The Worst Episode Of NCIS: Los Angeles, According To IMDb

"NCIS: Los Angeles" is a massive show, both in terms of scope and popularity. A spin-off from the original police procedural series "NCIS: Naval Criminal Investigative Service," the show centers upon a team of special NCIS operatives located on the American West Coast, and it highlights their efforts to bring dangerous criminals to justice through undercover missions. That striking premise has obviously been a hit with fans, as the series has been consistently running since 2009 and is currently airing its 13th season with no signs of slowing down in the future.

In the long span of time since it began, "NCIS: Los Angeles" has managed to put out some pretty entertaining episodes and craft some really fun, dramatic, and engaging plotlines. However, as is bound to be the case for pretty much any show that runs longer than a decade, "NCIS: Los Angeles" has also had its fair share of misses over the years. And out of all of the nearly 300 episodes of "NCIS: Los Angeles" which have currently aired, there is one chapter in particular that viewers have rated as the absolute worst outing the show has ever had.

The fan-voted worst episode of "NCIS: Los Angeles" actually comes from its most recent season. According to IMDb, the second episode of Season 13, titled "Fukushu," stands as the lowest-rated outing for the show thus far, with 5.9 out of 10 stars. The episode caused a fair deal of controversy when it first aired, as well, so its low rating isn't such a surprise: Back then, there were even viewers who suggested that its perceived low quality was a sign that the series was nearing its end.

"Fukushu" was, undoubtedly, an attempt at commentary on some sensitive topics in current events. The episode saw the NCIS team set out to find the perpetrator of a hate crime committed against an elderly Japanese-American war veteran, who was also the father of an LAPD officer. As they investigated the incident, each member grappled with their perspective on subjects involving cultural heritage and racial prejudice. Ambitions aside, though — as is reflected by its relatively mixed user rating — it seems that some viewers weren't happy with how the episode tackled these issues. Reviews of the episode from IMDb users described it as "heavy handed" and a "failed attempt" at an important subject. 

While it is very clear that many people weren't satisfied with the episode's writing and its characterization of the main cast, it seems that at least some of the controversy and tensions surrounding "Fukushu" extend beyond the show itself and step into a greater ongoing societal conversation about racism. Unfortunately, it just doesn't seem that the show's foray into that conversation hit home with many of its viewers.