NCIS: Sydney Season 3, Episode 2 ‘True Blue’ gets to the heart of the Blue issue in an episode that showcases the team dynamics perfectly, but that also provides us with necessary backstory on Blue. So much of what we see informs the character that we’ve known for two seasons, and yet not one part of it feels unbelievable, which means the background works really well.
But it’s not just about Blue. It’s about Doc, and the connection he has with her, the one that allowed him to realize something had to be going on and continue to push until he could help. It’s about Mackey and JD now hiding a big secret about Blue from everyone else—and from their superiors—just to keep the team intact. And it’s about how, when one of their own is in danger, absolutely no one doubted. Because that’s what family is all about.
MORE: Read our review of the Season 3 premiere
TRUE BLUE
NCIS: Sydney Season 3, Episode 2 ‘True Blue’ is about who Blue was, about what she left behind, but also about what she’s built, and about who she could be. The wounds and the lessons of the past never leave us, and Blue returned “home” because of her brother, but she was never the persons he was when she was there. She was never Faith. Instead, she was and has always been Blue. It’s just that Blue now has a family.
Her storyline in this hour, and honestly in the past two years, showcases the importance of choice. She chose to leave what was almost a cult. She chose to put herself first. And later, as an adult, she chose to step into it with her eyes open to try to help her brother. Now, she’s going to have to choose to help him over and over, because there’s a big part of him that’s still programed to believe what the cult taught him. And starting anew, in a world you don’t understand, it’s so very hard.
But he won’t be alone. He’ll have a sister to guide him and a grandmother to take care of him. Just as Blue now does. But the thing about Blue is that she’s had a family for a while now. The family who came and looked for her. The one who continued digging, even when it seemed she didn’t need them. The one who had her back, no matter what. Now she’s just going to have to get used to having two families.
MORE: Is NCIS: Sydney going there with Mackey and JD?
SHARED SECRETS
‘True Blue’ also hones into why Mackey and JD are the leaders of this team. Sure, Doc goes rogue to get this all started, but once the two of them are sure that there’s something to be concerned about, they make the decision for the rest. They take on the responsibility. Mackey, in particular, is and has always been more about the people—her people, than about protocol.
And that leaves them, at the end, as the two people in possession of a secret that could ruin someone’s new life and career. What do they do now? Do they report Blue as…well, Faith, or do they let her continue working with them knowing that she’s not just very good at her job, she fits in with them?
I think the answer is pretty obvious, even though this feels like the kind of thing they will bring up afterwards. But for the sake of the storyline the show is telling this season, it feels especially important that JD shared the information with Mackey as soon as he got it, and that he and Mackey are the ones deciding what to do with it at the end. Together. This is what a true partnership looks like. And I can’t wait to see how the show develops it further.
MORE: We talked to Olivia Swann before Season 2. What did she say about Mackey and JD then?
Things I think I think:
- Okay, this is a cult. Let’s call it what it is.
- Doc Roy being like what are rules is kinda hilarious to me.
- The team picture!
- JD trying to cover for Doc Roy!
- “Cause I’m a Gemini”/”I should have known.”
- Your ass is in his face, Evie.
- “You do you,” lol DeShawn.
- JD I love you for this thing you were trying to do to pretend you could somehow investigate and help Blue.
- “But she’s in trouble, clearly.”
- “What if we haven’t found the bones yet?”
- Mackeeeeey.
- This team, I swear. I love them.
- And Mackey and JD are perfect for each other.
- She did ask Doc Roy to take a look at something.
- “She was scared, I know that much.”
- Everyone’s faces as they look at younger Blue on the TV.
- Look Evie, girl, I know what making bad jokes is all about, but we need to talk time and place.
- She has a grandma!
- Faith is not as cool as Blue.
- Man, the brother is deep into it.
- “Actual friends.”
- Mackey’s puns are killing me. In a good way! It’s a sign of personality.
- “She will love you. How could she not?”
- “He’s family too.” I’m not crying, you are.
- “Nobody knows it except us.” And you’re not gonna tell, right? Right?
- Love every second of Mackey and JD together, truly. One of my favorite ships on TV right now.
Agree? Disagree? What did you think of NCIS: Sydney Season 3, Episode 1 “Gut Instinct”? Share with us in the comments below! And if you have any thoughts about the show, leave a review/rating of your own in our NCIS: Sydney hub!
NCIS: Sydney airs Tuesdays at 10/9c on CBS.
