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TV show reviews: NCIS

by Joyce M. George-Knight

My fiance has a fascination with crime shows that I do not share. You name the crime show and it is most likely playing weekly on our television. Try as hard as I could not to watch them, NCIS gripped a hold of my attention and hooked me. Kudos to the creators for putting together such a clever grouping of personalities to entertain and educate us.

Abby is my absolute favorite character. The adage "don't judge a book by its cover" comes to mind when I watch her handle crime evidence to determine fingerprints and chemicals involved. She loves her job and her co-workers, delighting all with her analytical discoveries. Her personal decor finds her adorned with chains, large cross necklaces and studded belt and bracelet. Accompanying that mode of dress, Abby dons a large spider web neck tattoo and other limb tattoos typical for the style. Intelligent, cute, dynamic and charming are all characteristics that won me over. Abby can charm her boss like none of the other employees can even think of attempting.

Mark Harmon plays Agent Gibbs, a low-keyed boss of the investigation office. Nothing noticeably riles him. His looks speak louder than his words. Again, another adage comes to mind, "the eyes have it." Wouldn't we all enjoy working for a boss who allows us to perform our job in our own individualistic manner and who is supportive of us whether we make a mistake or find the missing link to solving the mystery. Everyone has equal time when it comes to his silent communications.

Now, the Doc, affectionately known as "Ducky." He's a delightfully light character. Charming, sincere and a bit flighty, he adds comedy with his tongue-in-cheek witticisms. Doc can get a bit flustered, during which his British accent adds to the comedy his facial expressions convey. There's no doubt this close to retirement age doctor knows his stuff. His outdated hat is perfect for his character.

To me, those are the characters without whom the show would be of no interest to me. There's also the occasional appearance of the boss, Director Shepard, of NCIS, by which they are their employer. However, she was killed off in a recent episode. Her replacement will remain a mystery until the Fall's premier shows commence.

Of course there are secondary players, who add to the entertainment. Zeva, an investigator, has attitude and serves as the antagonist. Her serious presence seldom appreciates her co-workers' humors and tends to lack patience with them. Though Zeva is fairly attractive, her sour puss demeanor does not endear her to me.

Lastly, two other investigators complete the cast of characters.

As a balance to the eccentric characters, Agent DiNozzo often pairs with Zeva when attempting to solve crimes. They get into dangerous situations requiring quick-on-the-draw gun action and rapid movement for survival.

If there's a geek in the show, it's McGee, aka "McGeek." An investigator and writer, he frequently gets himself into problem situations, requiring recues. To look at him, one would not suspect that he is actually the misfit in the show. A clean-cut, moderately good-looking young man, McGee adds comedy to serious scenes.

What twists and turns the NCIS cast will present to us for entertainment remain to be discovered this Fall.

Helium, Inc.
200 Brickstone Square Andover, MA 01810 USA