NCIS: Sydney is the latest addition to the expanding NCIS franchise. The original NCIS premiered in 2003 as a spinoff of the popular military legal drama JAG, and it has since spawned multiple location-based spinoffs such as NCIS: Los Angeles, NCIS: New Orleans, and NCIS: Hawai’i. NCIS: Sydney is the newest series in this lineup and marks the franchise’s first international installment.
NCIS: Sydney distinguishes itself from its predecessors by exploring international culture clashes and themes of cultural acceptance. The show follows American NCIS agents and Australian police officers as they learn to work together, adapting to each other’s cultures and the unique aspects of law enforcement in Australia. The renewal of NCIS: Sydney for another season indicates that the first season resonated well with audiences and suggests that the series has much more to contribute to the franchise.
The pilot episode, “Gone Fission,” introduces the main characters in a high-stakes scenario filled with mishaps and excitement. NCIS agents Michelle Mackey and DeShawn Jackson are called to investigate the murder of a Navy sailor who died of radiation poisoning during a significant political ceremony for U.S. and Australian military relations. Their arrival causes tension with Australian Federal Police Officer Sergeant Jim Dempsey and Constable Evie Cooper. The two pairs of agents must work together as the murder uncovers a larger conspiracy with far-reaching implications.
The strength of “Gone Fission” lies in its characters. The NCIS: Sydney team has great chemistry and engaging banter, and each character shows potential for significant growth, which is crucial for the success of a series. The weaker aspect of the episode is the case itself, which could have been more detailed. However, as a pilot episode, it understandably has limitations that later episodes can overcome.
“Snakes in the Grass” taps into a common Australian cultural aspect: dangerous wildlife. This episode revolves around a Navy officer who is killed by a venomous snake, which turns out to be non-native to the area, pointing the investigation towards animal smuggling. The plot thickens as it is revealed that the officer was working undercover within the smuggling ring to dismantle it from the inside. The NCIS: Sydney team picks up where he left off, aiming to take down the ring themselves.
NCIS: Sydney’s engaging characters and unique cultural elements make it a fresh and exciting addition to the NCIS franchise.