JasonSterling29 Reviews

FBI: Unforeseen (2024) Season 6, Episode 6

Waste of a Guest Star?

[5/10 · 28 March 2024]

As the episode went on I knew I would have to leave a review. I think the premise was a good one "Ego Terrorist". The directing was abysmal honestly. If there is one thing I hate about TV it's reluctance to follow common sense and the chain of command (for a different day).

None of the agents wore masks and this scenario and others presented in the show is a job for FBI S. W. A. T or HRT(Same thing?). I know that it would be foolish to pay actors just for them to be usurped by extras but extras do add real value to TV and so does realism which I see time and time again S. W. A. T. can offer to this show.

S. W. A. T should have been in total control of finding and neutralizing the threat in Green Solution. I think the agents and S. W. A. T. can work better to add the appearance of realism.

What happened with Maggie's friend is sad and I was surprised that I felt her death because she was new but after all, she is connected to the show's main star. Agent Blake's storyline should have been centered on a case fitting her role in the FBI over a series of episodes, which they would never do because who cares about creativity and continuity?

I didn't hate the storyline but it should have been more than one case and a Mother dying and leaving her daughter Orphaned.

FBI: International: Copper Pots and Daggers (2022) Season 2, Episode 4

Good but?

[7/10 · 13 October 2022]

A decent episode but there is something I wonder about out of logic and not experience. The Marine turned spy was able to have a major asset in the Turkish military for 5/6 years and it was the local police who found out she was a spy and not Turkish intelligence.

I don't want to question realism too much because it's T. V and I have no experience to say a jailbreak isn't possible and also that the leadership of the police wouldn't call in Turkish Intelligence but her detention should have been handled by the intelligence community of Turkey.

I concede writing it as an escape from Turkish intelligence could lead to a diplomatic incident and how do you write your way out of that? A head would have to roll.

FBI: Victim (2022) Season 5, Episode 4

Why does it always happen?

[6/10 · 13 October 2022]

I've seen a few episodes of FBI that start with an event in the agent's life and the episode will be centered around it, in this episode OA is a victim of crime and he doesn't want to share it with his boss, fellow agents, and a detective working the case.

Fast forward to the case with a particular focus on the victim Citra that escaped and how her story about being a victim is exactly like OA's I don't have a problem with an agent having a similar story to a victim but why must it happen at the start of the episode that the victim has the same story? Citra was victimized weeks before and OA is victimized on the day he works a case involving Citra. Unbelievable!

In the episode"Love is blind" 5x2 Nina and Scola are in Scola's apartment after an intimate night together, this is their first time as a 'couple' on screen I think when Nina was introduced to the series they had a previous relationship or had slept together before.

In the same episode, Nina's life was in more danger than before. Why does it always happen? Why must what happen with the agents playout in the rest of the episode?

NCIS: Los Angeles: Game of Drones (2022) Season 14, Episode 1

Hyphenated Americans. Do-They-Care?

[6/10 · 10 October 2022]

Qasem Soleimani was murdered by America in January 2020 and his murder had real life repercussions for service members of the U. S. Military and bigwigs of the intelligence community. They were reports of Traumatic Brain Injury(TBI) as a result of Iran bombing a U. S. Military 'base' and hits were put out on the bigwigs.

This episode was based on retribution by Iran on American soil. I don't know any Americans in real life or Iranian-Americans for that matter but I want to know to do hyphenated Americans of America's enemy countries care for the anti(Iran, Russia, etc) sentiments in Hollywood or is it a big joke because there are real "oppression" and human rights violations in those countries?

It will be intriguing to see what happens to Fatima because of what happened to Mahsa Amini and if she stops covering her hair in episodes that are written after what happened to Mahsa.

Will this season's political message of this season be targeted at Iran's theocracy?

FBI: International: Crestfallen (2022) Season 1, Episode 21

Europe

[7/10 · 31 May 2022]

I wonder if CBS turned down any spy series around the time they started the first FBI. This episode has the whole former or compromised spy on the run. A decent episode but if you have the budget for Europe(probably low taxes) you should get a good group of writers and do a well above average T. V. show.

NCIS: Los Angeles: Work & Family (2022) Season 13, Episode 20

CBS strikes, again!

[5/10 · 9 May 2022]

As soon I saw the plot for SWAT season 5 episode 20 I knew CBS had influenced this episode which is the show's 300th episode and sure they might have influenced many other episodes but this was not the time to do it.

As a big fan of the show, it's a shame the show couldn't express itself in a way fitting for 300 episodes. We had to get a plot influenced by the powerful people who want to give messages they want you to see. I'm not against messaging in shows but considering they put the same message in the show that aired after NCIS:LA is overkill. They also did that the previous week with NCIS:LA&Hawaii that plot was centered around holding gun manufacturers to account.

I'm not naive to think that ghost guns don't pose a problem to Law Enforcement and victims' families but it just wasn't a fitting plot for the 300th episode.

S.W.A.T.: Incoming (2022) Season 5, Episode 19

Meh

[2/10 · 3 May 2022]

If memory serves this is probably the first episode of S. W. A. T that is based solely on one location and didn't feature them driving around as T. V. detectives and field agents do in other crime dramas.

I've come to realize that S. W. A. T. isn't based on real S. W. A. T. and makes no attempt to replicate that. You'll never see an episode that you could say hey I saw that in X Police Department S. W. A. T. training video on Youtube.

CBS S. W. A. T. is a fantasy based on futuristic weapons and gear. The training and the actual rescue scene were bland.

NCIS: Los Angeles: Genesis (2022) Season 13, Episode 17

Okay, episode... Guest Star

[6/10 · 27 April 2022]

I hope they don't waste Jere Burns with subpar episodes/writing/directing because I've seen him in Burn Notice as Anson Fullerton and he does make a good villain.

Other reviews have pointed out that Callen's backstory has become tiresome. I haven't given it much thought but Jere Burns's character and Hetty can bring this story to a good conclusion.

NCIS: Los Angeles: Perception (2022) Season 13, Episode 15

If you don't like it, don't watch it.

[7/10 · 11 April 2022]

If you think the show is "woke"( a word that has been captured, misused, and weaponized by the right) don't watch it. I don't care much about the political left or right but people always leave their mad comments and low rating once it has to do with something consider leftist, woke, or P. C. What's wrong about putting real issues in a T. V show?

I'm not always in support of episodes like these because sometimes it makes a mockery of what real people go through in real life.

If you watched a Cop show would you give an episode because the cops complain about low wages or poor benefits?

NCIS: Los Angeles has always been political. It's a show about the U. S. Navy that operates worldwide. If you don't like black politics, well good for you. Talking about Russia, China, Iran, etc is politics. You don't want social justice that is in your backyard but geopolitics about China and Russia specifically is quite fine.

SEAL Team: All Bravo Stations (2022) Season 5, Episode 14

Well, that's not going to be the series finale

[7/10 · 22 February 2022]

I always had the suspicion that the series would end with the entire Bravo team dying in an ambush. Some people feel the series isn't realistic with deaths(main cast) I agree to an extent but I feel it's risky killing off the main cast members because it could affect viewership.

The season was the lowest of the 5 so far. I don't know if it was running out of stories or the switch to paramount plus. "Frog on the tracks" was the best episode of season 5 for me.

The ending scene highlighted what is on the line when members of the armed forces are in "war". The transition between the gunfight and the party was excellent and made a statement.

Cold Case: Slipping (2008) Season 5, Episode 17

Marrying out of class...

[8/10 · 17 January 2022]

An emotional episode and part of the reality of marrying out of class. A jealous man("husband") kills his wife because he couldn't write poetry like her even with his Ph. D. She is a natural talent that was raised by the state, a peasant in his mind.

FBI: Most Wanted: Incendiary (2022) Season 3, Episode 10

Ph.D.

[6/10 · 8 January 2022]

I try not to question the motive for killing because it's just tv and I can't say for certain that someone would kill because they felt their Mother didn't meet her potential and was humiliated.

Honestly question though. How does someone with a Ph. D. let a Neandertal than works in a grocery store (at least at the time of her death) convince her to "get real" and become a house worker?

SEAL Team: Conspicuous Gallantry (2021) Season 5, Episode 8

Don't laugh too loud when people say, someone could steal your love away.

[6/10 · 7 December 2021]

A battle brewing(not really but there have been instances) from season 1 episode 1. Jason v Clay Spencer. After talking about it with his wife and teammates Clay is ready to hold Jason to account for his actions in different operations that compromises the team's safety. These actions are a result of years of brain injuries in combat.

I think Clay has a duty to himself, his wife and his baby, on the way to report Jason's mental slips and not just a duty to them but to the people, he actually fights with and for. Based on the show reporting your teammates might be bad in some cases but I'm not thinking this is one of them.

SEAL team writers have remained committed to telling the stories of Traumatic Brain injuries and the support warfighters need to deal with these issues. The way Jason's story is being told is not comparable to the way Swanny's was in terms of quality writing but an important story nonetheless.

Conspicuous Gallantry for me is Clay's moment to show that he might have the leadership quality and can make tough calls. The information from his team leader and teammates contradict and he took the time out to get the truth. While he didn't report Jason which is the ultimate tough call I credit him for getting to the truth.

I'm never a fan of episodes that have way better endings than start and middle but I'll give this once a pass because the ending was funny and I laughed when the two were leaving the hospital.

S.W.A.T.: Keep the Faith (2021) Season 5, Episode 7

All sorts of weird.

[5/10 · 5 December 2021]

Why didn't the two former Spetsnaz shooters exit the vehicle? I'm no expert when it comes to "special forces" but surely they could have done better in 1. Trying to retrieve the money and 2. Fleeing the scene and not just sitting and waiting until 20-David show up and using non-lethal weapons to apprehend them. I'm not sure if it's because this is an American show or the writing and directing is bad why the two Spetsnaz guys look so average and I'm not saying "special forces" are superheroes.

SEAL Team: Frog on the Tracks (2021) Season 5, Episode 5

Double meaning

[8/10 · 21 November 2021]

This episode is titled "Frog on the tracks" which I thought just meant frogmen(on the tracks/train) but I found out via a Google search that there is a thing called track frog. The meaning is: A frog is commonly used on rail corridors to divert a train from one track to another.

I don't have to spell it but the meaning in a less literal sense is Frogmen(SEALs) changing the course of events from suicide bombers blowing up an embassy to killing said bombers.

One of the best episodes in a good series.

NCIS: Los Angeles: Fukushu (2021) Season 13, Episode 2

What is political?

[6/10 · 18 October 2021]

If an episode contains anything about racial hate the reviews are plenty and the rating of the episode is usually low. Making an episode about Japanese American hate is political but one about China or Russia isn't political?

I didn't expect to enjoy this episode when I saw what it was about but it was actually decent. NCIS:LA has stayed away from what is considered "Woke" but if the writers want to talk about racism I'm for it. There has been subtle mentions of racism before on NCIS:LA.

I had a two major issue with the episode. 1. Kensi and Deeks being more angry than Sam, Fatima and Roundtree that a hate crime was committed. Is that the writers way of saying people of their race should be more anti-racist? It felt weird. Hopefully they don't adopt a child outside of their race!

2. Why did Jack have to kidnapp the Father and Son? Its human nature to want to take revenge but he had resources to seek justice legally. I like what he said in the hospital. "We're not just the silent, docile, model minority type....". That's powerful.

Sam and G banter is always good! Get Fatima and Roundtree desks and get someone to run ops. Finally Roundtree asked a very important question why did OSP take the case. OSP usually goes after "high value targets" or cases that are major(selling secrets, terrorism). I am yet to see they investigate sexual abuse in the Navy or Marine even though it not usually what they do.

NCIS: Hawai'i: Pilot (2021) Season 1, Episode 1

Look out! Espionage

[4/10 · 22 September 2021]

You have to hand it to CBS. They love America and the military and they don't shy away from it either. The first episode had to be about CHINA trying to steal military technology because America is the greatest and everyone want everyone wants to be America.

They couldn't have come up with a plot that didn't include taking a swipe at CHINA? "Look out CHINA is trying to steal from us". In summary this episode about a honey trap spy network.

Baywatch: Matters of the Heart (1997) Season 7, Episode 16

Here we go again.

[5/10 · 1 September 2021]

Why didn't they rename 'fishing off the company pier? 90% of the 'relationships' on this show involve co-workers. Eddie and Shauni were the best one. Summer and Matt weren't too bad. CJ and Matt were half decent and Caroline and Logan was dreadful.

24: Day 4: 2:00 a.m.-3:00 a.m. (2005) Season 4, Episode 20

Expectations

[8/10 · 21 July 2021]

Realistically what were Audrey's expectations of her future renewed relationship with her husband? She honestly believed healing from a gunshot wound and spinal injury would give her happily ever after with Paul?

He's injured of course you're going to care for someone you once loved or still love but not in love with. It was going to fail.

Paul's life at the moment when Jack brought in the wounded Chinese man meant nothing. He should have been transferred to a hospital after his first surgery. He died so millions could live. He took a bullet for his wife's country. Good lad 😅

24: Day 2: 5:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. (2003) Season 2, Episode 10

I knew it

[8/10 · 14 July 2021]

This is not a review. I had the feeling from season 1 episode 1 of young white girl got radicalized in Islam.

NCIS: Los Angeles: Imposter Syndrome (2021) Season 12, Episode 15

The best use of deep fake.....

[7/10 · 26 May 2021]

Maybe this is the best use of deep fake I've seen in a series before and there should be a follow-up on it because it's intriguing. Not only did we see digital like for like it also included voice which makes the deep fake even more REAL.

I enjoyed the performance of 'Fatima' Medalion Rahimi did a great job in this episode. Solid 7.5.

S.W.A.T.: Local Heroes (2021) Season 4, Episode 15

Bravo S.W.A.T

[7/10 · 6 May 2021]

Of all the social justice episodes I've watched this season in different shows the last two episodes of S. W. A. T has been the best in the context of TV(writing). The Deacon and Durham thing actually makes for a good watch and something to look forward to. Its not to preachy(I don't mind it) but its intense. Exposing a racist cop instead of just say the system is broken makes it feel like something is being done. This is 'tangible'

I criticized S. W. A. T. for some of the earlier episode but they are delivering a good end to this season and there might be something big with street to.

7.5 for this episode.

MacGyver: H2O + Orthophosphates + Mission City + Corrosion + Origins (2021) Season 5, Episode 14

Smiles

[9/10 · 18 April 2021]

My cheeks hurt from all the smiling I did. This episode was so much fun and featured a storyline we have seen in previous seasons. Wilt's parents are so much fun and made the episode so enjoyable. Solid 9/10.

FBI: Checks and Balances (2021) Season 3, Episode 10

Interesting plot

[6/10 · 9 April 2021]

While I only gave this a 6 I felt the plot was good but unoriginal. It could have been made more interesting if it was a computer hacker who hired guys with a history of armed robbery. Maybe my idea is more unoriginal.

My big gripe with this episode was the case was someone connected to one of the agents from a Non-FBI point of view but a previous job. What are the chances and they did the same in FBI: Most Wanted.

NCIS: Los Angeles: The Noble Maidens (2021) Season 12, Episode 14

A disappointing conclusion and constant letdown.

[5/10 · 6 April 2021]

The first season that I watched as it came on tv was last season but I've known of the show in its younger days. I've binged it and rewatched it and it's not the best show ever but it's light-hearted and fun.

This show had some of the series' guest stars including my personal favorite Elizabeth Bogush (Joelle Taylor) and it feature Vyto Ruginis(Arkady Kolcheck) a very important character to Callen's history. Ravil Isyanov(Anatoli Kirkin) represents a love interest of sorts to one of the main characters.

With that much star power based on previous episodes, this episode was great, and what the writers did to Joelle is just awful even if her initial reason to be in a relationship with Callen was because of a group of rogue CIA officers.

I'll still watch the show but it's time I forget about the good ole days and embrace the changes. As one review said it's time for some navy-related cases.

I'll just want to leave something here for context about navy related cases. This show has always been about NCIS OSP(Office of special projects) I'm not sure if it's real and I don't care because it's TV.

OSP has always investigated Naval crimes that are more 'high end'. For the most part, it always has a relation to the navy. It doesn't criminalize the men and women under the department of the Navy. You hardly ever see uniformed members but it has a connection to the Navy.

The show has always had episodes that were personal to the agents and not the Navy.