On the last episode of NCIS, the investigation of what initially appeared as a bank robbery had Gibbs (Mark Harmon) questioning his intuition – except for the returning Lee, whom he stared at decisively several times throughout the episode.  He was made to accept a rookie on his team in the person of Dwayne Wilson, who turned out promising and therefore “recommended.”  We also found out that Tony's motives for joining NCIS were guns and babes – in jest or otherwise.

Now regarding this NCIS episode after the national polls, it was reported that the CBS procedural recorded its highest ratings ever – 18.8 million viewers to be exact.  It certainly came back with a vengeance, increasing its viewership by 1.5 million from its last episode.  At 8pm, it was in serious competition with the hit Fox medical dramedy House, which finished second during the hour.  House's 12.9 million was down more than 500,000 viewers from its last episode.

Meanwhile, the New York Times pointed out that NCIS' is not your typical ratings success story.  NCIS is relatively old at six seasons, it is hardly a critic favorite, and it has never received any attention from the prestigious award-winning bodies.  These make the staggering 18.8 million figures even more extraordinary.

“I think NCIS is one of those rare shows that effectively combine drama and humor and it hasn't lost a step creatively,” notes an executive from media-buying agency Magna Global.  “There is a small central cast and closed-ended story lines.  That makes it easier for new viewers to tune in.”

Meanwhile, NCIS also proved to be a good lead in for the night for The Mentalist, which averaged 16.5 million viewers and in good shape to become one of the season's most promising freshman.  Without a Trace had 12.2 million viewers, also the top performer in the 10pm timeslot.

For tonight's episode of NCIS, the team faces a shocking revelation after they are forced to play a dangerous war game.


-Glenn L. Diaz, BuddyTV Staff Columnist
Source: Entertainment Weekly, New York Times
(Image Courtesy of CBS)