NCIS: Hawai’i 2×19 “Cabin Fever” feels like an Ernie episode, but it’s instead a team episode, the kind NCIS: Hawai’i is so very good at. Ernie does get a moment to shine, but he gets to do so within the context of the family he has, the one that not only wouldn’t let him fall but wouldn’t let him believe he was less than what he truly was.
The dynamics work perfectly, from Jesse and Kai’s brotherly bond, a push and pull that always feels both believable and somehow, also like a revelation, to Ernie and Lucy’s caring friendship and even Lucy and Kate’s flirty banter — that shines even when they aren’t actively being romantic with each other. There aren’t enough relationships like the ones this show regularly showcases, platonic, caring ones, mentor/mentee dynamics that feel believable, much less LGBTQ+ ships that are about more than drama, and yet for all NCIS: Hawai’i does all of those things right — that’s not even what the show does best.
Instead, NCIS: Hawai’i, manages the balance of all of the above to perfection in a happy blend of dynamics that feel like the best of found families. The sum of all the good parts is what makes this show special, and yet it’s hard to argue that this show has much when it comes to competition in the individual parts. How many other shows have a friendship that works as well as Kai and Jesse’s? A ship that works as well as Kacy? As compelling a lead character as Jane Tennant?
Not to mention, as much of a chance to grow as this show does?
Because that’s the thing about NCIS: Hawai’i, we’re only in Season 2. The show does a lot right, but we’ve barely scratched the surface with a lot of these characters.
We still have to explore Ernie’s Daddy issues! Tennant’s Monny issues! Jesse’s …well, everything, we truly don’t know enough about Jesse. We keep hearing about his family, and at this point, we’re starting to think the show is saving them for a big storyline. Not to mention Kate’s bucketload of abandonment issues. There’s a lot to explore. A lot of opportunities to grow. A lot more to learn.
Thankfully, we’ll be back here for another season with these characters. With these writers. That’s always mattered, but on the day after the WGA called for a strike, that matters even more.
Things I think I think:
- Mars and Mars simulation are not the same thing.
- Ernie would be the one to know all.
- SPACE FORCE.
- Every time someone says “I’m not a conspiracy theorist,” a conspiracy theory follows.
- “That’s my girlfriend!”
- Lucy saying “the guy who can do anything” is a lot.
- “Just be you. ‘Cause you’re enough.”
- DO I HAVE FEELINGS?
- “One of my best friends.” He’s talking about Chase!
- SPORTS FLIRTING.
- Ernie’s face at the idea of poison was golden.
- Jesse is right, Kai. You do the Kai thing. You did the Kai thing.
- Teamwork makes the dream work. And Kai and Jesse work well together.
- So do Lucy and Kate.
- Of course, things go from bad to worse.
- Why do they always run?
- Jesse and Kai trading off on saving each other.
- And Tennant getting the bad guy.
- Perfect day.
- And family bonding at the end!
Agree? Disagree? What did you think of NCIS: Hawai’i 2×19 “Cabin Fever”? Share with us in the comments below!
NCIS: Hawai’i airs Mondays on CBS.
