NCIS Season 23, Episode 15 ‘Knick-Knack’ is an episode that tries to take the show back to a much lighter vibe, all while focusing on memory and the things we hold onto. It mostly works, but it’s impossible to deny that there’s a different undercurrent to everything that’s going on these days. Every loss, every knick-knack, and keepsake, can be somehow tied back to the loss this team just experienced.
The episode tries valiantly, though, and mostly succeeds. There isn’t anything too deep going on here, just a fun case that serves to make us think about the power of memory and what nostalgia really means. Plus, we also get a few different pairings than we typically do and are very much reminded of how important Kasie Hines is to the team dynamics and the show in general.
Overall, think of ‘Knick-Knacks’ as the proverbial calm before the storm. And the calm after the storm, too. This team, this show, is finding its footing after the loss of Vance. We’re all figuring out how to go on. And there will be a new Director. That storyline is likely what’s coming at the end of the season. So, it doesn’t feel like a bad thing to spend some quiet, fun times with this team while we can.
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ONE THING NCIS ALWAYS NAILS
A somewhat funny observation from ‘Knick-Knack’ is how good this show has always been at giving color to characters. There have been plenty of discussions about the longevity of the NCIS mothership. We’re going into Season 24, and there have been a lot of cast changes. So people who’ve stuck around this long probably haven’t done it for just one character.
There has always been a lot of turnover behind-the-scenes, as with every show that’s over two decades old. So these aren’t even the same writers. But this show worked with Gibbs and Abby and McGee, it worked with Tony and Ziva and Ducky, it worked with Gibbs and Bishop and Torres, it works with Knight and Parker and Jimmy. It just works differently. But all the versions are enjoyable in their own way.
Part of that is the thing we get in episodes like this one, the little nods at who these characters are that are woven in so expertly in the middle of a case that has absolutely nothing to do with our characters. Just like this hour has us collecting clues, any good procedural fan can collect the crumbs and end up with a really good idea of why they should invest in this show. That’s why we keep tuning in.
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WHAT NEXT?
With the gut-punch that was Vance’s death, and the fact that this season has effectively tied off the Parker mystery with Lily and pretty much established a future for Nick when he does decide to leave NCIS, perhaps the most important dangling threads are Jessica’s future—in the unit and with Jimmy, and McGee’s, whether that is in a leadership position or not. And though we’ve examined both at some point, these are still open-ended questions. At least one of those needs an answer before Season 23 ends, and we’re going to be honest, we’d rather it were the Jimmy and Jessica of it all.
In a way, I get it. NCIS thought just having them as a happy, committed couple wasn’t enough. It was, but that’s neither here nor there right now. But it’s not like they’ve even given us that much drama since they broke up, either. They broke up basically for no reason and haven’t gotten back together because…..eh, who knows? And this is one of those cardinal sins in procedural land. For a show that gave us the perfect return for Ellie Bishop and the perfect setup for her and Torres’ future, the Jessica and Jimmy of it all has been severely lacking.
But the show clearly understands what it needs to do. This isn’t their first rodeo. Now we just need them to get on with it before the hiatus. We don’t want to have to wait until Season 24 for the resolution we deserve.
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Things I think I think:
- Seeing Rocky Carroll’s name at the beginning hurts me, okay?
- I mean, your job is a bit dangerous, Jess. I wouldn’t say it’s unhealthy.
- Of course, McGee would have a museum ship ranking system.
- Jessica, please assume no one here has watched the Davinci Code.
- If no one made the Indiana Jones joke, I would have been very disappointed.
- How will we survive one episode without Kasie? And by we I mean the team.
- Okay, but why did this dude not call 9-1-1?
- Jimmy is too nice, because did Parker basically imply he wasn’t good at puzzles?
- Rivalries can get heated? LOL.
- I meaaan.
- Look, I didn’t see this dude shooting Jess coming, and it makes me very mad.
- Families suck sometimes, the end.
Agree? Disagree? What did you think of NCIS Season 23, Episode 15 ‘Knick-Knack’? Please 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 hub!
NCIS airs Mondays at 8/7c on CBS.
