NCIS Season 10 (2012)
NCIS Season 10 aired between September 25th 2012 and May 14th 2013, becoming the most watched program nationally at the time. It opens in the aftermath of the bombing at the Navy Yard at the end of Season 9, answering concerns about the fate of the NCIS team. Luckily everyone is okay, including Ducky who suffered a heart attack at the end of ‘Till Death Do Us Part’, prescribed to some time off and rest before he can resume his work in autopsy. This doesn’t keep him away though, often giving advice to Jimmy Palmer who has to take the reigns, and authorising the exhumation of a cold case murder victim who becomes embroiled in the team’s current investigation.
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There were so many episodes I loved from this season - ‘Devil’s Trifecta’ was a personal favourite, as Gibbs and Fornell’s ex-wife Diane arrives and stirs up a load of trouble again. I thought ‘Gone’ was really good too, as the daughter of a Marine is kidnapped outside the movie theatre she works at, the victim of a global trafficking plot. We’re introduced to Jethro’s namesake in episode 5, and ‘Shabbat Shalom’ sees the death of Eli David, director of Mossad and father to Ziva, which begins a big story arc carrying us through to the end the season. We sadly lose Jackie Vance at the same time, and this creates a completely new dynamic for the team as Leon grapples with this loss and finding a sense of purpose again.
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We also meet McGee’s Dad, and see the rift in their relationship as Marine life drove a wedge in the middle. Season 10 is my favourite so far, not only for the amazing stories but for the deepening connections. We see Tony and Ziva closer than ever, and Ducky and Jimmy demonstrate the bond they have as they’re both thrown into a hostage situation in the woods. NCIS continues to develop backstory too, as the episode ‘Hit and Run’ gives us a glimpse of Young Abby as she solves her first investigative case. The season is rounded off as Gibbs comes under scrutiny for bending the rules over the years, bringing into question previous seasons where misdemeanours have been covered up.
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The special features includes lots of fun stuff - one of my most enjoyed segments was 10 Items Or Less, a quick fire documentary reel showing various aspects of the show, including the answer to a much asked question, as Pauley reveals the Kaf-pow cups are actually filled with cranberry juice. There’s a clip about the costuming department, and we get to see the making of DiNozzo’s department when his Dad comes to stay for the holidays. To celebrate the 10th anniversary there’s a special feature for each notable set on NCIS, which is a really interesting look into the different areas of the show.
