Review: NCIS: New Orleans ‘Chaos Theory’

We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post.

Warning: Post contains minor spoilers

“NCIS: New Orleans” season 5 episode 22 “Chaos Theory” kicks off with a bombing at a military museum. Caught in the crossfire, Seaman Apprentice Ben Frisell (Grey Acuna) dies instantly, while Seaman Apprentice Neila Diseris (Charlotte Schweiger) survives, though it wounded by the blast. Ballistics expert Dr. Alice Logan is also killed. Agent  Sebastian Lund (Rob Kerkovich) teams up with medical examiner Loretta Wade (CCH Pounder) to collect forensic evidence.
Unfortunately, there’s not much to be gleaned from the crime scene. Since Seaman Diseris was hit with the brunt of the blast, it appears there may be valuable shrapnel in her body. Initially, suspicion falls on Survivors for Peace protestors despite their platform for peace. While Diseris does indeed have a piece of the bomb within her body, surgically removing it may pose a threat to her life.

Video evidence leads the NCIS NOLA team to Alan Van Scyoc (Matt Dellapina) who, it appears, planted the bomb. Despite Sycoc’s protestations, a connection between ballistics expert Dr. Logan and Sycoc’s brother Carl keeps blame on him. While returning evidence to NOPD, another bomb goes off, killing Sebastian’s friend Lana Breaux (Cecilia Leal). “You really are an inspiration to geeks everywhere,” Lana reveals before a bomb obliterates her. In a gut-wrenching scene, Sebastian awakens, only to discover that Lana didn’t survive.

Observations:

Whereas it was Special Agent Tammy Gregorio’s (Vanessa Ferlito) resolve which solved a deadly hit-and-run in “Trust Me,” it’s Sebastian who pushes to find answers. Lund returns to the hospital to convince Diseris to undergo a risky surgery. Though reluctant, she acquiesces. The episode ends with Tammy making Sebastian soup and a grilled cheese sandwhich, comfort food.

Agents Dwayne Pride (Scott Bakula), Hannah Khoury (Necar Zadegan), and Chris LaSalle (Lucas Black) discuss Sebastian’s work. “You know, Sebastian’s turned into a pretty darn good field agent, hasn’t he?” Here, Pride mimics what the audience is thinking. Indeed, Lund witnessed a major overhaul in transitioning from geeky lab-dwelling coroner’s assistant to competent, confident field agent.