The “protecting a loved one” trope is about as fresh as week-old leftovers. But when executed well, even the most familiar scenarios can offer a jolt of suspense. NCIS, in its 21st season, knows a thing or two about comfortable storytelling, and “Knight and Day” looks to deliver precisely that – comfort food with a dash of peril.
Agent Knight, usually the unflappable rock of the NCIS team, finds himself in the uncomfortable position of guarding his own wife after a home invasion targeting a defense contractor. Suddenly, the stakes aren’t just about national security; they’re deeply personal. This shift is where the episode has the potential to either soar or stumble. Will it be a compelling exploration of Knight’s vulnerabilities, or will it devolve into predictable melodrama?
The premise, an attack on a defense contractor, hints at something more than a random act of violence. Could there be a larger conspiracy at play, perhaps involving classified information or a security breach? The whodunnit aspect could be intriguing, but it also risks becoming lost in the shuffle of Knight’s personal dilemma.
Rocky Carroll stepping into the director’s chair is a welcome touch. Carroll, who plays Vance, has directed several NCIS episodes, and he’s generally adept at delivering sturdy, if not groundbreaking, installments. His presence suggests a focus on character dynamics, and hopefully “Knight and Day” is the night his experience behind the camera elevates the standard procedural fare.
“Knight and Day” airs Monday, November 25, at 9:00 PM EST on CBS.