NCIS:LA flounders sometimes, especially pre-Deeks, but the addition of Arkady Kolchek as portrayed by Vyto Ruginis elevates the previously hesitant performances of some of the cast who hadn't yet "found" their characters.
This episode kept me interested in the show which seemed doomed, to me, at the time. Fortunately some casting changes and real chemistry happened.
My favorite Arkady moment occurs near the end of NCIS:LA: The One That Got Away when Rogers has Arkady on ice at the boat shed and Arkady's tender drunk reflections of his daughter are inter-cut with her imminent (slo-mo) demise. Vyto dials back the "Badenov" aspect of his character and shows why he is in the Lithuanian-American Hall of Fame, as well as why he deserves an Emmy and possibly credit for saving this show. (Deeks too)
Anytime Vyto is in the credits it's good TV (on any show)
This episode kept me interested in the show which seemed doomed, to me, at the time. Fortunately some casting changes and real chemistry happened.
My favorite Arkady moment occurs near the end of NCIS:LA: The One That Got Away when Rogers has Arkady on ice at the boat shed and Arkady's tender drunk reflections of his daughter are inter-cut with her imminent (slo-mo) demise. Vyto dials back the "Badenov" aspect of his character and shows why he is in the Lithuanian-American Hall of Fame, as well as why he deserves an Emmy and possibly credit for saving this show. (Deeks too)
Anytime Vyto is in the credits it's good TV (on any show)