Well, the wait is over. NCIS made its fifth season debut and all of the questions and concerns I have had about its future for the last few months…will have to wait another week.

And I really should have seen it coming! Last Tuesday’s episode was for all intents and purposes not a fifth season episode at all but the true end of the fourth season. Let me explain. The whole anticipation for the fifth year was as much about how the show will fare now that its creator and primary writer Donald P. Bellasario is gone as it was about the conclusion of a season long story arc. So imagine my surprise as I’m watching the show and see Bellasario’s name in the writing credits AND at the conclusion of the episode as the fade to black has the “Executive Producer- Donald P. Bellasario” boldly emblazoned on the screen.

Whaa…?

You see, it was really the only decent way to handle this situation on the part of the current production staff. Giving Bellasario the chance to finish up his last story arc and credit for his participation was a damn honorable thing to do. It was the proper and respectful send off for the man who brought the show to this point and it was even a respectful way to treat the fans who had invested the time over the last four seasons in this show and these characters.

But what of the conclusion to the “Frog” story? Surprisingly, I am satisfied and a bit…impressed! The main story was surprisingly tied up with more than a few shockers and cheers along the way. Yes, I actually cheered at my TV set a few times. (Man, I’ve gotta get a life.) Better yet, several plot threads were left dangling deliberately, ensuring that the events of the fourth year will still resonate for episodes (or even seasons) to come.

I am sure that next week’s episode will not bear the Bellasario name anywhere other than the created by credit. Let’s just hope that his influence is permeated into the show enough that his distinct effect on the show and characters will still be felt.

This post was Authored by Rob Walley, Our Resident Authority on all things NCIS and Kitchen Nightmares