What is a garrote?
That question was immediately answered on NCIS Season 12 Episode 4, as we opened with a research scientist sitting on a park bench, helplessly anticipating her imminent death via this strangling device that ended up taking her head off. OUCH!
This Case of the Week felt more like filler than anything, even if we had affection for the Russian counselor (Pavlenko) and his lying/misdirection.
We were already aware of his love/hate relationship with international assassin Sergei Mishnev, though it remains unclear if he realized the extent of Mishnev’s involvement with the murder of the scientists.
Yes, the way in which they died was designed to send a message to Benin (Join us… or else!), but was there another message there meant for LJ Gibbs and company?
On the personal front, meanwhile, we witnessed Tony acting like a bit of a clown once again, specifically when he got surprised by who appears to be his new love interest, Agent Leia Pendergast.
Gotta love misdirection as he stood post outside of the washroom and she pretended not to know what was going on. Also gotta enjoy the ribbing he took from Bishop and McGee over his interest in this agent.
But while Tony may see something there… do you? Pendergast is arrogant and sort of full of herself. Yes, she “fights back,” as Tony notes, but is that all that matters? That she comes across to him as a different version of Ziva?
Ah, Ziva. How we miss that woman.
What did you think of this NCIS Season 12 outing? Are you a fan of Pendergast? Where do you stand on the arc advancement centered around Mishnev? Is it headed in an interesting direction?
Those needing to catch up on television’s highest-rated series can watch NCIS online and those anxious for a look ahead to NCIS Season 12 Episode 5 can check out the following trailer: