NCIS Winks at the Fourth Wall

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NCIS Winks at the Fourth Wall

I am a relatively new fan of the CBS series “NCIS”. I only started watching after the USA network began running three programs in a row every weekday evening. At first, I found some of the “dysfunctional family” aspects of the show annoying; after all, my previous favorite crime procedurals like CSI did not contain nearly as many wacky characters with smart-aleck dialogue. I found the whole thing a little bit “precious.”

Fortunately for me, there was nothing else on at those hours of the day, and I was able to catch up with the showߴs story arc and fill in the character development. I am now a rabid fan of this group of crime fighters, not least because of the sly writing and inside jokes which reward the faithful viewer. I particularly love the running gags, and it really tickles me when there is an acknowledgement of their status as characters in a TV show.

One such event occurs during an exchange between the agents:

Officer Ziva David: This is not one of your stupid action movies, Tony.

Special Agent Anthony DiNozzo: No, it isn't. If it was you'd be dressed differently.

Officer Ziva David: And you'd be far better looking.
[McGee laughs]

Special Agent Anthony DiNozzo: [to McGee] You'd be dead by the opening credits!

Special Agent Timothy McGee: Did you ever stop to think that maybe I am the plucky comic relief?

The character of Anthony DiNozzo is an avid film fan, which allows him to reasonably point out plots which have been stolen from the movies. I watched the episode “Dead Man Walking” and said to myself, “Hey! This is the plot from the fifties movie “D.OA.”! These writers are shameless! They have even used the same opening lines!” Next thing I know, the characters are having the following dialogue during which DiNozzo states that the situation reminds him of a movie:

Special Agent Timothy McGee: A movie Iߴve never seen.

Special Agent Anthony DiNozzo: “D.O.A.” itߴs called. Nineteen fifty film noir. Classic. This accountant goes to San Francisco and parties all night. Wakes up, finds heߴs poisoned.

But my favorite “nudge, nudge, wink, wink moment is the following acknowledgement of David McCallumߴs role in my absolute favorite childhood television show, “The Man from U.N.C.L.E”:

Kate: "Gibbs, what did Ducky look like when he was younger?"

Gibbs: "Illya Kuryakin."

At that point, I giggled and practically swooned, something which never happens when I watch network TV. “NCIS” is smart, funny, and exciting. I am very grateful to the USA network for making my fandom possible, and I will remain “semper fi.”

sweetmomu
Wed, 23 Sep 2009 18:38:02 +0000

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