‘NCIS: Los Angeles’ 14×16 Review: “Sleeping Dogs”

NCIS: Los Angeles 14×16 “Sleeping Dogs” is setup for an endgame this show had to give us before saying goodbye for good. Whether that endgame has changed now that the show knows this is its last hurrah or not remains to be seen, but for now, this is a pretty good way to start setting up all the answers we still need — the answers Callen deserves.

Even without Kensi and Deeks, this is a pretty good episode, that relies on Callen and Sam to keep our interest. They have always been able to do so, even back in Season 1, when the other pieces of the puzzle weren’t working as well as they do now. Fatima and Roundtree are also interesting characters that complement the main Sam and Callen dynamic pretty well and make the episode feel cohesive.

If anything, my only complaint is that, with this show about to end, I would love for all the characters I love to be present at all times. I want more of Callen, Sam, Kensi and Deeks. I want more of the original team. And yes, that means I want more of Hetty. Not just the Hetty who sends cryptic messages to protect her people, but the Hetty who is actually present to do so.

The idea of Callen getting married without Hetty is just …wrong. She came back to see Kensi and Deeks married! She has to return for Callen’s wedding to Anna. But she doesn’t just have to return, considering this is the last season, she’s got to return in a way that makes sense and ties up all the loose ends of her storyline for the past few years — and if possible, of Callen’s storyline for the past fourteen.

Not asking too much, or anything.

If any show is able to pull it off, though, it’s this one. NCIS: Los Angeles 14×16 “Sleeping Dogs” is already a step in the right direction. And, the episode also manages to feel nostalgic about the Callen and Sam friendship, so that’s a double win. Because, in truth, who else was going to be Callen’s best man? Did he really have to ask?

The G. Callen we met when this show started isn’t the same one who will bid us farewell at the end of Season 14. This man has found love. He’s found a family. And hopefully, he can find some answers about his past. As far as journeys are concerned, this is shaping up to be a really satisfying one.

Things I think I think:

• It takes a confident man to set up THAT breakfast, Roundtree.
• No Kensi OR Deeks? Say it isn’t so.
• I would have thought the TMNT joke was gonna go over Kilbride’s head anyway. It’s good to be wrong.
• Look, I’m with Callen. Why would he even need to ask? Who else was gonna be best man? Also, sorry Anna, that green is hideous.
• It’s fun to see more of Castor, though.
• ARE WE FINALLY IN THE HETTY ENDGAME?
• Ha, Summer’s not gonna make it easy. Of course, she isn’t. If she had, you wouldn’t be dating her, Devin.
• “I want to marry her.” CALLEN!!
• And the Drona Project again.
• The numbers thing is really and truly dehumanizing. Which is the point.
• “Remind me to fire you when I get back.”
• How does Hetty know anything? I never want the show to tell me.

Agree? Disagree? What did you think of NCIS: Los Angeles 14×16 “Sleeping Dogs”? Share with us in the comments below!

NCIS: Los Angeles airs Sundays on CBS.