Review: NCIS New Orleans ‘Predators’

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Warning: Post contains spoilers

“NCIS: New Orleans” season 6 episode 20 “Predators” finds a Naval microbiologist, Daniel Sloane, killed in Louisiana swamp. As it turns out, the microbiologist. Special Agents Sebastian Lund (Rob Kerkovich) and Quentin Carter (Charles Michael Davis) canvass the crime scene, while Jefferson Parish medical examiner Loretta Wade (CCH Pounder) attends to the corpse. Apparently, the microbiologist Sloane was an avid mythbuster investigating the legendary Rougarou. In Cajun folklore, the Rougarou is a werewolf proclaimed to prowl swamps and sugar cane fields. Unsurprisingly, resident geek Sebastian is well-versed on the Rougarou backstory.

NCIS Investigative Computer Specialist Patton “Triple P” Plame (Daryl “Chill” Mitchell) aids the investigation, sourcing images of the Rougarou. Excitedly, Sebastian wonders “Do the photos actually show it?” Patton replies, “What? No. Not even close, ’cause it’s not a real thing.” Searching for additional clues, the NCIS is led to Cajun Creatures Swamp Tour.

But that’s not the only predator on the loose. Special Agent Hannah Khoury (Necar Zadegan) investigates NCIS Deputy Director Van Cleef who is slated to depart NCIS for a position as Chief of Naval Operations for the Department of Defense (DoD). Khoury reveals to Special Agent Tammy Gregorio (Vanessa Ferlito) that Van Cleef handled disciplinary actions differently for male and female NCIS agents. “I’m beginning to think, unconsciously or not, Van Cleef has a problem with female field agents. Linda Pride (Paige Turco), Special Agent Dwayne “King” Pride’s (Scott Bakula) ex-wife arrives at his bar, the Tru Tone. Linda is in town to plan their daughter Laurel’s (Shanley Caswell) forthcoming wedding in the Big Easy.

Agent Carter offers to help in Hannah’s investigation, putting her in touch with another female victim of Van Cleef’s. What’s more, this victim leads Khoury to an infamous case that could provide proof of Van Cleef’s prejudice against female agents. Unfortunately, Van Cleef gets wind of Hannah’s investigation. However, Pride continues to support his team, and accordingly, Khoury.

Observations: 

While there’s a murder case, the dead Naval microbiologist, it takes a backseat to the storyarc continuation of Hannah proving Van Cleef’s prejudicial treatment of female NCIS agents. The standalone murder of the week is pretty dark, although Sebastian provides moments of levity with his Rougarou fascination.

The team dynamic is as strong as it’s ever been. The bond between Sebastian and Tammy is delightful. “You know what Tammy Gregorio? You may have this prickly exterior, but I see your soft and creamy center,” Lund reveals. “You’re disgusting,” Gregorio responds. “It was not the right choice of words, I agree,” Sebastian admits, before Tammy chases him around their squad car. Gregorio is supportive of Khoury’s investigation into Van Cleef, right away offering to help analyze information to provide clear-cut evidence of a gender bias. Likewise, Quentin Carter proves instrumental when he puts Hannah in touch with a valuable witness. Despite being commanded to back down by Van Cleef, Agent Pride not only allows the investigation to continue, but supports it.

“NCIS New Orleans” has never been as poignant and relevant. The team is as strong as ever, and episodes such as “Predators” explore unfortunately pertinent themes such as gender bias in the workplace, unfair treatment of African American populations by law enforcement in “Biased,” and President Trump’s horrific immigration policy in “Overlooked.” While the episode culminates with an announcement that Van Cleef resigned, he creepily shows up at Hannah’s house at the end of the episode. Chances are, after an epic season 6 finale in “Predators,” Van Cleef will still prove a force to be reckoned with.