‘NCIS: Los Angeles’ 14×08 Review: “Let It Burn”

NCIS: Los Angeles 14×08 “Let it Burn” is an examination of the next stage for these characters — and what that next stage means. For both Sam and Deeks (not to mention Kensi), that translates to putting other people’s needs first. For Callen, on the other hand, it’s the exact opposite. For the first time, Callen’s journey is taking him to a point where he can put himself first. Choose himself and his own happiness. And the fact that he is even considering it is a measure of his growth.

This show has been around for fourteen seasons. That’s not a small number. When Killbride tells Callen that “the past is a place to learn from, not to live in,” he is talking about a past pre-show, but he could very well be talking about things we’ve seen — that’s how long these people have been with us. And that fact means that we can truly appreciate where these characters are right now, and where they’re heading.

We can appreciate a Sam that was a little lost without a family to anchor him. We can appreciate a Callen who hadn’t really found his place in the world because he never let himself set down roots. We can appreciate a Deeks and Kensi that have had each other for a long time, but that longed to have something more. And we can do so while understanding that the place these characters are in right now is anything but static.

That’s life — and growth. Well, that and good writing. NCIS: Los Angeles does a lot right in the day-to-day, in the episode-by-episode and even in the big issues, enough that we don’t often get to sit back and examine how good the show is at the long-term arcs. I wasn’t exactly pleased when the show killed off Michelle six seasons ago, but I have to admit the journey they’ve taken Sam on since losing his wife has been a pretty rewarding one to see.

And yes, I’ve been rooting for Densi since 1×19, but and have celebrated the way their “thing” became a real partnership, and then a loving relationship turned marriage, but when that first mutant ninja assassin joke was made in Season 3, I can’t say I expected to see them here, parents to a teenager, and doing such a good job of balancing that and their love for each other. Just as I didn’t expect to get Fatima and Roundtree, two characters I genuinely like and care about, and who fit in with the team very well

But perhaps the biggest surprise — the show’s greatest strength — in fourteen seasons, is the journey of one Grisha Callen, the character who introduced us to this world, the one who was stereotype wrapped in stereotype and that for many seasons, we didn’t really see change in the ways we wanted to. To be where we are today, not just rooting for his happiness, but seeing it as a real possibility that Callen himself believes he deserves is nothing short of amazing.

Perhaps the only journey that feels incomplete at this point is that of Hetty, and though that is partly due to the reality of Linda Hunt’s availability, I have to believe the show has a plan in place to bring that full circle too. Everything has been leading towards that. And if NCIS: Los Angeles has done anything so far, is earn the benefit of the doubt. So, Hetty before the end of the season? The team coming together to bring her back? Pretty please.

Things I think I think:

• This show does such a good job at little bonding moments for the team. Some other shows could learn a lesson or seven.
• Another episode without Densi? Man, I miss the two of them together. And now I have to wait till after the hiatus? And that’s a crossover, so I likely won’t get much. I get it, I do – this flexibility is why the show is still around, and this is one show where I love the dynamics and the characters in general. But I still miss Densi.
• I swear I’m not sure if the show wants me to think Killbride likes Deeks, hates him, begrudgingly appreciates him, or what.
• So it’s “pick on Roundtree” day?
• Every once in a while, Killbride sorta works for me in a “he will never replace Hetty but he’s not that bad kinda way,” but this was one of those episodes where I mostly just wanted Hetty back.
• I DID ask for Sam and Deeks, and I got it, so no complaints.
• Also, ask your wife, Deeks. Ask her.
• Ha, but did he get lucky, Sam? Did he?
• Sam, Fatima and Deeks gossiping? Priceless.
• Why you playing mind games with Deeks, Killbride?
• Also, lulz Kensi.
• “Hetty has enough regrets for all of us.” LIKE WHAT? TELL ME.
• “Am I a mistake or a dark, ugly thing she has to carry to the grave?” hurt me.

Agree? Disagree? What did you think of NCIS: Los Angeles 14×08 “Let it Burn”? Share with us in the comments below!

NCIS: Los Angeles airs Sundays at 10/9c on CBS. It will return with new episodes on January 2nd, 2023.