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Even though the previous episode was a little weak, I think it was better than this one. I think it could be because the storyline was easier to understand; it didn't seem all over the place. This episode's storyline did. Or maybe I wasn't paying enough attention.

But this episode was still a little entertaining, and that's due to the humor. The comedic moments are helping episodes like this that are a little weak: as a whole. The comedy between Anthony and Gibbs is always great. Speaking of which, the Gibbs Slap has made its first appearance, and boy was it glorious.

There was also a familiar face that I wasn't expecting to see. David Ramsey: and it took me a few seconds to figure out why I recognized him. His character seemed to blend well with the rest of the team; it would've been cool if he became part of it, a regular of the show. But I'm pretty sure neither one ever happened. I think this was a one-time appearance for his character. If not, he probably only shows up a few more times.

And now that I think about it, his character could've been brought back to be among the main cast of NCIS: Hawai'i. That was a missed opportunity. I'm pretty sure he isn't one of the main characters, and I highly doubt he'll show up for a guest appearance. He showed up in the first season of a show that has continued for nineteen seasons, and I think it was a one-time appearance as well. Most people watching the current season probably don't remember anything from that far back in the show, let alone his character. The writers of NCIS: Hawai'i themselves probably don't remember, but I still think that was a missed opportunity. Who knows, maybe that was going to be done, and David Ramsey wasn't available.

Speaking of actors that make an appearance in this episode, I looked up Jim Pirri, and I was pleasantly surprised to learn that he's the one who voiced Angelo Bronte in Rockstar's RDR2. That's the third voice actor of a significant video game character that's made an appearance in this show so far.

The first one was Rick Pasqualone in the second episode; he played Vito Scaletta in Mafia II & III: the second one was Merle Dandridge in the third episode; she played Marlene in The Last of Us. And now, Jim Pirri, who played Angelo Bronte in RDR2. Did every voice actor of a significant video game character all show up in this show at some point? I'm only five episodes into the first season; there are nineteen. I have a feeling Jim Pirri isn't going to be the last voice actor of a significant video game character who's going to show up in this show.

Overall, the comedic bits between characters seem to be doing most of the work so far. The last two cases were the weakest parts of both episodes and every case overall, up to this point. But I'm sure the cases will start becoming better. Besides that little hiccup, this episode at least had the comedy between Anthony and Gibbs: the comedy and dynamic between Anthony and Agent Richard Owens, and the first-ever Gibbs Slap to help make it worthwhile.

Maybe because we were new to the series, this episode was full of surprises. Even Abby's curse merited consideration. Personally I liked the ending.

Kate played a significant role in this investigation. By this episode I did not like the character of Tony -- still don't -- and enjoyed seeing Kate as an equal. Her discerning abilities, as well as her sharp dialogue, helped to make the whole episode enjoyable.

But I came to wonder, as a long-time fan, how come no one ever mentions that two minor characters are named for two production people, Sklarz and Wiles? Am I the only one noticing?

This was an outstanding episode in which the humor of the individual characters really started to come out - the very feature that differentiates this show from most other procedural shows - the true character formation. This episode was heavy on the military references - from the TFOA (things falling off aircraft) reports to the naming conventions of ships in the navy - which the show departs from in season 2 according to producer Bellisario. This episode also introduces the fact that Gibbs doesn't feel the need to include NCIS agents in his investigation unless they are a part of HIS team. This is one of those qualities of Gibb's leadership that is fun to set his character apart but seems to be the nature of all of the procedural shows on television today.