Ep 19. Means To An End

The episode "Means To An End" of NCIS: New Orleans season 2 revolves around the shooting of a civilian contractor for the Navy, which sends the team on a wild goose chase for the killer.

The episode begins with the victim, Phil Martel, being shot on the sidewalk in broad daylight. The team arrives on the scene to find that the killer has fled and witnesses are scarce. However, they do encounter a woman named Rayna, who saw the vehicle the shooter used to escape. While following up on Rayna's lead, the team discovers that the truck they are looking for is really a stolen one.

The team manages to locate the thief, who tells them that he was told to deliver the truck to an abandoned building. The team rushes to the building and finds evidence of someone having been there recently. The team investigates the area and discovers that the shooter had been casing the scene for weeks. The shooter is now believed to be Brian Cullen, an ex-marine and contractor for the Navy.

During their investigation, the team discovers that Brian has PTSD from his time in the military, which could be contributing to his actions. Getting hold of Brian becomes a priority for the team as they try to understand why he killed Phil. Brian's whereabouts are unknown to them till they receive a tip from his therapist. They head to the therapist's office and find Brian, but not before he has broken into the therapist’s office in an attempt to find his client list.

The incident results in a chase as the team tries to apprehend Brian on the streets of New Orleans. Brian’s erratic behavior and his extensive weapons training make him a dangerous suspect. The team's pursuit of Brian reaches a standoff, which results in a dramatic ending to the episode that leaves the audience yearning for more.

Overall, the episode is a thrilling ride, with twists and turns that keep the audience engaged. The dynamic between the team members adds to the overall viewing experience. As always, Scott Bakula's portrayal of Dwayne Pride is impeccable and brings a certain gravitas to the role. Lucas Black, playing the character of Christopher LaSalle, provides a fresh perspective through his role as the young, enthusiastic agent. Rob Kerkovich playing the role of the forensic scientist Sebastian Lund provides the much-needed comic relief in the show.

The story of "Means To An End" is further complemented by the backdrop of New Orleans, which adds to the show's charm. The colorful and vibrant city serves as an essential character in the show, bringing a unique flavor to the story.

This episode is an excellent example of NCIS: New Orleans' high operational tempo, character dynamics, and stories that keep the audience on the edge of their seats. The show has consistently delivered exceptional episodes, and this one is no different.