amethystwings32

(2013-05-15 17:33:57)

better than the original

I love this show Chris O'Donelle and LL CoolJ work well together. Theway they act as a team reminds,me of;Mel Gibson and Danny Glover.LLCool J(aka Sam)whines like a little kid.and Chris's character acts likea bad ass,that can't get hurt at all.Another name for this show shouldbe Lethal Weapon revisited. That is my mom's take on the hit spin offNCIS, Mine is I think this one is much better than the original.Because it has more intensity, more action and in some ways betterchemistry. Between characters, plus LL Cool J and Chris are a dynamicteam! They balance each other perfectly , their timing and everythingis perfect! One is a bad ass, and the other a whiny baby. But it seemsto work , we love this show!

pauljboatman

(2013-05-15 09:24:45)

What Happened to Mace & Why Don't the Agents ever show ID

Not as good as NCIS, but a good second. I will definitely watch theshow every week. I was just wondering what happened to "Mace", agentMacey, who was introduced as the team lead in the two lead-in episodesshown on NCIS. I liked her a lot better than the little dwarf lady theyhave as the team lead now. I felt it could be a good story line betweenher and Gibbs. I also wonder, why don't any of the agents ever showtheir ID when they identify themselves as federal agents? I, like acouple of other inputs I've read, think it would have been more logicalto have staged the team out of San Diego rather than Los Angeles. SanDiego is a well known Navy town, LA, ah, NO!

Henry Bowman

(2013-05-15 00:50:02)

Two different universes

I just watched 10/13/09's NCIS and NCIS:LA back to back. These twoshows weren't separated at birth, they were born in entirely differentdimensions.NCIS (and earlier, JAG) showed a terrific understanding of morality andhonor. Today's NCIS episode explored the concepts of duty, doing theright thing, obeying legal rules of engagement, and the consequences offollowing immoral orders.This was followed by NCIS:LA, in which our two heroes jimmy their wayinto an innocent civilian's home because they "fear she MAY be introuble," and then take the opportunity to plant listening devices allover it with no warrants in evidence anywhere (she wasn't even asuspect). Excuse me, what happened to propriety, legality,constitutional rights? The characters on NCIS:LA continually act as ifthese things just don't exist.It gets tiresome to watch the two main characters act as if everyunlocked front door constitutes "probable cause" and an invitation forthem to intrude with guns drawn. Maybe that's life in LA, but inArizona, Missouri, Virginia, or Georgia, these guys would be red jellywithin a week.I was ready to complain to Bellisarius (who in the past has beenexemplary as far as getting this stuff right) but then I discoveredNCIS:LA is done by a separate production company. Let me tell you, itshows.This show does to military honor what pornography does to sex.

archer2009

(2013-05-14 07:35:16)

Worst show on TV

Wow this has to be the worst show on TV. After having the template ofNCIS to work from you'd think the producers would know the formula thatworks. First of all why is it even set in LA? Last time I check therewasn't much of a naval base there? Where the equivalent of Gibbs, Tony?Where's Ducky ? This is just a really bad show with a really bad castof actors. Movie actors don't make good TV Actors. LL Cool J just isn'tcool. Chris O'Donnell doesn't have enough character of his own to carrythe show. If this show gets through an entire season without beingcanceled I'd be more then surprised. This show might have more mileagein it if it wasn't an NCIS wanna be show. This show is too lame tostand up on it's own and too lame to ride on the coattails of NCIS.

yaykisspurr

(2013-05-14 02:55:49)

Linda Hunt is worth watching. In fact, she makes the show.

Without her we wouldn't care for Callen or Hanna as it's her feelingsabout them that motivate us. It's her support of Deeks that reluctantlymade us wait and see with him. It's her knowledge of Callen and herwillingness to go after his enemies that carried us through proceduralplot. Anyone sent to take her place is seen as our enemy and we long tosee them eliminated. We wait for the little sounds bits from thisdiminutive character squirreling them away like precious nuts. Actuallythe two information analysts add to Hetty's character in a remarkableway. I was a little shocked when they added Nell as I thought Eric dida fine job without her but Hetty really made the addition work.A funny thing happened along our journey with Hetty…Callen and Hannawon us over. Normally with chemistry we're worried more between a womanand a man but it's also important between partners, or rather actorsportraying partners. Chris O'Donnell and LL Cool J have chemistry. Itwas a great starting point because until we got to know more about thisduo it's really all we had to go on. As we watched we found theircharacters balanced each other out nicely as well.Callen is really the central character, before or after Hetty,depending how you look at it, whoever you love more. He doesn't knowmuch about who he or his parents are, what his first name is beyond Gor why people tend to try to kill him. O'Donnell plays the chameleonwell even though he never really changes. I thinks this is so becauseit's about embodying the type of man you would imagine a chameleonwould be rather than actively being a quick-change artist. Hischaracter arc was incorporated from the beginning, and you can tell, asit is worked very fluidly into the regular cases. I believe this is keyto the popularity of the show as anything that shakes up the typicalprocedural format is looked upon favorably by television audiences.Hanna is a straight shooter, a perfect foil for the silent Callen, anda strong, moral character in his own right. You can believe hisbackground as a former U.S. Navy SEAL and yet delight in the fact hisstory arcs tend to be about doing the right thing. It adds a lot ofdepth that it's his ability to speak an Arabic dialect and hisaffiliation as a Muslim that leads him to these story lines. By takingthis character another direction, having him have a rather typicalbackground, as compared to Callen, we can explore how his skills takehim places you wouldn't expect. O'Donnell and LL Cool J take turns asto whose story arc will take precedent and I really like theunexpectedness of this. You as a viewer aren't always sure where thestory will take you as far as the personal stories are concerned.At first, Kensi Blye was just the token female for me. She was hot,badass and skillful with guns…what's not to like? It wasn't until oneof her fellow secondary characters was killed that she really came intoher own. Her development really kept you watching during the firstcouple years of the show as you could see her character come into herpersonality. I especially enjoyed her recent character arc while shedealt with her father's past and his death, working on her trustissues. Many times it's not until you are much older that you reallysee your parents for what they were/are. In my opinion it was smart tolink her to the Hawaii Five-O crossover as of all the characters weknew the least about her and it immediately added depth to hercharacter. Especially as Terry O'Quinn was the connection point, as herfather being a friend of his makes total sense. Daniela Ruah does Kensijustice in all the right places.I have to admit I hated Marty Deeks, though I wasn't sad to see theback of Nate Getz either. Eric Christian Olsen gradually won me over ashis partnership with Kensi developed in tandem to the flourishing ofher character. Deeks' personality is such that he's a great foil forthe distrustful Kensi, he can wear her down and teach her intimacy. DoI want Deeks and Kensi to get together…no, to be honest. As soon asthey do I feel like it's the death keel of the show. They like eachother, they even love each other as partners do, but as of now I likethat they are motivated for each others' well being and otherwisekeeping it on a professional level. Now Deeks is simply part of 'Kensiand Deeks the partnership' and I no longer wish for his suddenirreversible death.The producers and writers are making good choices for this show as faras killing off characters, eliminating dead weight and developing theareas of back story and character that we love or have come to love.The one flaw of the show rears it's ugly head quite often when I'mwatching this show…it's a procedural with all the procedural faults.Yes, NCIS: LA has the characters to back the story up. The audienceenjoys watching them no matter the current difficulties, whether it'sjust a threat to national security or literally saving the world. It'salso repetitive and non-threatening…since when has Hetty, Callen,Hanna, Kensi or Deeks not come through? And that's a problem.To read my review: http://yaykisspurr.wordpress.com/

jonathanportch

(2013-05-13 12:19:41)

two major flaws

It was a big mistake putting NCIS in the title: it raises expectationsthat this pale and formulaic imitation fails to meet. Inevitably,comparisons will be made with the original and this show fails on EVERYlevel. the characters are unlikeable cartoons playing preconceivedroles; the computer specialist, the joker, the waffler, etc. with nocharm and burdened by a robotic script. It's as if a third rate amateurdramatic group was doing a first pass read through of a very poorscript loosely based on something called NCIS.The second major flaw is that somehow this got made. Did it really getthrough trial screenings? Advertisers sold slots in the middle of thismust surely regret any association.I try to stay positive wherever possible but i'm afraid, for me, thereis no redemption.give it a go. i'll be surprised if you're not disappointed.

(2013-05-04 07:01:53)

Booooooooooooooorrrrrrriiinnngg! Yawn!

This is merely beefcake without any redeeming characteristics. Whathappened to the elements that set NCIS apart from the crowd ofCSI-wannabes? None of those qualities are included here, and all thethings that made the other copycats so easily ignored are! With all duerespect to Chris O'Donnell and LL Cool J, there is entirely too muchtestosterone, and not enough of the casual humor of the original. Thecomment about the lack of any connection to the Navy was entirelyappropriate, an obvious mistake, but one that begs the question: Whycall it NCIS-ANYTHING? Why not call it whatever cool title they havelaying around waiting for the next macho-man cop-show?. If we neededanother mindless cop show, this would be perfect! I don't know whyHollywood gets it so wrong, so often, but I suspect it has something todo with the herd instinct--when one person wanders down a certain path,everyone else follows along, just to be sure they aren't missingsomething they previously overlooked! This one won't last the season,if they don't make sweeping changes, like losing the cast, firing thewriters, and getting someone who can direct. Other than those minorchanges, it doesn't need much. I'm sure the caterers are tops!

stan-131

(2013-05-03 21:15:35)

NCIS Los Angeles not NAVY

NCIS stands for Naval Criminal Investigative Service. And this issupposed to be based in Los Angeles... OK I will give them that it doeslook like it could be in LA. But there is no connection to The navyother than they use cool tools. The name also lets them use actors fromthe other NCIS TV show... but that is where the NAVY ends... they couldhave called this special elite homeland security team or maybe the newA-Team minus the creepy van... I do like the actors and the stories aregood. But every episode follows NCIS. On that show everything clearlyconnects to the military. Then the next NCIS comes on and there doesn'tneed to be any mention of the military. So this is an odd show... goodacting... good stories... bad name... So do I watch every week... Yes... am I confused every week what theconnection to NCIS or the navy. Every Week!

CeeAdams

(2013-05-03 09:24:36)

The new Charlie's Angels

Sorry, NCIS Los Angeles is way more Charlie's Angels than NCIS. Nooffense to the actors, but what went through producers' minds with NCISLA - "here, let's dress you up so you can go undercover?" What?? I likeNCIS the original and all the various characters, but I have no ideawhat the scriptwriters are up to with this show. Clearly the idea inthis show is nothing more than "I have an assignment for you, Angels." The actors can only do so much with the plodding, leaden scripts andleaden dialogue. The shows either put me to sleep or I give up halfwaythrough. I like Linda Hunt, and I do want her to stay on the show, buther character seems to be cut out and stuck in from a different show,oh no, wait, I said that. And where is the Navy part of this? They operate out of a condemnedbuilding with such soft lighting and decor it looks like the lobby of ahotel-what's up with that? There are plenty of offices in LA where theywould be equally invisible. Where's the forensic lab? Where's the Navy?Where's the plot? Oh, never mind.

electronicallyneeded

(2013-05-02 17:05:57)

Giving real NCIS a bad name!

The REAL, NCIS is such a good show with perfeclty created charactersand actors, but this NCIS: LA its giving the real ncis a bad name...And the show border lines racism against African mostly Sudanese peopleand its really biased about Muslims and Muslim community.The characters are not there LL Cool J speaks zillon langues and theHacker guy chrases the INTERNET(yes all of it) of hacks into closedcircuit CIA databases i mean don't do these.And other than being racist and technically wrong, in this show agentsact like they are from CTU(form 24) most of the time i mean in REALNCIS, Gibbs yells "get your gear there is a dead marine" and the guysgo and solve the murder but in this ncis: la i really cant understandthe mission description of the agents and "ncis" .

luke_rock

(2013-04-30 22:12:09)

Took a while....

It took a while to get me interested in this series. Having been along-time NCIS fan, I felt obligated to give it a fair shake. After thefirst few episodes, I felt bored and wondering if I should keepwatching. Maybe it was because I was preoccupied when NCIS: LA wouldair. However, after settling down and focusing on the episodes, mainlythe one where Dom gets kidnapped, I felt like they've hit their stride.There's no doubt this is a completely different show than the originalNCIS. That's what makes it tolerable. They're not trying to copycat theother like the CSIs did in my opinion. They've got humor. They've gotcrimes they're trying to solve. They've slowly gotten some chemistry.Keep in mind, Shane Brennan is running both shows and he has yet todisappoint me on the original. They're in good hands and hopefully,they'll get even better. The first NCIS had a few bumps in the roadduring the first season and hit their stride in Season 2.

writesromine

(2013-04-30 11:55:21)

NCIS Los Angeles Season Two Finale

One of the season finales I have been looking forward to turned in acompletely unexpected direction.One of the show's main ongoing plot lines is Callen's lineage. Lastyear we were left with questions about Callen's sister. We found outthat she was in fact murdered. Callen went to his sister's grave andfound a toy tin soldier. This flashed a recall memory of an older manwith a circular tattoo handing the toy soldier to him on the beach whenhe was a small boy.The season has come full circle, beginning with Hettie's resignation.This marked the entrance of Linda Florentine as the new satellitedirector. So everything is hush-hush, Hettie has gone rogue. Ipersonally love Hettie, as she reminds me of Yoda when he kickedserious sith butt in Phantom Menace. So Hettie is going around Praguetoting a 'message' for Comescu—whoever or whatever that is. She meansbusiness too, taking out two guys as a way to deliver her message—andthen she sits down for a spot of tea. Can you not see why I love thiswoman! I want to be Hettie when I grow up.This was the theme of the entire episode. Hettie's warpath, Cullentrying to find her, and Director Vance trying, albeit failing, toremain in control, as aptly demonstrated when all three agentsresigned. Then Deeks piped in saying he would quit if he could.When they finally track Hettie down, it is at a beach house. It is thehome of the Comescu family, headed by scary Momma Comescu. This iswhere we are all left scratching our heads and feeling very displeasedwe have to wait four months until we get some answers. Why? Well, firstwhen Callen arrives at the beach house he realizes it is the same beachwhere he received the tin soldier. Also we find out that Hettie createda death certificate for Callen, and is now presenting it and a video ofCallen's shooting three years ago as proof that he is in fact dead.Last, but certainly not least, when Momma Comescu asks why she shouldbelieve Hettie's claim. This is when we get pushed over the edge of thecliff…Hettie steps forward, raises the sleeve of her shirt and revealsa tattoo identical to the one on the man Callen encountered years agoon the beach. The last line of the season, "Because we are family."And that is what I call a season finale!!Amy Romine BellaOnline's Prime Time TV Editorhttp://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art55564.asp

reddragon-14

(2013-04-30 03:40:30)

Where's the N in NCIS LA

Where's the Navy part of NCIS Los Angeles? Why didn't they set theseries in San Diego where there's still a Navy presence on the westcoast? I truly think that the original NCIS is one of the best series'on TV, and I have been following it from the beginning well before therest if the public 'discovered' it. While Chris O'Donnel and LL Cool Jare competent actors and Linda Hunt is always worth watching, the showhas no team concept. A nice addition is Peter Cambor as a profiler. Ijust don't really see the kind of cases involving Navy or Marineissues, maybe because there really isn't a Naval base near Los Angelesand setting it there to attract an audience is silly since the originalseries is set on the east coast, though filmed in Santa Clarita, and isdoing alright. I'll keep watching and hope for the best, but I hopeO'Donnel's character is less out of control and more steady as an agentshould be, I mean he's not a teenager, though he acts like one.October 5th. Well episode two has come and gone, still no chemistry.They are more like secret agents, and not too far removed from "GetSmart", all they need is a shoe phone and the cone of silence. The onlyNavy link in this one was the fact that the bad guys were SEALS, couldhave been any bad guys except this is supposed to be a show about theNavy and Marines otherwise they could have substituted (pick one)Mexican Mafia, Russian Mob, drug dealers, maybe Canadian Terrorists,that would be fun. They never wear NCIS ID's or in any way identifythemselves while on a case, I guess they are always 'undercover'. Can'tthey simply investigate. They don't drive anything but convertiblesports cars 'cause everybody knows that's the only kind of cars wedrive here in California. The show is trying to be hip, way too muchso, and their "Bat-cave" headquarters is too funny. How do people whoneed to, ever find it?October 8th. At least this week's episode had a Marine, but he gotkilled right away when an Air Force dude was flying a Predator. Didn'ttake them long to play the Arab terrorist card did it? At least it wasfairly interesting when dealing with the Predator, same kind they usein Afganistan. As for the two leads, a bald-headed black man and abuzz-cut white guy, both wearing ratty T-shirts, breaking down doorswithout identifying themselves or carrying any ID, well that's a goodway to get shot by any local police, mistaking them for druggies withguns, or even by an innocent resident. Just...plain...stupid. Andwhat's with Linda Hunt's character, doesn't do anything and is just a'bean counter'. Since when is a Federal agency concerned about a rippedpair of pants or a ruined shirt? Beyond belief.October 14 Well finally signs of life, some humorous banter while onstake-out, some actual investigation of the contractor(readBlackwater). Best episode so far. Linda Hunt is still completely wastedas Hetty and she even threw out a Yoda-ism at the end. Why does NCIS-LAneed a bean-counting mother figure anyway? Her character is totallyunnecessary. We've all discussed the ratty T-shirt wardrobe and thelack of Identification, but I was not squirming while watching it for achange. A tentative thumbs up for this episode. Maybe there's hope.

lanticoli

(2013-04-29 14:23:55)

This show is a joke and embarrasses the original NCIS

After watching this show twice and trying to watch it twice more I findI can not understand how a show so stupid can be allowed on T.V.Have we stooped so low that the people producing this unrealistic pieceof trash think we will watch anything. It is doubly tragic to thinkthat a quality show like "Without a Trace" was canceled to possiblyallow space for this idiotic waste of time.I absolutely do not understand what this show is trying to convey tous. Why a clandestine type building that is an embarrassment to agovernment agency, a head of department that is out of a book offiction, a buff agent who I think was hired just to show off his body.In fact I feel most of the cast was chosen to enhance the stupidity ofwhat the industry feels they can subject us to.I have never in my life ever wished failure on anyone or anything and Idon't feel I need to now. This show should self destruct on its own,and the sooner the better

raisinman

(2013-04-26 09:49:49)

A sorry piece of you know what

No leader, except for the land of oz dwarf crossed with Harry Potter.What kind of a joke is this? Why does it even carry the name NCIS? I'drather watch Gunsmoke or Adam 12 reruns. Nothing on this show will grabyou--it just doesn't have any pull. The characters as well as the plotsare mediocre, so I can't tell if the actors are any good--but theacting reminds me of the other big LA spin off commercial product--soapoperas. Bland is being too kind in description. I can see no relationto NCIS. It looks like they work in some sort of dressing room orboutique which caters to wannabees from Universal or somewhere. Sorryto be so negative, but that's how it is. CSI, on the other hand--bothMiami and NY are better than the original. This show should be yankednext week. Try NCIS San Diego, maybe... or I dunno, Kennebunkport.

Cameron Allen

(2013-04-25 21:04:22)

Horrible Crap

I cannot stand the original NCIS, so I had absolutely zero expectationswhen I watched NCIS LA. I think just about everything negative aboutthis show has already been written, so I'm not going to rehash all theother points that have already been made. I did however want to add onething I don't think anyone has mentioned yet: Just what is the dealwith the G. Callen "I don't know my own first name" subplot? How thehell do you become a federal agent without a first name? Did they skipthat in the hiring process? Of all the shows that need spin offs, NCISdefinitely not one of them. How does a show like this even get pickedup?

grannycog

(2013-04-25 11:47:16)

This program is terrible as compared to the original. Watched it twice and never again.

This program is terrible as compared to the original. Watched it twiceand never again. No way to duplicate the feelings of the original castto each other. It stinks- why would you want more negative comments.This is not a good program and would not recommend it to anyone As youwant 10 lines of text than I shall rumble on. No wonder it is so bad.Now I have 6 lines and will fill up the last with dribble. No way canyou replace Gibbs, DeNozia, Ducky, the director, Kate and others. Giveit up while you still have the money. So, two more lines to go. Nothingmuch to say except leave a good thing alone- good, ten lines are nowhere and I am out of here.

hodson_2008

(2013-04-25 08:48:11)

NCIS Fans: You will not be disappointed

I was a huge fan of CSI: for years, so naturally, I was excited by thespin-offs. And, like most true CSI: fans, I was sorely disappointed.That's not the case here. While NCIS: LA is not as"investigatively-oriented" as its original, it is still an intriguingand adventurous show. The lack of forensic investigation is easilyexplained away in the NCIS introduction show, stating that the LA teamis more "Special Ops". The show has its unique characters, many ofwhich seem to have a similar back story as the original - Callen'smysterious background mirrors the shaded past of Gibbs, Eric and Domthe techies are reminiscent of McGee, Kensi is (trying to be) as toughas Ziva. Even Hetty has an odd and enlightening past, much like Ducky.The only thing missing is the quick wit of Tony. It was very easy forme to become addicted to this show. And I hope it is the same for otherNCIS fans out there!

govendsa

(2013-04-20 05:54:15)

Love it better than the original series

I love this show. It's brilliant and much better than the original NCISseries. The camaraderie between the characters are great and so is theaction. I think that Chris O Donnell and LL Cool J steal the show andthe supporting cast is superb. It has some great story lines and Hettieis always so mysterious. It's a show that should stay on as it willdefinitely keep viewers riveted.The characters have have great depth. It is so realistic for a crimescene investigation show. The team work together and no one upping oneanother. The show is full of technology that is totally awesome. If youwant a good crime scene show investigating Naval Crimes, then you youshould rather watch this one than the original.

kmustain36

(2013-04-19 18:24:39)

has some potential

I have been an avid fan of Belasario for many years now and have onlyseen a few let downs. This show exhibits some great characters and itis a shame that the writing and directing is not keeping up withpotential of the show. This show currently reminds me of a cross ofMiami Vice and a mass of other terrible 80's cop dramas. I agree withthe rest of the comments that mention that there is no real Navy orMarine involvement in a lot of the plots. Also, the fact that thenearest Navy or Marine base is 4 hours away from the current setlocation makes the reality of a NCIS presence in LA somewhat farreaching. They should have aligned this show with something relating toeither NSA or FBI for the types of crimes they are investigating, i.e.espionage and terrorism. I believe that if the show turns towards amore character development route and finds a better suited location theshow would take off.