NCIS Season 9 (2011)
The 9th Season of NCIS aired between 20th September 2011 and May 15th 2012, opening on a precipice as DiNozzo struggles to piece his thoughts together after an attempt on his life. Kate’s sister, Dr. Rachel Cranston, is brought in again to get inside Tony’s head and find out who set up the meeting at the end of the Season 9 finale ‘Pyramid’, where he faced off with Special Agents Erica Jane Barrett and Simon Cade, who is revealed to be the target Tony is given by SECNAV Clayton Jarvis. The truth of the situation comes to light as it’s learnt that the scenario was set up by rogue FBI agent Casey Stratton, a pivotal figure this season.
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Season 9 contains some really interesting stories - I loved the way ‘Life Before His Eyes’ was pieced together, exploring themes of destiny and the choices we make, and the following episode ‘Secrets’ is really fun as we’re clued in to the undercover superheroes of Washington who defend the public, and we see how their presence within the NCIS building creates chaos as Abby embodies her own inner alter-ego.
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It’s a massive season for introductions, as we meet McGee’s Grandmother Penelope who becomes embroiled in a case where a research project she pioneered before the Vietnam War comes back to haunt her. The infamous Diane, ex-wife to Gibbs and FBI Agent Fornell makes an appearance as her current husband goes missing, and while Jimmy plans for his own wedding Tony’s disaster engagement catches up with him as he sees his former flame Wendy in her new role as a journalist. We also meet Leon’s brother-in-law, as he has to practice some tough love after he gets caught in a tricky situation again.
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The season is wrapped up with a string of arson attacks on Navy ships, the crusade of a father who blames NCIS for failing his Marine son. It culminates in what I think is the best season finale so far, as an explosion occurs outside the NCIS headquarters blowing out windows and leaving the viewer guessing as to who is injured, as Ducky collapses on a beach after receiving the news.
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The special features is jam packed with goodies, and by now I feel I’m getting a really good grasp at the full spectrum of departments that work together to bring the show to life. We learn about the casting process, and get a short film about inviting Jamie Lee Curtis on to set. There’s a special clip to mark the 200th episode, and the roundtable for this season is absolutely hilarious.
