NCIS Season 22, Episode 6 introduces a compelling new arc for Gary Cole (Alden Parker), revealing his connection to the elusive mob boss Melinda/April, who is currently on the run. Carla Marino, portrayed by Rebecca De Mornay, makes her return to television in this role, marking her first appearance since 2021 when she played Penelope Decker in the beloved series Lucifer.
The episode hints at Parker’s awareness of her dangerous reputation, but the moment they finally meet feels surprisingly underwhelming. The interaction is rather laid-back, with Carla casually informing Parker that her henchmen will take the fall for the week’s crimes, clearly setting the stage for her return in a future episode. However, her presence in this installment fails to generate any real anticipation or excitement.
Recurring villains have become a staple not only in this series but across numerous crime dramas. They provide an engaging challenge for the protagonists that extends beyond the typical 42-minute resolution.
The most memorable villains in television drama possess distinct personalities that evoke real concern or fear from viewers. Their ability to evade capture time and again must be justified. In Knight and Day, Parker’s mere endorsement of Carla’s reputation, followed by her smug escape from an interview, fails to establish her as a formidable threat.
With the exceptional talents of Rebecca De Mornay and Gary Cole, the tension in their encounter could have been significantly heightened, or at the very least, more than one narrative about Carla’s violent past could have been explored. It’s essential to convey the depth of Parker’s frustration with her, allowing the audience to empathize with him when NCIS ultimately has to release Carla.
NCIS Season 22 Episode 6 (Knight and Day) Review
NCIS Season 22, Episode 6, titled Knight and Day, struggles to find its footing between lighthearted comedy and heartfelt family drama, ultimately falling short in both areas. This episode, which centers around Jessica Knight, shares notable similarities with the popular Paramount+ Series Tulsa King.
Both narratives intertwine themes of organized crime with complex parent-child dynamics. While socialite Melinda Martin is quite different from Tulsa King’s Dwight Manfredi, they would certainly have some intriguing conversations to share.
Knight and Day derives its title from the situation where Agent Knight finds himself reluctantly tasked with safeguarding Melinda, who has become a target. The NCIS investigation uncovers that the villains are not interested in her charitable organization or her unfaithful husband.
Their focus is solely on Melinda due to her mysterious history in Kansas City. This leads to an episode that adheres to conventional storytelling, presents some unanswered questions, and falters in delivering effective comic relief.
Melinda’s Character Fails To Fully Resonate With The Audience
From the very first moment Melinda Martin appears on screen, NCIS fans instantly grasp her character’s essence and the dynamic she shares with Jessica Knight. Her grand entrance is nothing short of dramatic, as she strides in to deliver sharp insults to both her husband and his lover. This sets the stage for her to create chaos for the team, including Assistant Director Leon Vance.
Although Vance’s role is somewhat limited in this episode directed by actor Rocky Carroll, he effectively conveys the audience’s frustration with Melinda. She embodies the classic “arrogant, materialistic rich person” trope. Naturally, Jessica Knight will initially have a strong aversion to her, but as the story unfolds, they will discover common ground and acknowledge their misunderstandings.
The narrative feels worn out, centering on a protagonist who remains more of a stereotype than a well-developed individual. Even during her most vulnerable moment—when it’s disclosed that her true name is April and she made the heart-wrenching decision to give up a child for adoption to shield them from a dangerous mobster—Melinda fails to regain the audience’s sympathy after her earlier antics.
If the script had prioritized her character development over the initial comedic elements, it might have created a more compelling journey. However, that would have meant revealing the significant plot twist too soon.
Jessica Knight has experienced stronger moments in the series. The premiere of NCIS Season 22 showcased her with more effectively and provided her with increased action. The scene where she escapes from a kidnapper’s van features a brief but intense fight, and she receives help from Melinda, highlighting their budding friendship.
However, it appears that Jessica Knight’s personal life will remain a subplot, despite the fact that speculation around it has been exhausted. Unfortunately, the lack of depth in any single character’s storyline prevents this episode from truly standing out.
NCIS Season 22 Episode 6 Misses The Mark In Delivering Effective Comic Relief
The moment when Melinda / April is finally reunited with the child she gave up for adoption is undeniably touching, even if audiences anticipate it. However, the comedic subplot in Knight and Day falls short.
Jessica Knight arrives at work wearing a jacket she mistakenly thinks belongs to Nick Torres, leading everyone to embark on a quest to identify the true owner. Throughout this, there are jabs at Torres’ fashion choices and nods to Knight’s past relationship with Jimmy Palmer.
Yet, their breakup was thoroughly explored in NCIS Season 22, Episode 4, Sticks & Stones, making the additional reminders of Palmer’s lingering feelings feel redundant and unnecessary, as the emotional groundwork has already been laid out in the season.
Moreover, as Alden Parker (Gary Cole) highlights in a particular scene, McGee and Torres could be utilizing their time and energy in far more productive ways than engaging in this aimless pursuit. This sentiment resonates with the audience as well, which is where Tulsa King Season 2 excels while this episode falls short.
Both series aim to anchor their mob narratives in familial themes. However, in Tulsa King, Dwight shares meaningful moments with his daughter Tina as he attempts to mend their relationship. In contrast, NCIS fails to provide viewers with that intimate experience, as the storyline revolves around the search for Melinda/April’s daughter, Lauren.
Consequently, the audience is left to depend entirely on Melinda/April’s perspective, primarily conveyed through a single monologue in the back of a van. If Carla’s primary motivation is to reunite with her granddaughter, it would be beneficial to witness a genuine emotional connection with Lauren during her conversation with Parker. This would not only humanize her character but also add depth to the narrative. While Dwight commits some questionable acts in Tulsa King, viewers are still aware of the profound love he holds for Tina.
Conclusion (Katrina Law Shines)
NCIS Season 22, Episode 6 showcases a commendable performance by Katrina Law. While it may not be Knight’s standout episode, her reliability shines through in both action sequences and moments of exasperation. The storyline is straightforward, and the Kansas City mobsters lack the depth of Bill Bevilaqua and his crew.
However, it serves as an enjoyable distraction—leaning more towards a light procedural than a heavy crime drama. Fans are likely to find it entertaining, even if the guest characters and plot have potential for further development. Should Carla Marino make a return, viewers might gain deeper insights into her intriguing world.