NCIS: Origins Season 2, Episode 15 ‘Johnny B. Goode‘ is yet more proof that this show isn’t just a spinoff of NCIS; it’s a very well-written story that never misses a chance to tug at our heartstrings. And yes, the show is very good at putting the characters we’re already invested in at the center of that, but every once in a while it can throw us a curveball and make us care for…a dog. Dalton Basement. And yes, even Lala’s complicated boyfriend.
We knew from the beginning this wasn’t going to end well. Lala likely knew too. But just as Gibbs moved on with Diane, Lala moved on with Manny. And when I say moved on, I mean she loved him. She really did. Just like Gibbs loves Diana. But that doesn’t mean that what exists within them has gone away. Doesn’t mean there aren’t some unresolved feelings there. And it certainly doesn’t mean that they will stop going out on a limb for each other. That’s just what they do, even when they don’t want to.
MORE: Want a complete list of Gibbs’ rules? We’ve got one!
THE LINES ARE THERE FOR A REASON
This is a great episode for Lala, and yet an episode that will surely mean a setback in the way she relates to the team, or at least to Gibbs. Because Lala leaves ‘Johnny B. Goode’ thinking that getting emotionally involved is bad. That it’s going to hurt her, in the end. And it’s hard to blame her for thinking that. It’s happened with Gibbs. It happened with Manny. Perhaps the best thing she can do is actually take a step back.
But that isn’t what she wants. And honestly, the thing with Manny isn’t on her. Getting involved with Manny and expecting a happy ending probably is, but what came after isn’t. And as much as she might want to now, the truth is we cannot live our lives completely cut off from feelings. We can tell ourselves we’re going to do that, of course. But it doesn’t work like that.
In the end, Manny was a good guy. Lala wasn’t wrong. Her instincts were dead on. And maybe he wasn’t the guy for her, but he was a good guy she loved, and a good guy who taught her something. He probably taught Gibbs something, too. It’s just that the lessons the two took are very, very different. Gibbs recognizes, if he ever really managed to forget it, how much Lala means to him. Lala, meanwhile, is now convinced she cannot cross lines again. Not if she wants to survive.
How do we get past that? Do we? All very interesting questions as the show prepares to wrap up its second season.
MORE: Here’s how to watch every NCIS show in order!
THIS FRANKS IS KINDA… FUN
I’ve said it before, Mike Franks is a tremendous character, one we’ve seen grow leaps and bounds during the course of this season. But this Franks, the one we get this episode…. we haven’t really seen him all that much. And I get it, the job doesn’t really lend itself to levity. But it is fun to see him be slightly ridiculous around a woman he likes. Because he likes Swanson, that much is clear. And she probably likes him, too.
So often Randy ends up being the comic relief, and everyone’s playing the straight man to his jokes. In this hour, Franks joins him, and its kinda delightful to see. Of course, we probably wouldn’t want this Mike Franks every hour. There’s still something to be said for the other Franks, the one who’s focused and determined. But we don’t have to be just one thing.
We already know a fair bit about Franks’ future, thanks to NCIS. But we don’t know what comes next for him, not really. Funnily enough, this show has made knowing the future something we can ignore in favor of the present. That’s a really good sign of our investment.
MORE: What did Tyla Abercrumbie say about Mary Jo?
Things I think I think:
- “I’m pretty sure she loved him.”
- Mariel’s Spanish is sooo good. We don’t hear it enough.
- Did Franks really say that his body puts out a scent when it’s ready for female company?
- “You’re immune because you’re my best friend, Mary Jo.”
- She’s your best friend?!
- Why do you want to get a piñata, Randy?
- Look, Gibbs was right to ask.
- Vera and Gibbs is a fun partnership.
- “You’re gonna talk to me about crossing lines?” HAHAHA, I mean when she’s right she’s right.
- “Tell us how to help you.” Vera, I love you.
- Yeah, Gibbs just can’t do it.
- “Why are you letting her do this?”
- “She decides she wants to do something; there’s no stopping her.”
- Bad decision, Gibbs. Bad decision.
- LOL DNA evidence treated like science fiction.
- Two women in the same room is like woah.
- At least Gibbs isn’t lying to Lala, I guess.
- You’re driving, baby!
- “You got me wrong. I was trying to protect her.”/”I know. I know that now.”
- Aw, Twitchy Tony!
- “I let people get too close. I mean, the lines are there for a reason.”
- Vera and Gibbs did good. A+.
- That badass Vera moment.
- And that Gibbs and Lala one.
- I love Lala, okay?
Agree? Disagree? What did you think of NCIS: Origins Season 2, Episode 15 ‘Johnny B. Goode’? Share with us in the comments below! And if you have any thoughts about the show, share them with us in our NCIS: Origins hub!
NCIS: Origins airs on Tuesdays at 9/8c on CBS.
