Why Season 13’s “Fukushu” Left Fans Disappointed
After more than a decade on air and nearly 300 episodes, NCIS: Los Angeles has delivered its fair share of thrilling action, undercover missions, and fan-favorite moments. But not every episode has landed the way producers hoped—and according to IMDb ratings, one stands out for all the wrong reasons.
A Miss in Season 13
Titled “Fukushu,” the second episode of Season 13 currently holds the dubious honor of being the lowest-rated episode in the show’s entire history, scoring just 5.9 out of 10 on IMDb. While the series has tackled countless storylines ranging from espionage to personal tragedy, this particular episode sparked controversy among fans—and not just for its content, but for how it delivered its message.
Tackling Tough Topics
“Fukushu,” meaning “revenge” in Japanese, attempted to shine a light on racially motivated hate crimes—an important and timely issue. The episode follows the NCIS team as they investigate a violent attack against an elderly Japanese-American World War II veteran, the father of an LAPD officer. The case leads them down a path exploring cultural identity, racism, and generational trauma—subjects rarely addressed in the show’s traditionally action-driven formula.
But despite the heavy subject matter and good intentions, many viewers felt the episode missed the mark.
Fan Reaction: A Failed Execution?
Critics and fans alike called the episode “heavy-handed” and “preachy,” arguing that the narrative leaned too far into message-driven storytelling at the expense of character development and pacing. Some reviews suggested that the themes were not woven naturally into the plot, making the episode feel more like a PSA than a procedural drama.
One IMDb reviewer summed up the sentiment bluntly: “Important topic, but poorly written and awkwardly delivered.”
Others felt the dialogue didn’t reflect the personalities they’d come to know and love, and that the episode forced its moral rather than letting it evolve organically from the characters and story.
Bigger Issues at Play?
To be fair, Fukushu’s subject matter touched on real-world issues that remain highly sensitive and deeply personal—particularly the rise in anti-Asian violence during the COVID-19 pandemic. In that sense, the writers were clearly aiming for relevance and social impact.
However, critics argue that tackling such complex issues in a single 42-minute procedural episode may have been too ambitious without the nuanced approach it demanded. The intent may have been noble, but for many, the execution fell short.
Was This a Sign of Series Fatigue?
Some fans pointed to Fukushu as a signal that the long-running series was beginning to show signs of creative wear. With beloved cast members like Barrett Foa and Renée Felice Smith already departed by Season 13, and Chris O’Donnell and LL Cool J balancing long-term character fatigue, the tone of the series was already shifting.
A few vocal critics suggested that Fukushu marked a turning point—where the show’s attempt to evolve started to lose the grounded storytelling that initially made it a hit.
Final Verdict
Every long-running show has its off days, and even loyal fans understand that not every episode will be a winner. While NCIS: Los Angeles certainly deserves credit for attempting to address deeper issues with Fukushu, it’s also clear that viewers expect these subjects to be handled with more care, nuance, and authenticity.
The bottom line? “Fukushu” tried to be important—but in trying too hard, it lost what makes NCIS: LA resonate with fans: character-driven storytelling and tight, compelling action.
For now, it remains a rare misstep in an otherwise action-packed legacy.
