How Did NCIS: Los Angeles Become a Thing?
Let's dive into the murky waters of television history and figure out how a bunch of undercover agents ended up chasing bad guys in sunglasses.
The Birth of a Spin-Off
So, picture this: it's 2008. NCIS is already a hit, and the showrunners are feeling pretty smug about themselves. They're like, "Hey, we've got this awesome world of naval crime-fighting, why not expand it?" And boom, the idea for an LA-based spin-off is born.
Now, you might think, "Los Angeles? Isn't that where people wear sunglasses indoors and talk about their 'vibes'?" Well, apparently, it's also a hotbed of naval crime. Who knew?
Enter G. Callen: The Mysterious Man
To introduce this new team, they needed a badass lead. Enter G. Callen, a character so mysterious, he might as well be wearing a question mark as a name. Created by Shane Brennan for a project that never took off, Callen was dusted off and handed to the NCIS: LA team.
Imagine finding a really cool action figure in the back of your closet and thinking, "Hey, this guy could be a TV star!" That's basically what happened.
The Backdoor Pilot: A Sneaky Introduction
Instead of just dropping a new show on us, the producers decided to be sneaky. They introduced Callen and his team in a two-part episode of the original NCIS. It was like a sneaky little commercial for the upcoming show, except way cooler.
Think of it as a taste test before the main course. And let me tell you, it was a flavor explosion of car chases, witty banter, and questionable fashion choices.
From Backdoor to Primetime
The backdoor pilot was a hit, and NCIS: Los Angeles officially premiered in 2009. The show quickly became a fan favorite, thanks to its blend of action, humor, and characters you couldn't help but love (or at least be mildly intrigued by).
And the rest, as they say, is television history.
How To... NCIS: LA Edition
- How to become an undercover agent: Start by mastering the art of lying. Then, learn how to drive really fast and look good in a suit. Bonus points if you can memorize a fake identity.
- How to survive a shootout: Duck, cover, and hope your partner has good aim. Also, never run out of ammo.
- How to analyze cryptic clues: Pretend you're Sherlock Holmes and pay attention to the smallest details. Or just ask the tech guy.
- How to maintain a secret identity: Don't tell anyone your real name, and avoid social media at all costs. Also, consider growing a fake beard.
- How to look cool in sunglasses: Practice your smolder in the mirror. And remember, confidence is key.
