NCIS: Los Angeles: “Search and Destroy” Review

NCIS intervenes when former Marine Walton Monroe Flynn is pursued to LAX by the private security firm he worked for in Iraq. The firm accuses Flynn of killing the Iraqi businessman he was supposed to protect, but NCIS uncovers a different story.

There have been many stories of rogue but still honorable military men on JAG and the original NCIS, not to mention other shows. I assumed from the start that Flynn’s firm was covering something up. The firm continued to pursue Flynn after NCIS was called in. Sure enough, there was a cover-up.

I would have liked to see a more creative twist on the old premise and perhaps more red herrings, but “Search and Destroy” did deliver the increased human interest I hoped would come to NCIS: Los Angeles. The team found Flynn at the house of a high school classmate—Cherise—who called Flynn her boyfriend. Callen quickly bonded with Cherise and with Flynn before two of the security firm’s agents chased Flynn back into hiding.

The only real surprise for me was Callen letting Flynn escape custody near the end, but it was an important moment, showing the inner motivations of a character with no backstory yet. Later, Cherise received a card from Flynn, but it was hinted that Callen sent the card in Flynn’s place—to let Cherise believe Flynn hadn’t simply taken advantage of her. I also liked the smaller moment of Sam making origami while on stakeout duty—a subtle but unique revelation of character.

In closing, this week I saw the most encouraging signs of character from Callen and Sam so far. The plot, as well, showed more character than technology. It wasn’t a very original plot, but if enough character comes through, I care less about plot. More important, if enough character comes through, the NCIS: Los Angeles crew will positively distinguish themselves from the classic crew.