NCIS: Sydney Season 2, Episode 7 Review – “Breathless” Misses the Mark Despite Blue’s Spotlight
NCIS: Sydney Season 2, Episode 7, “Breathless,” sets out to give forensic specialist Bluebird “Blue” Gleeson a moment in the spotlight — and while it succeeds in centering her, the episode stumbles as a compelling hour of television. As the season nears its end, this installment feels too flat and formulaic when it should be building momentum.
A Standard Case Wrapped in Predictability
The episode kicks off with Blue attending a concert by her favorite pop star, Nova Sykes. During the performance, a member of the Navy Choir collapses and dies — but it quickly becomes clear Nova was the intended target. What follows is a by-the-numbers investigation through Nova’s high-profile life, complete with stock suspects: a crazed superfan, a stern security chief, and an overbearing parent.
Unfortunately, the plot doesn’t offer much intrigue. Viewers are likely to figure out the killer — Nova’s father, Jeff — long before the team does. The motive (he was drugging Nova to maintain legal control over her career and wealth) and method (using peanut oil in a smoke machine, exploiting her allergy) are mildly interesting, but the emotional stakes feel underdeveloped. The suspects are painted with broad strokes, especially the fan, Cassie Hayes, whose cartoonish obsession all but confirms her as a red herring from the start.
Blue Takes Center Stage, but Without Enough Depth
The episode’s main draw is Mavournee Hazel’s expanded role as Blue, who is in nearly every scene. Her performance is earnest and determined, and we get glimpses into Blue’s troubled past — including hints that someone once “kept [her] in a cage.” However, these emotional reveals are vague and left unexplored, missing the opportunity to deepen her character.
A critical moment comes when Blue passionately accuses Jeff of the crime, but the emotion feels rushed and doesn’t fully land. It’s only in a quieter follow-up scene with Doc Roy that her pain begins to resonate. Hazel does her best, but the script doesn’t give her the room to truly shine.
Even the climax falters. Blue smuggles Nova to her own apartment for safety, only to forget Jeff has her phone — making them easy to track. The twist? Nova willingly opens the door to him to escape and call for help. The plan makes sense in hindsight, but in the moment, it undercuts the tension with frustrating logic gaps.
Repeating the Formula Instead of Building Momentum
“Breathless” also highlights a growing issue in NCIS: Sydney: the team dynamics are starting to feel stuck. JD and Mackey joke around. Evie and DeShawn trade barbs. Everyone gathers for a light-hearted group moment — this time, karaoke. It’s the same structure used in earlier episodes like “Shucked,” and while these scenes are fun, they’re becoming predictable.
By Season 2, a show should be taking bigger creative swings — expanding relationships, challenging characters, and evolving tone. While earlier episodes this season have shown glimpses of deeper storytelling, “Breathless” feels like filler. It doesn’t progress the overarching plot (like the unresolved Colonel Rankin storyline) or offer enough new character insight to stand on its own.
Final Thoughts
NCIS: Sydney Season 2, Episode 7 is well-intentioned but ultimately average. It gives Blue her moment, but without the depth or impact needed to make it memorable. The case itself is predictable, and the episode misses the chance to push the show forward. With the season’s end approaching, NCIS: Sydney needs to shake up its formula and aim higher — because at this stage, playing it safe just doesn’t cut it.
