NCIS: New York Season 1, Episode 4 Review: ‘Homecoming’ Shows Us a Different Side of Sam

NCIS: New York Season 1, Episode 4 ‘Homecoming‘ builds on what the previous episode did well, while also peeling another layer of the Sam Hanna (LL Cool J) onion. That’s a really hard thing to do, considering this is a character we know well, but the show proves that there are still a lot of things to discover about a character whose early years have always been a little of a mystery.

The episode also manages to give some color to both ASAC Wells (Jennifer Beals) and Sean (Devin Druid), and build on what they established with Addy (Jacqueline Byers) and Wyatt (Shane Harper) last hour, which pretty much leaves Nick as the odd man out. We haven’t gotten all that much of Wells or Sean, but there have been little hints here and there. We’ve gotten enough of Addy and Wyatt to be invested. We have not gotten enough of Nick, especially considering how much screen time he has.

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ARE YOU BETTER THAN CALLEN?

The problem with Nick Schaeffer is that he’s got the long shadow of G Callen (Chris O’Donnell) to compete with, and right now we’re not sure he’s a better or more interesting partner for Sam. There is a lot of stuff for the show to play with when it comes to Sam’s background and especially his childhood, and that part is intriguing, but none of that requires Nick. At least not yet.

We’re not invested in him personally, and we have no more than a cursory investment in him as Sam’s partner. In fact, at this point, I’d still trade Nick not just for Callen, but probably for Jane Tennant (Vanessa Lachey) too. Still very early, I know. It’s only been four episodes. But the main partnership is the thing that really has to click, and right now it’s the show’s weakest point by far.

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BUT I SHIP THIS

I am, however, very invested in Addy and Wyatt. And all I really needed was that moment at the beginning of the episode, where Addy is promising she’ll actually give Wyatt 20 questions, not 10 (hello, multi-season arc, how I love thee), and he quickly changes the subject when Nick walks in because it’s something that’s just for them, not the team. But then we also had how quickly they follow each other’s leads with the Sam thing, and later just messing with Nick.

But we’ve also started to see the two of them have fun while they’re out on the field. Addy was lucky, but she also gets to brag because she got the job done, and I like the way the banter has been building between her and Wyatt. They are very different people, and there’s still a lot the show has to do to bridge the gap and have them go from people who work together to partners to friends, much less more. But I’m excited for the journey ahead.

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Things I think I think:

• Man, I wish Sam was the kind of person who could take that apartment, because that’s sweeeet.
• “Free isn’t always free.” Isn’t that right?
• 20 questions!
• “I want to take my time with this one.”
• So nice of Wyatt to stop.
• “I appreciate that. Thanks.”
• Nick, why do you always think it’s about you?
• LOL, this turned into a compliment battle about Sam.
• I mean, you are indeed a “louder” and “look at me” kind of leader.
• Guys, stop talking.
• “I would follow that man to the gates of hell.”
• “We’d follow you too.” But would you?
• Nick, no one cares about the tie.
• Sam’s appreciation of how hard the shot is lol
• Eight cups a day?!
• “You smell like a newborn baby.”
• Sean is so weird, I kinda like him.
• Field trip!
• “You’re a hero.”
• Gizmo?
• Did Wells give them some type of sweet as a reward?
• Smart and annoyed sounds right for both Wells and Sean.
• So, Wells was on the path to be AF. Why did she walk away? Did she?
• “Just because he was good to me doesn’t mean he’s a good man. I’m capable of making that distinction.”
• Glad you ducked, Nick.
• “I hit what I was aiming for.”
• Look, I’m sad to say it has been established that Sam is not a trained sniper. In fact, on NCISLA, it was always Kensi who took on that role.
• Makes sense for Sam to now want to set an example, to help.
• I love Addy and Wyatt teasing Nick.
• Also, Wyatt, you really are drinking milk?

Are you excited for NCIS: New York Season 1, Episode 4 ‘Homecoming’? Share with us in the comments below!

NCIS: New York airs Tuesdays at 9/8c on CBS.