All eyes focus on New Orleans tonight as CBS premieres the first episode of the police procedural drama spin-off of NCIS.
Aptly titled "NCIS: New Orleans," the brand-new series will air immediately after the pilot episode of NCIS season 12. This is in lieu of the usual line-up wherein NCIS will be followed by another series spin-off, "NCIS: Los Angeles".
"NCIS: New Orleans" will be led by Special Agent Dwayne Pride, played by "Quantum Leap" actor Scott Bakula. He will investigate different criminal cases that involve military personnel in the Crescent City with the help of his team, composed of Special Agent Christopher LaSalle, portrayed by Lucas Black, and Special Agent Meredith Brody, played by Zoe McLellan.
In the episode entitled "Musician Heal Thyself," Pride will have to face a very personal case as the team investigates the murder of a Petty Officer, who was identified as a former gang member and his former trainee.
For the series launch, Pizza Nola prepares a gumbo party complete with outdoor big-screen and free gumbo servings for guests who will watch the premiere. The restaurant located at 141 W. Harrison Ave. will also provide $1-off beers in line with the festive launch party.
New Orleans is a city known for its strong family roots, which makes it a perfect backdrop to the family-like structure of a show like "NCIS." Just like the long-running CBS show, "NCIS: NOLA" also has a visible father-figure in the person of Agent Pride, the bickering workmates seen in the characters of LaSalle and Brody, and a voice of reason working at the labs such as NOLA's Dr. Loretta Wade portrayed by CCH Pounder. According to Community Voices, if that formula worked well for "NCIS" and "NCIS: Los Angeles," then without a doubt "NCIS: NOLA" will also be loved by the viewers.
The pilot episode of "NCIS: New Orleans" was directed by Michael Zinberg and written by Jeffrey Lieber. The series, which will be launched on CBS starting Sept. 23 at 9 p.m., will have Lieber, Gary Glasberg, and NCIS lead star Mark Harmon as its executive producers. If you miss the premiere, watch it online via live stream here.
