IR TV Review: NCIS - HAWAII - EPISODE 1 (“Pilot”) [CBS]
Creating a new approach with an established formula requires ease but also a sense of knowing. Even though Hawaii has been used as a backdrop for some CBS shows in the past, making it more than just a location is alwaYs an interesting balance but it comes down to characters. Ones can't be too cocky or overbearing but have to be strong enough without overcoming the others. Having Vanessa Lachey lead the team as Tennant, a single mother of two with a n- nonsense attitude but also a sense of heart is a good choice. Through a hard ass at times, she is fair and instinctive. She is not as cheery as in real life but this is acting and she needs to protect her team which is motley as well. Noah Mills plays her right hand man but plays it cool while understanding all the players need to play the game with the two wild cards in Lucy Tara (Jasmine Al Bustami) and Marine/local Alex Tennant (Kian Talan)...all who have different styles of approach. Tara fares better and it can be a tricky line but one that will likely be the most powerful.
Alex by comparison has a more subtle run to pull off but it depends if it can work without becoming too preachy. There is also a CIA intelligence officer but that too is complicated and depends if it come across less hostile in the future. There is a reason for that action and while it creates conflict, the movement will get old fast (though it has credibility). The final piece in Ernie Malik (Jesse Antoon) who provides the comic relief and needed story exposition. Granted this is not something we have seen before but the way Lachey makes it work specially as it flows into the last scene makes it feel smooth and lyrical in a way while still being hard edged.
There is also some good interaction with the Navy in terms of character and hardware which on Hawaii is key. The use of certain background elements in the pilot along gives it scale without going overboard. There are many city shots but it also integrates some different locations on Oahu. It will be also interesting to see if they integrate any of the other elements as well as some uber local locations on the island. The plot on the pilot is simple enough but the way it spins allows for interesting complications without going too overboard and losing the viewer. As a result, it moves quickly, gives the characters something to deal with and sets up the progression for the season. B+
By Tim Wassberg
