NCIS: New York Season 1, Episode 2 ‘Family Business‘ is a quiet episode because it’s just about establishing where the dynamics go. We’ve just been introduced to this team; now the show has to start giving us little sprinkles of interaction, so we can get a sense of not just how Nick and Sam are together, but also Addy and Wyatt, and how Sean and ASAC Wells fit in within the dynamics.
In that respect, the show does a pretty good job, even if there’s nothing to write home about in ‘Family Business’. The case is a little formulaic, and though there’s a little emotional resonance to Sam’s connection to a kid he sees a lot of himself in, it doesn’t land as well as it should because we know Sam too well; we’ve seen him connect to other people at various other times.
Perhaps this moment played better for audiences coming into NCIS: New York fresh. For me, it was just another Sam is Sam moment, and I’m gonna need the show to give me a little more.
MORE: Read our review of the NCIS: New York pilot
ADDY AND WYATT
So far, I think the most interesting dynamic might just be that of Addy and Wyatt. A procedural show like this one has to set up a ship, and it is obvious they are being set up to be just that. But when I say it’s obvious, I mean I’ve watched enough procedurals to know. Because they’re not really getting romantic setup right now. In a way, that’s a good thing. When a show is this new, it has to set up the team first. Then, they can do the rest of the work.
But even their partnership has potential, especially because they are so different. Plus, despite the fact that it’s been established that they work well together, there’s no particular closeness between them. They’re buddies, and that’s it. Which, to be honest, works best. We don’t want to miss out on what comes next. We want to see it on screen. For now, the chemistry works well enough that if the writing goes hand in hand, we could have a couple to root for in our future.
MORE: Is Scott Caan playing the same character here as he did in NCIS: Los Angeles? We’ve got the answer.
SAM IS A TRICKY CHARACTER
Which brings us back to Sam, and I’m going to be honest: Sam is a tricky character. He’s a character I really enjoy, but he’s one that has worked so far within the confines of very specific dynamics. The one he has with Nick isn’t anywhere near what he had with Callen, or Deeks, or Kensi. It isn’t even what he had with Tennant. NCIS: New York had to do this, of course. We couldn’t have a dynamic that we would be comparing the whole time. But that also means LL Cool J and Scott Caan have to build something new with their characters.
And that’s a challenge for a character that comes with as much baggage for us as Sam Hanna. I’m not saying it can’t work. I’m not even saying it won’t. I’m just saying I’m going to need more to get to the point where I want Sam to get into the back of that ambulance, or believe that he will. We’re not there yet. That is part of the journey of Season 1.
MORE: Here’s how to watch every NCIS show in order
Things I think I think:
- Gonna be honest, I can do without the training montage. Giving early NCISLA, and you don’t want that comparison.
- “I will be your Sherpa.” No. Just no, Nick.
- Prodigal son?
- “If you don’t give people a chance, you’ll never get to know them.” Foreshadowing!
- Sean, if we ever make it to season 6, ask then.
- “Make good choices”? To Sam?
- “Is he always like this?”/”Yes”
- I mean, they said it.
- “Ambulance or martini?”
- “Ambulance then martini.”
- “I’m in your life now.” Almost feels like a threat.
Agree? Disagree? What did you think of NCIS: New York Season 1, Episode 2 ‘Family Business’? Share with us in the comments below!
NCIS: New York airs Tuesdays at 9/8c on CBS.
