heirloomtomata

The fact that Lionel Fusco was one of the survivors is quite a testament to the performance of the actor who portrayed him. I remember that Kevin Chapman was MIA for a chunk of episodes in either S2 or 3 because he had another gig. I missed him so much! His character arc from corrupt pos, to redeemed team member, became a central thread of the complex weave of this great series. I just read an online interview with him from today's Boston Herald wherein he said Dennis Leary has written a comedy pilot for him. He'd be brilliant. Fingers crossed!

Who has Bear? Where is he? After all that Harold went through, I'd expect to see Bear with him at all times.

Whoever has been writing the women for this show has actually never created a woman I truly like or identify with. Ziva was a perfect princess of arrogant know-it-all-ness, who seemed to enjoy making others feel inferior; Abby literally devolved from quirky/genius/smart-aleck to unstable idiot savant; Jenny was a jealous, inappropriately sexualized "boss" and Bishop is "Abby Lite" in terms of the brilliant-but-awkward spin. The only one who (mostly) survived the caricature treatment was Kate, but I'm among those who think the writing was better in the early seasons all around. (Exception: Tony, who has always been a cartoon.)

As Carter's corrupt partner, Fusco's dark character took a sharp turn for the grey in Season 1 when HR threatened his family and we first saw how trapped he was. When, after Carter's death, he was kidnapped and his son was threatened in his own home, Fusco's heroics were breathtaking and incredibly moving. I'm a Fusco fan all the way now! Kevin Chapman does an amazing job with the character, and I agree it's about time Reese gave him his due. Even Shaw gives him more respect! I totally love this show, and Fusco is as fundamental to the team as Shaw, if not more imo. Go Lionel! I mean stay, Lionel!