scenes as casual hangouts can diminish the urgency of the cases they handle.

A Step Toward Self-Awareness

By having Torres directly call out Jess’ misplaced priorities, NCIS subtly acknowledges a recurring issue—its tendency to blend crime-solving with personal drama at inopportune moments. While fans appreciate character development, balancing procedural storytelling with interpersonal conflicts has been a long-standing challenge for the show.

With NCIS still going strong in Season 22, this moment of self-reflection could signal a shift toward a more grounded approach to investigations. Whether the show will continue to address this issue remains to be seen, but “For Better or Worse” marks an important step in recognizing and refining its storytelling.

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NCIS: Origins – Season 1, Episode 12: “Touchstones”

Air Date: February 3, 2025
Time: 10:00 PM ET / 9:00 PM CT
Network: CBS

The latest episode of NCIS: Origins, titled “Touchstones”, is set to premiere on February 3, 2025, at 10:00 PM Eastern Time (9:00 PM Central Time) on CBS. This gripping installment brings new challenges for the team as they investigate a high-stakes break-in and navigate personal turning points.

Episode Synopsis

When the evidence room is breached and a significant sum of cash goes missing, the team is thrust into a complex investigation. Their pursuit of answers uncovers potential ties to a recent case, deepening the mystery. Meanwhile, Special Agent Lala Dominguez takes a major step by confiding in Gibbs, shedding light on her past and motivations. At the same time, Agent Kowalski faces personal struggles that threaten to impact his role within the team.

Character Developments

This episode promises meaningful growth for key characters:

• Lala Dominguez (Mariel Molino): A former Marine striving to prove herself in a male-dominated field, Lala’s decision to open up to Gibbs marks a pivotal moment in her journey.
• Agent Kowalski: Wrestling with personal challenges, Kowalski’s internal conflicts could have lasting consequences on his role in the team.

About the Series

NCIS: Origins takes fans back to 1991, exploring the formative years of Leroy Jethro Gibbs as a young special agent at NCIS Camp Pendleton. Under the mentorship of legendary agent Mike Franks, Gibbs learns the ropes of investigation, leadership, and the principles that will define his future career.

How to Watch

• Live Broadcast: Tune in to CBS on February 3, 2025, at 10:00 PM ET (9:00 PM CT).
• Streaming: Episodes will be available shortly after airing on CBS’s official platforms and affiliated streaming services.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is “Touchstones” the season finale?
No, NCIS: Origins Season 1 consists of 18 episodes, and “Touchstones” is the 12th installment.

Will Mark Harmon appear in this episode?
Mark Harmon serves as the series narrator, offering insights into Gibbs’ early career, but he does not appear on-screen.

Do I need to watch other NCIS shows to understand NCIS: Origins?
No, NCIS: Origins is designed as a standalone prequel, making it accessible to both longtime fans and new viewers. However, those familiar with the NCIS franchise will appreciate the deeper connections to Gibbs’ future.

Are there any notable guest stars in “Touchstones”?
Guest appearances for this episode have not been officially announced, but the series frequently features compelling talent in key roles.

Final Thoughts

With its mix of high-stakes investigation and compelling character moments, “Touchstones” is set to be a must-watch episode. As the team races to solve the evidence room break-in and confronts personal crossroads, viewers can expect an engaging and emotional addition to the NCIS: Origins story.

Don’t miss it!

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Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard: A Legacy of Wisdom and Service on NCIS

For over a decade, NCIS fans have been captivated by Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard, the team’s beloved chief medical examiner, portrayed by David McCallum. With his signature blend of wisdom, humor, and compassion, Ducky has become a standout character, offering both professional expertise and a richly layered personal history.

A Man of Depth and Mystery

Ducky is much more than a forensic expert—he is a man of intrigue, with a past as fascinating as the cases he helps solve. Born in Scotland, he served in the British Army and was once entangled in international espionage, adding layers of mystery to his character. His trademark bow ties and captivating historical anecdotes further distinguish him, making him one of the most unique figures in the world of naval crime investigation.

A Solitary Yet Profound Presence

Though deeply connected to the NCIS team, especially his longtime friend Leroy Jethro Gibbs (Mark Harmon), Ducky remains something of a solitary figure. His personal life has been shaped by sacrifice and loss, most notably the tragic death of his fiancée, Maggie, in a terrorist attack—an event that left him introspective and forever changed.

A Surrogate Family

Ducky never had a traditional family, but his close relationships within NCIS serve as a testament to his nurturing nature. His mentorship of Jimmy Palmer (Brian Dietzen) highlights his role as a guiding force, while his unwavering bond with Gibbs is built on deep mutual respect and unspoken understanding.

A Lifetime of Dedication

Ducky’s life has been defined by service—to his country, his colleagues, and the pursuit of justice. Even as he transitions away from full-time duty, his wisdom and influence continue to shape the team. His unwavering dedication has endeared him to fans and solidified his place as one of NCIS’s most cherished characters.

A Lasting Legacy

Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard is more than a medical examiner; he is a mentor, a friend, and a figure of profound wisdom. Though he may not have a traditional family, the relationships he has built on NCIS ensure that his legacy will endure for years to come.

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