NCIS: Hawaiʻi 2×07 “Vanishing Act” does a good job of capturing the feel of this show, the warmth. It’s seen in every interaction, in Kai and Jesse being their own version of big brother support to Lucy as she tries to make a decision about her future, in the two of them trying to do that for Kate too, in Jane Tennant being more than just boss and of course, in Jesse taking this case as seriously as he does.
Let’s start with Jesse, because he is a fun character to discuss. Remember the Jesse from when this show started? It’s not even that he has changed all that much, it’s that we’ve gotten to peel the layers of Jesse back and what we’ve found is a pretty swell guy, with a heart of gold. He comes off as aloof at times, and he certainly tried to play Kai straight at first, and now he’s just a full-on marshmallow who talks Kai into the worst plans and literally makes sundaes for kids in the middle of the workday.
And he cares. So, so much. About his team. About his family. About doing the right thing. In many ways, Jesse is Deeks without the jokes, just a really good guy who this show could have made into a stereotypical white man, and instead made into the kind of character we wish we could turn every stereotypical white man in our lives into.
And it all works — his characters, the dynamics — because …that’s the environment the show has set up, the team the show has invested in. Just like everyone having an opinion on Lucy’s new job, but ultimately letting Lucy make the decision on her own time. That’s pretty much family at its best. Everyone will have something to say, you cannot escape that. But in the end, you make your own choices. And they will support you either way. Even if (or while) they make fun of you.
That is exactly what Lucy does, in the end – and it’s important to note that she makes the decision for herself. That Kate supports her, and that she was ready to convince Lucy to take the risk, is big, but that Lucy, the Queen of trust issues, got there on her own is also pretty significant. Having a partner means constant support, yes, but that support doesn’t always have to be active. Lucy didn’t need Kate’s words, because she felt Kate’s love and that gave her strength.
It’s all about trust, yes, but not just trust in their relationship – which Lucy has, but trust in herself. And how could Lucy not be willing to take a chance on the person she can become if she’s got the support of her entire family and the woman she loves? There’s a confidence that comes from being loved, and Lucy Tara now has that. And with it, she’s going to conquer the world.
And when she’s ready to come back (I will give her two episodes, but then I will probably start complaining because I miss her too much, no matter how good this storyline is for her character in general), her family will be there. Her girlfriend will be there. And maybe, just maybe, she’ll find that the Lucy who returns is a better version of the one that left. One that has faced her fears head-on. And maybe, maybe, also one who has a better appreciation for the things she has. The things the show has.
Things that, we promise, we truly appreciate. And we wouldn’t mind some scenes of Lucy appreciating when she comes back. Just saying.
Things I think I think:
- I have no comment about the coffees because I just …don’t drink coffee.
- BUT THOSE CUPS ARE ALL EMPTY.
- “Google also says,” smart kid.
- I’m with Kai on the dogs vs cats debate.
- Lucy’s little laugh at the guy going “I’m a bounty hunter” lives rent-free in my mind.
- Yes, Kai. TELL HER. Talk to your girlfriend, Lucy.
- Big bro Jesse and Big bro Kai are my favorites. Though I have a fondness for Dad Jesse.
- I love the dynamics between Lucy and Kate so damn much, okay?
- Ok, but I didn’t need to be a special agent to know to check the game.
- LUCY WHY DIDN’T YOU TELL YOUR OTHER BIG BROTHER?
- If you wanna lead a life of crime, remember not to leave a digital footprint, how hard is that?
- Man, Kai and Jesse are the best/worst combo. They need to start pulling each other back when one of them has crazy ideas.
- “She’s solid. If you’ve got reasons, they’re yours, not hers.”
- I love Jesse, okay? Okay.
- And Kacy.
- Though I don’t actually want Lucy to stay away for too long. Nope. I can take two episodes, though. She’ll be back for the crossover, at worst.
- Which, WE’RE GETTING A THREE-WAY-CROSSOVER! Wait, does that mean I have to know what’s happening on NCIS?
Agree? Disagree? What did you think of NCIS: Hawaiʻi 2×07 “Vanishing Act”? Share with us in the comments below!
NCIS: Hawaiʻi airs Mondays at 10/9c on CBS.
