(390-word review) In case some people don't know/have forgotten, this case was, in a throwaway/easily forgettable way, introduced previously; I don't remember which episode and if it was even in this season, though. Even though I never thought much about it then, as it seemed the typical throwaway sort of deal, I liked the expansion (and subsequent resolution) of it with this episode. I was pleasantly surprised.
Also, this episode was the one with the Illya Kuryakin line, which surprised me. I already knew about it, although the details of how now escape me. But I assumed it was said in the autopsy room for some reason, hence my surprise when it was said elsewhere, including the line's utterance itself, as I forgot about it. It's too bad Ducky didn't hear that for a bit more meta concerning his reaction; maybe there's a second instance where Illya Kuryakin's mentioned.
I also shamefully admit that I didn't predict the perpetrator, even though it was an obvious possibility in hindsight. As far as excuses are concerned, I'll throw out there the potential reason for that as being due to the eerieness enveloping the episode, causing me to almost be in a trance; pure engagement.
The central plot was well-done. My main takeaway was the tone accompanying it, the characters involved, their backgrounds, and the characters themselves; just the way everything was structured and unfolding had a proper sense of suspense and eerieness. Lee Garlington and Pat Healy's performances were excellent. And the subplot with Ducky's mother was entertaining: both because of her (Nina Foch did a good job) and Tony's involvement and interactions with her.
While this doesn't necessarily go hand in hand with that, the interrogation scene near the end was great. That could be the angriest Gibbs has ever been up to this point, and rightfully so, given the circumstances. The scene with Tony having to continue his security detail was also good.
Overall, a surprising episode because of the main plot/the connection to what I thought was an irrelevant, throwaway thing at the time (whichever episode that was), the Illya Kuryakin line, and the fact that it was as engaging as it was. It was the best episode or second-best of this season thus far, and it was by far one of the best of the show yet.
