NCIS is bringing in a huge NCIS: Los Angeles guest star that might finally bring closure for a key character! Who's back, and what does this mean for Hetty?
At one point, NCIS was a far bigger franchise with spinoffs in Los Angeles, New Orleans, and Hawaii. 2023 saw a big crossover between the shows, made just before NCIS: Los Angeles ended its 14-season run.
That was followed by LL Cool J heading to NCIS: Hawaii as his character of agent Sam Hanna. It was supposed to be a boost for that show only for NCIS: Hawaii to shockingly be canceled in 2024.
While the current season of NCIS has had a few mentions of the other teams, we haven't got more than that. Thankfully for fans, it’s now confirmed that we’re seeing Sam coming back to the franchise!
When does Hanna come to NCIS?
TVLine broke the news (which was already revealed on LL Cool J’s Instagram) that NCIS Season 22 Episode 18 (airing Monday, April 21) will have the actor return as Hanna. There’s no word yet on why Hanna is joining the team, but it’s likely an aid in a case.
This should be fun with Hanna’s unique style mixing with the other NCIS agents. Hopefully, this means an update on what the rest of the NCIS: Hawaii team is up to. While unlikely, it would be good to get some closure on that show’s cliffhanger of Jane Tennant (Vanessa Lachey) meeting her traitorous mentor, who hinted at some danger.
However, this is also a good excuse for the show to finally address the fate of another beloved NCIS: Los Angeles character.
What happened to Hetty in NCIS: Los Angeles?
Fans of NCIS: Los Angeles had a lot of great characters, but one of the best was Hetty Lange. Wonderfully played by Oscar winner Linda Hunt, the diminutive but sharp agent was always there to help her agents and put them in their place.
Sadly, Hetty was absent for much of NCIS: Los Angeles’s last seasons due to Hunt being unable to film during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was hinted she was on a personal mission, with the series finale having Hanna and Callen (Chris O’Donnell) heading overseas to try and find her.
This is a prime chance to finally explain what happened to Hetty. It’d be great if whatever case brings Hanna to NCIS involves tracking her down and what she’s up to. While it’s unlikely Hunt herself will make a cameo, we at least deserve some closure for that character. NCIS: Los Angeles was never quite the same without Hetty and her presence has long been missed. Finding out what happened to her would be a boon for fans.
NCIS has always rested on its shared universe of characters and it’s great to remind fans of the two spinoffs. This is the best opportunity for NCIS: Los Angeles fans to finally learn Hetty’s fate and close out the last dangling plot thread of that spinoff.
NCIS Season 22 airs Mondays at 9/8c on CBS.