The new spin off show from NCIS is called NCIS: Los Angeles and first aired September 22, 2009. The show features two well known stars in James Todd Smith, better known as the rapper LL Cool J, and the popular movie actor Chris O’Donnell. The premiere episode of NCIS: Los Angeles is entitled “Identity,” and the plot follows a story surrounding an NCIS investigation of the death of a Naval officer who was killed during a shootout between the LAPD and drug runners.

During the investigation the assumption is that the officer had been taken hostage by the drug runners and found himself caught in the crossfire.

However, after doing some digging, Callen and Sam discover he has been picked up and dropped off on a regular basis by the driver of the car belonging to the drug cartel. They also find out he has been sending top secret satellite photos to the drug ring leaders and has  been using his military clearance to do so. Of course they immediately begin to doubt this man’s loyalty.

During the course of the investigation it is revealed that the officer’s niece is being held hostage and the drug cartel leader has been using her to force him to feed them information. Callen and Sam must go undercover to find out who is holding her hostage and to get close enough to rescue her. With the Navy officer now dead, they use the one bait they know will get the cartels attention: they pose as satellite experts claiming to be able to provide them the top secret information they are now unable to get.

No spoiler, but the ending, as well as the overall first episode of NCIS: Los Angeles lived up to its namesake. Great drama, mystery and action all rolled up into one. Exactly what you would expect from a NCIS spin off. If you missed it, here’s a CBS promo from the summer to whet your appetite for more: