NCIS

['NCIS' - 'Enemies Domestic']

Without a doubt, this was one of the best episodes of the season for 'NCIS.' It was the second half of a two-parter, but with the clever use of flashbacks to fill out the backstory that led to the attack on Leon Vance (Rocky Carroll) and Eli David (Michael Nouri), 'Enemies Domestic' easily surpassed its predecessor, 'Enemies Foreign.'

It's kind of a shame that 'NCIS' doesn't receive any love from the folks that dole out the Emmys, because this show would definitely qualify. The writing, direction and acting was superb.

After last week's explosive conclusion, it seemed likely that someone's life would be hanging in the balance. That someone was Leon. If you had any question about Gibbs' loyalty to the Director, this show dispelled it.

Jethro might cross swords with Leon on occasion, as he did with Jenny Shepard (Lauren Holly); however, when Vance told Gibbs that he was in charge, he was trusting Jethro with his life. There were other moments between the two men that revealed a strong bond.

This is Spoilers Anonymous, a weekly column here at TV Squad where we supply you with the dirt on some of the more popular shows on the air. We'll never put spoilers up here on the main page in order to help the reformed stay unspoiled. If you have anything to add to the group, feel free to step up and let yourself be heard, either with our tips form or by e-mailing us at tvsquad@gmail.com. Your anonymity is guaranteed, if you wish to remain as such.

This week we have spoilers for: '30 Rock,' '90210,' 'Brothers & Sisters,' 'Castle,' 'Chase,' 'Desperate Housewives,'Glee,' 'Gossip Girl,' 'Grey's Anatomy,' 'Modern Family,' 'NCIS,' 'Psych,' and 'Smallville.'

['NCIS' - 'Enemies Foreign']

This season has had more than a few episodes about fathers, with Gibbs' dad (Ralph Waite) targeted in the opener by the Mexican cartel and last week's return of Tony DiNozzo Sr. (Robert Wagner) in a lighter, fun episode that had him getting into the action.

But of all the characters on the show, it's Ziva (Cote de Pablo) who has the most complicated and explosive relationship with her father. This was not going to be a lighthearted episode. In fact, it was with some trepidation and intrigue that we watched the return of Eli David (Michael Nouri) to the show. How would Ziva handle it?

This is Spoilers Anonymous, a weekly column here at TV Squad where we supply you with the dirt on some of the more popular shows on the air. We'll never put spoilers up here on the main page in order to help the reformed stay unspoiled. If you have anything to add to the group, feel free to step up and let yourself be heard, either with our tips form or by e-mailing us at tvsquad@gmail.com. Your anonymity is guaranteed, if you wish to remain as such.

This week we have spoilers for: '90210,' 'Bones,' 'Brothers & Sisters,' 'Castle,' 'Cougar Town,' 'Desperate Housewives,' 'Fringe,' 'Glee,' 'Grey's Anatomy,' 'NCIS,' and 'Private Practice.'

Bob Newhart is returning to TV with a role on CBS's 'NCIS.'

According to Entertainment Weekly, Newhart will play Dr. Walter Magnus, a former medical examiner. When Dr. Magnus comes out of retirement, something happens that surprises Ducky (David McCallum) and the others.

Newhart was last seen on primetime TV as Morty in 'Desperate Housewives.' Before that he did a multi-episode arc on 'ER.'

In other TV news ...

• Lara Spencer has denied any feud with Nancy O'Dell. Rumors swirled that Spencer was upset that O'Dell got Mary Hart's upcoming vacant 'Entertainment Tonight' seat. "There's no feud. I have a great job. I host a show that I love and that I helped launch." [PEOPLE]

• Drea de Matteo will guest star on 'Law & Order: SVU.' De Matteo will play Sondra, a pregnant battered wife. [Movieline]

• ABC has ordered more 'Castle.' The series has done well in the ratings, holding its own against 'Hawaii Five-0.' This season will be 24 episodes. [Live Feed]

['NCIS' - 'Broken Arrow']

One of the most popular 'NCIS' guest stars was back tonight: the suave and sophisticated Robert Wagner as Anthony DiNozzo Sr., Tony's (Michael Weatherly) con man dad. So even though this episode had murder and the fear of nuclear material being sold on the black market, there was something light and fun about the entire show.

This was the Robert Wagner of 'It Takes a Thief' and 'Switch,' not so much Jonathan Hart in 'Hart to Hart,' which was just fine because when he made a pass at Ziva (Cote de Pablo), you didn't want to think of him cheating on Jennifer. For more on Tony Sr. and how Junior handled his visit, read on.

['NCIS' - 'Cracked']

What happens when a scientist gets too close to a problem? Well, in the case of Abby Scuito (Pauley Perrette), the resident genius lab tech on 'NCIS,' the answer is that she starts to lose herself. For that reason alone, this was a very good 'NCIS' episode, delving into the emotional connection Abby developed to a woman who was dead by the time the credits rolled. For more on Abby's obsession and the nefarious way a person can be poisoned without being fed or injected with the poison, read on.

['NCIS' - 'Dead Air']

Talk radio, domestic terrorism, suburbia and baseball. All that was missing was apple pie and Chevrolet. Actually, it was all that and even a hint about what really happened five years ago between Ziva and Tony (Michael Weatherly) when they first crossed paths. That was tonight's 'NCIS,' and for fans who have been hoping for an episode that focused more on Cote de Pablo, this was the show. For more on that, as well as Tony's strained vocal chords, read on.

['NCIS' - 'Royals and Loyals']

Generally speaking, most episodic television shows that involve British characters are pretty friendly to our friends overseas. So it was interesting to see 'NCIS' employ a different take with America's favorite ally. The centerpiece of the conflict in this episode was Gibbs versus Major Peter Malloy, the North London-born, English officer who was an impediment to the team's efforts to solve the murder of a chief petty officer. For more on their skirmish, as well as Abby's exciting new pollen discovery, read on after the jump.

['NCIS' - 'Short Fuse']

It's probably impossible to see a bomb squad expert all covered in protective gear and not make a connection to last year's Oscar-winning film 'The Hurt Locker.' So when the tough marine who killed an intruder in her home turned out to be an EOD (explosive ordinance disposal) tech, it seemed like 'NCIS' might be paying homage to the film.

Well, think again. There was a movie that the show was referencing, but it was 'Body Heat' from 1981. More on that Kathleen Turner-William Hurt film and Tony's aspirations to be a cover boy after the jump.

Playing the quizzical sidekick Jimmy Palmer, assistant to the medical examiner on 'NCIS,' actor Brian Dietzen thinks he's a pretty lucky guy.

He's not only on America's most watched drama series, but as an actor he gets to play opposite the inimitable David McCallum.

Dietzen spoke with TV Squad recently about the new season, working on a hit series and the possibility of a musical 'NCIS' episode in the future ... yes, really.

How do you see the character of Jimmy Palmer?
Everybody has to start somewhere and Jimmy's definitely in the process of paying his dues. I do believe that this is something that he wants to do with his life.

Happy Techie Day!

In celebration of the day (sadly, it's not a national holiday), we drew up a list of some of our favorite hackers, forensics specialists, mad scientists, and gadget-wielding experts. They have all, in their own heroically geeky way, saved the day from serial killers, demons, vampires, global conspiracies, rogue spies or just boring old computer meltdowns.

Read on for our list of the smartest, savviest (and occasionally ass-kicking) techies to ever grace the airwaves. Don't see your favorite techie listed? Tell us your own!

This is Spoilers Anonymous, a weekly column here at TV Squad where we supply you with the dirt on some of the more popular shows on the air. We'll never put spoilers up here on the main page in order to help the reformed stay unspoiled. If you have anything to add to the group, feel free to step up and let yourself be heard, either with our tips form or by e-mailing us at tvsquad@gmail.com. Your anonymity is guaranteed, if you wish to remain as such.

This week we have spoilers for: 'Bones,' 'Chuck,' 'Desperate Housewives,' 'Glee,' 'Grey's Anatomy,' 'How I Met Your Mother,' 'NCIS,' 'The Big Bang Theory,' 'The Office,' and 'V.'

['NCIS' - 'Worst Nightmare']

One of the virtues of a successful series like 'NCIS' is that as time goes by, the show attracts better and better guest stars. Last year there were episodes with Gena Rowlands and Robert Wagner. Tonight, there were two more excellent guests, William Devane and Sam Anderson.

Devane is recognizable from dozens of TV shows ('Knots Landing') and appearances, and Anderson was most recently -- and famously -- Bernard, one of the passengers on Oceanic 815 on 'Lost.' The presence of these two actors added a lot to the mystery angle of the program, as 'NCIS' delivered another strong episode.