Watching this uninvolving episode, I found my mind wandering. A story that begins with an Afhanistan flashback shouldhave some subplot or even main plot that can tug at one's heartstrings by fadeout, given the still unresolved issues of America's hasty pullout from the country, abandoning many people and leaving everyone to the far-from-tender mercies of the Taliban.
So I suggest a diversion, an idea out of left field. "NCIS" losing some of its favorite stars over the years is clearly a problem -it's difficult for any show to survive the loss of a fan favorite or in this case seemingly ALL the favorites.
So what came to mind was a mainly forgotten show from my younger days, Gene Barry in "Burke's Law", a show created by a great playwright, Frank D. Gilroy. Like "NCIS" it was a procedural show about crime, but with an unusual gimmick: every week there was a cavalcade of guest stars - a who's who of Hollywood. Talk about distraction -if the crime story was weak, who cares? You could see any and all current celebs parade by in fun fashion, from Zsa Zsa Gabor, Barbara Eden and Arlene Dahl to Edgar Bergem, Don Rickles and Don Ameche.
No offense to hard working character actors, but this episode typically had NO guest stars. The dialogue and story was simply too functional - a sure way to achieve dullness.
So I suggest a diversion, an idea out of left field. "NCIS" losing some of its favorite stars over the years is clearly a problem -it's difficult for any show to survive the loss of a fan favorite or in this case seemingly ALL the favorites.
So what came to mind was a mainly forgotten show from my younger days, Gene Barry in "Burke's Law", a show created by a great playwright, Frank D. Gilroy. Like "NCIS" it was a procedural show about crime, but with an unusual gimmick: every week there was a cavalcade of guest stars - a who's who of Hollywood. Talk about distraction -if the crime story was weak, who cares? You could see any and all current celebs parade by in fun fashion, from Zsa Zsa Gabor, Barbara Eden and Arlene Dahl to Edgar Bergem, Don Rickles and Don Ameche.
No offense to hard working character actors, but this episode typically had NO guest stars. The dialogue and story was simply too functional - a sure way to achieve dullness.
