The great Vin Scully once said, “It’s a wonderful feeling to be a bridge to the past and to unite generations. The sport of baseball does that…”
Tonight on NCIS, Mark Harmon channels that attitude while doing what few can do as well…act with kids. There is something about Harmon’s on-screen chemistry with children that exemplifies that he is not acting. Harmon actually seems to enjoy their company, giving preteens over the years a lesson in how to perform their craft.
On tonight’s episode, “Wide Awake,” Gibbs (Harmon) befriends his new neighbors after 9-year-old, Phineas (guest star Jack Fisher) crashes a baseball through Jethro’s window. The usually stern Gibbs exterior disappears when he returns the ball, delighting the boy and setting him at ease. Two generations united by the love of baseball. It is obvious that Phineas and Jethro share a common bond, and Phineas could use Gibbs’s encouragement. “I would always say to kids, don’t be afraid to dream, because it can happen,” Scully said. Perhaps Gibbs can convince Phineas to believe that. It is October, after all, when baseball brings the magic.
But there is another type of dream…a bad one…and someone who may be exploiting the nightmare – hypnotherapist Wayne Pershing (guest star Tosin Morohunfola). The NCIS investigation of a murder turns up evidence that Marine Corporal Laney Alimonte (guest star Camryn Grimes) may have murdered her neighbor while being treated for insomnia by the doctor. Grimes should be able to wring the last bit of drama from the corporal as she has been playing the parts of Mariah Copeland and Cassie Newman on THE YOUNG & THE RESTLESS since she was a child, and for which she has won two Emmys.
As an added treat, Laura San Giacomo returns as Dr. Grace Confalone, putting the potential Gibbs/Grace/Jack (Maria Bello) love triangle in play. Other guest stars include Louise Barnes, Karissa Vacker, Jason Woods, Hope Banks, Alex Nevil, Jane Hae Kim and Noreen O’Neill. “Wide Awake” was written by Brendan Fehily and directed by Diana Valentine.
NCIS airs tonight (October 22) at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT on CBS in the U.S. and on Global TV in Canada.
