‘NCIS: Los Angeles’ 12×15 Review: “Imposter Syndrome”

NCIS: Los Angeles 12×15 “Imposter Syndrome” is a chilling, effective episode of TV. So often, especially when it comes to procedurals, and particularly ones that have been on air as long as NCIS: Los Angeles has been, there’s this sense that you know where an episode is going, you know the beats of the story. This is especially true when it comes to the characters because after twelve years, we know these people pretty well, can anticipate the good – and even the bad – things they might or might not do.

But nothing is as it seems in NCIS: Los Angeles 12×15 “Imposter Syndrome,” and this absolutely works to the show’s benefit, and particularly to the benefit of two characters, Fatima and Nell.

Fatima is one of the new kids on the block, a character we have come to like but have yet to fully bond with. We know some of her backstory, but we’ve yet to be taken on a journey of who she truly is, what makes her tick. This episode doesn’t fully do that, but it does into the Fatima that exists outside of the OSP, and in doing so, allows her the kind of depth we hadn’t really gotten before.

And then there’s Nell, a character we know, a character we love, and a character that has found herself going through a crisis of faith this season, as she tries to replace Hetty, to be Hetty. The thing is, no one’s ever going to be Hetty, and if Nell is ever going to do the job effectively – on a temporary or permanent basis, she had to figure out that the only way to go forward and be effective was to be Nell.

In this episode that means panicking, then making the right decision, and of course, having the tech savvy to realize when things are off. Hetty was never effective because she knew everything – even if it at times it felt like she did – but because Hetty surrounded herself with the best team. That’s the only way to be a leader. And though I get the sense (or maybe hope?) that we haven’t seen the last of Hetty, in general or this season, Nell’s journey towards at least being someone the OSP can rely on, has still been mostly enjoyable.

NCIS: Los Angeles 12×15 “Imposter Syndrome” also does a great job at showcasing team dynamics in a show that’s already one of the best on TV at just that. How can you tell if your team is actually your team of if someone’s faking? Well, apparently, when you know each other really well, that’s easy!

Finally, this episode continues the Densi storyline the same way this show has always done everything related to them, with care. Nothing about their struggle to have kids has been rushed, and nothing about the many emotions that come with it has been handwaved away just because this is a show about other things. And that’s what has continued to elevate Densi. They aren’t just partners at work, which they are, they are partners outside of work, and that doesn’t just mean for the good, it means for the bad, and the ugly and the sad.

Happiness is no guarantee. Not everything will go your way. But, if NCIS: Los Angeles 12×15 “Imposter Syndrome” is to be believed, in the case of these people, there is at least one guarantee: whatever happens, whatever life throws at them, they won’t be going after it alone. They’ve got each other.

Now that’s a show worth investing in.

Things I think I think:

• “Children, play nice with your siblings” hahahahaha
• And the joint “he/she started it” response? Classic.
• Sam and Callen trusting their kids, awww.
• It was nice to get some of Fatima outside the office. Nice to get confirmation they’re going to keep her relationships with Roundtree more or less platonic for now, too. I’m fine with just Densi as a couple.
• Actually, the “room of requirement” is an apt description for that room a lot of us have.
• I just hate that it’s a JKR thing.
• “Can I interest you in a future free of moving boxes?”
• Almost like you don’t know her, Deeks.
• Me at Deeks introducing himself as NCIS: 😭😭😭
• “They’re not conspiracy theories if they’re true” is just another way of saying “it’s not paranoia if you’re right.”
• I’m not complaining, because I don’t want Kensi or Deeks dead, but no one not from NCIS ever actually shoots straight at anyone on this show.
• That moment of confusion for Nell was absolutely CHILLING.
• When Kensi admits what her issue with painting the room is, my heart broke. I could see it coming a mile away, and it still hit me.
• “You can’t fake that level of annoying.” Ouch. It wasn’t even annoying, it was just their banter!
• Yes, we know a lot of people who want you dead, a few of them Russian.
• I WAS CONCERNED FOR A MOMENT THERE, OKAY? Like my brain was saying naaah, but I was also super anxious, which is the sign of a good episode.
• Sam accepting his limitations, lol.
• Hetty’s gift!
• I’m glad Nell didn’t lie to Callen.
• The last Densi scene was perfection, just like that, without words.

What did you think of NCIS: Los Angeles 12×15 “Imposter Syndrome”? Share with us in the comments below!

NCIS: Los Angeles airs Sundays on CBS.