NCIS Season 22, Episode 3 ‘The Trouble with Hal’ is quintessential NCIS, in the best way. It’s got a fun case, great dynamics that often touch on serious topics in a way that advances the character’s individual plots, and tribute to Ducky Mallard. And oh yes, it’s got some Halloween fun too.
But above all, the episode is about how much these people mean to each other – and what it means to be a team, in good times and scary times. Because yes, Nick is pushing both Jessica and Jimmy because he cares, and Parker is trying to talk to McGee about the job he didn’t get, and Jessica trying to talk to Parker about what he saw in the NCIS Season 21 finale for the same reason. It’s all about how much they care about each other, which is the same reason Kasie’s proposal for Ducky’s office feels so fitting. It is, indeed, all about the team.
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THAT WAS NOT FIGHTING
In a way, Jimmy is right. What he and Jessica were doing in NCIS Season 22, Episode 3 ‘The Trouble With Hal’ wasn’t fighting. It just wasn’t being a-okay, either. It’s clear the reason they aren’t fighting is because they’re not actually talking about anything. And you can only avoid a subject that should have been discussed, like their breakup and the fact that the reason they broke up is now gone, for so long.
What do they want out of their relationship? Something? Nothing? Right now, no one knows. Perhaps they don’t even know themselves. Even if they know, though, they aren’t saying it. And that, in a way, is a microcosm of the issues Jimmy and Jessica had when they were still together. If you don’t talk about what you want, where the relationship is going, and where you want to go together …well, then you most likely won’t get there.
In a way, this might turn out to be for the best for both. We know from Katrina Law’s interviews that they’ll be forced to go into their issues next episode. So, perhaps, whatever relationship they can build going forward can actually be something stronger than what they had before, something built out of a more solid foundation. The love is still clearly there.
MORE: Is NCIS: Origins worth the watch? Here’s our spoiler-free NCIS: Origins review!
BACK IN THE GAME
To hear Nick Torres say he wants to deal with his issues and be better because he wants to get back in the game and find love feels like a huge deal for a character that has, at times, felt one note in the sense that he hides aggression and banter so well that it’s hard to see through him. And yet, it’s also easy for anyone who has spent enough time watching this show and getting to know his character, to see how much he actually craves love and stability.
In a way, that’s why he’s been the one pushing Jimmy and Jessica the most. He cares about them and he wants them to be happy, of course. But to him, they’re also proof that it can be done. You can do the job and have a relationship and make it work, and Torres really, really wants to believe that. And also, for Torres, perhaps more than anyone else on this team, the people he works with are his family, and he’s the type who takes that very, very seriously.
Can NCIS introduce a love interest for Torres that fits into this team? It’s a good question, one we’re pretty sure they will be answering this season. You don’t bring this up to then just leave it hanging.
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TIME TO SHARE WITH THE CLASS
It’s rewarding to see the LaRoche matter wasn’t actually dropped after an episode where it seemed like McGee wasn’t going to say anything about it, but the thing is …he’s not going to get anywhere by himself. If he suspects the new Deputy Director – and honestly, why is he the only one that does? – this is something he should bring up with his team. Not Vance, of course, not yet, but Parker, Nick, Jess, and even Jimmy and Kasie, yes.
There’s no doubt whose side they will all be on. There never has been. And if what McGee really needs is to find evidence, well, it’s always better to have a couple more people on his side.
Of course, I understand this is likely the kind of storyline they want to build on. If LaRoche is a mole, this is a season long storyline. But that storyline would be much better if it wasn’t McGee against LaRoche, but the team against LaRoche. If this episode reinforced anything was the idea that these people are always better together.
MORE: What did we think of NCIS: Origins Episode 1 & 2? Here’s our review! What about NCIS: Origins Episode 3?
Things I think I think:
- “Coachella for kids”?!
- But the fact that we were deprived of seeing Jess in costume is a crime.
- Yeah, I would have thought Jimmy wouldn’t like it either.
- But, why are you pretending you don’t know Jimmy, Jess?
- McGee and Torres are like kids sometimes.
- But yeah, you didn’t really need to hit him again, Nick. Casual police violence should probably not be a joke.
- Eh, that’s the worst costume ever, Jimmy.
- “No fighting, you two.” That …was not fighting.
- Jessica’s face when Jimmy said the change was a-okay with them. Methinks she doesn’t agree.
- I’m really shocked at how far Jimmy can take the people-pleasing thing. I’m not even sure if he’s okay with the office thing or if he just… doesn’t want to argue with anyone.
- “Not punchy, passionate.” Eeh.
- “That’s a great idea”/”Thanks, I get them occasionally.”
- I love that Jessica and Nick are a little bit scared and Parker and McGee are like what ghosts?
- And Parker is genuinely having so much fun.
- WHY is a good question.
- Okay, but I love Jessica and Nick’s friendship.
- “You carry a hammer long enough everything starts looking like a nail.”
- Okay, the treasure thing was very on the nose.
- Aaww, Ducky’s.
- I’m so glad you didn’t drop the LaRoche thing, McGee.
Agree? Disagree? What did you think of NCIS Season 22, Episode 3 ‘The Trouble with Hal’? Share with us in the comments below!
NCIS airs Mondays at 9/8c on CBS.
Can anyone explain the closing tribute??