NCIS (TV Series) Enigma (2004) User Reviews

"Rule Number 12, never date a co-worker."

[LegendaryFang56 · 8/10 · 13 November 2021]

This episode was pretty good. As far as ratings go, it was the same as the ninth episode for me. So far, I've only given an eight out of ten to this one and that one. As far as the enjoyment's concerned, I think this one was a little bit better.

We got some more depth to Gibbs' character, as well as a subtle side of him that we haven't seen before. It was nice to see on a surface level: but a little saddening to see given the context. And we saw the Colonel pull one over on him by finding his gun in the second place he looked and emptying it, which you wouldn't expect seeing happen to someone like Gibbs. I guess he learned a lot from Colonel Will Ryan. It would be super interesting to see how different Gibbs was in the past when he was presumably less experienced.

Terry O'Quinn's acting was exceptional. Probably the biggest draw from this episode, besides the depth added to Gibbs' character. If he was able to give such a performance in a minor role like this, I bet there were better examples of good acting from him in Lost since I think his character was one of the main ones. That makes me look forward to whenever I'll watch Lost; to see his acting.

Like the previous episode, there were hints sprinkled throughout the episode regarding the "twist."

• The fact that the Colonel was seemingly talking to someone in the airport's camera footage, yet you "couldn't see" who it was.

• The fact that Lieutenant David Cameron seemed odd, and how he would always be in the background, or somewhere else.

• The fact that those three people at the bar were looking towards the Colonel's direction a bit weirdly, which I thought was weird but didn't think anything of it.

Or lack thereof concerning Colonel Will Ryan, for most people, as I imagine most people would've caught on. And like the previous episode again, I wasn't one of them. I didn't catch on. I only caught on right as it was about to be revealed.

So, all-in-all, I thoroughly enjoyed this episode. I think it's either the best or the second-best episode of the season so far. The other episode, as I've already said, is the ninth episode. I'm not sure which one I'd consider being better. If anything, they're both probably more tied than one of them being better than the other.

Since the end of the season is getting close, I'm expecting something big to happen soon; to set things off. In my review of the eighth episode, I mentioned how I spoiled myself that there's an antagonist of this season into the next season. But now, I think that by this season, that means at the end of the season. The bigger scale of being the antagonist of a season will probably be the second season.

At any rate, I'm expecting something big concerning that will happen soon as to kick things off regarding that character and storyline. I saw the first few seconds of the penultimate episode's recap in the finale by accident, so I know the last two episodes will involve that. Whether it'll begin sooner, I don't know. But big things are certainly on the horizon, and I'm looking forward to it.

Paranoic Schizophrenia

[dtlusty-1 · 7/10 · 14 February 2024]

Using the theme of combat related PTSD as a basis for paranoic schizophrenia, the episode deals with a real issue. However, a major flaw in the episode is the murder if the FBI agent in Colonel Ryan's cabin. Who murdered him if Ryan only fantasized about being chased?

Lt. Cameron's existence is depicted in several scenes as an accomplice, only to be shattered in the end by his apparent death. We are kept in the dark about his relationship with Gibbs, and given only a bit of the backstory.

It does seem unlikely that Colonel Ryan could have accomplished the transfer of weapons and money from Irag on his own, without the aid of others. In the end we are left to wonder if it was at all plausible, if not possible. That is an artistic problem for the writer and director.

Fine action and acting

[lor_ · 6 July 2023]

With Terry O'Quinn as guest star how can you go wrong? This is a compelling episode of the series, old enough to have Harmon at home wearing an "NIS" vintage sweatshirt predating the organization called "NCIS".

Original cast regulars are all in fine fettle, including Sasha Alexander, who real ans remember fondly even though so many cast changes have passed her by.

It's an interesting story, suspensefully directed by Thomas Wright and with some solid action scenes, a model for what made the series so durable over the years. And a young-ish Harmon is great to watch, far more animated than the Grand Old Man we've come to know and love over the decades, and miss sorely in 2023.

Wow

[bevo-13678 · 10/10 · 14 June 2020]

I like this episode. Lots of twist and turns resulting in a surprise ending

A fine episode!

[harrykivi · 6/10 · 19 August 2023]

"Enigma" is an episode I've seen three times. The first two times I was not all that impressed by it, the third time I was surprised how much I was into this story. It's certainly not a great case, John C. Kelley has written stronger episodes than "Enigma", but it's pretty enjoyable indeed.

Let's start with the good aspects.

. The production values of the episode are great. The direction and the music are very good. The acting is superb. Mark Harmon has a powerful presence and Terry O'Quinn delivers an interesting performance.

. It was nice to get an insight of who Gibbs actually is. He's not only a tough former marine, the character has many interesting layers. There is a good balance of seriousness and light hearted in this script, making the episode entertaining.

But....

. The twist in this story was quite predictable for me and the solution too simple. Wished to get more backstory between the Colonel and Gibbs.

Overall, a fine episode.

6/10 HK.