NCIS: Hawai’i ended Season 2 on a high note. SAC Jane Tennant’s CIA days came back to haunt her, and she had to go out of country to make good on a mistake from her past. Although she wanted to fly solo, it took help from her team, Whistler and Charlie 1 to solve the case and catch the bad guy. Additionally, NCIS: LA’s Sam Hanna conveniently showed up out of nowhere to provide some much-needed backup. Before leaving, Hanna made it clear that he would always be willing to give Tenant a helping hand. That comment sounded like a hint, and it turned out that it was. Shortly after the finale, NCIS: Hawai’i announced that LL Cool J would be joining the cast for Season 3. He’s been tabbed as a recurring guest star, but exactly what his role will look like is anyone’s guess. One thing is clear, though, NCIS: Hawai’i should avoid a relationship between him and Tennant.
A Romantic Misstep Could Derail the Magic of NCIS: Hawai’i
Let’s be real: we all love a little on-screen tension. That spark. That energy. But sometimes, taking things too far can ruin a good thing. NCIS: Hawai’i has found its rhythm, blending action, character depth, and beautiful Hawaiian backdrops. So why mess with the formula by tossing Jane Tennant and Sam Hanna into a romance? In this article, we’re diving deep into why a romantic storyline between Jane and Sam might not just be unnecessary—it could actually backfire. Let’s break it down.
What Makes NCIS: Hawai’i Work So Well?
Strong Characters Who Don’t Need Romance to Shine
Jane Tennant is a powerhouse. She’s a mother, a leader, and a field agent who handles her business with unmatched grit. Sam Hanna, a seasoned vet from NCIS: Los Angeles, brings experience, swagger, and maturity to the table.
The Island Vibes Mixed with High-Stakes Investigations
There’s a delicate balance at play—action, drama, and just enough personal storytelling. Throwing a love story into the mix? That could muddy the waters.
Why Jane Tennant and Sam Hanna Shouldn’t Be Romantic Leads
It Feels Forced and Unnatural
Let’s be honest—there’s chemistry, but it’s professional, not passionate. Trying to mold that into romance would feel like pushing two puzzle pieces together that just don’t fit.
It Undermines Jane’s Leadership Role
When a strong female lead suddenly becomes part of a romantic subplot, especially with a fellow agent, it can shift focus away from her accomplishments. Do we really want Jane’s storyline reduced to “Sam’s love interest”? Absolutely not.
The Power Dynamic Is Awkward
Two Leaders, One Love Interest—Potential Disaster
Both Jane and Sam are alpha personalities. That’s great for crime-solving. But romantically? It spells competition and confusion. Their chemistry is built on respect, not flirtation.
Lessons from Other TV Romances That Went Wrong
Castle and Beckett – When Romance Killed the Spark
Remember Castle? Once the two leads got together, the show’s tension evaporated. Viewers got bored. Ratings dipped. The same fate could await NCIS: Hawai’i if it repeats that mistake.
Bones – A Slow Burn That Didn’t Satisfy Everyone
Even long-running hits like Bones proved that dragging out or mishandling romance can divide fans. NCIS: Hawai’i should tread carefully.
Viewer Expectations and Emotional Investment
Fans Want Authenticity, Not Fan Service
Sure, some fans might root for Jane and Sam. But is it because they see genuine potential? Or because they’ve been conditioned to expect romance in every show?
Romantic Subplots Can Distract from the Mission
This is NCIS, not a soap opera. Viewers tune in for crime-solving, team dynamics, and thrilling investigations—not love triangles and candlelit dinners.
Better Ways to Deepen Jane and Sam’s Relationship
Focus on Friendship and Trust
Imagine the strength of showing two professionals—each with their own baggage—building a strong, platonic bond. It’s rare. And refreshing.
Highlight Mutual Respect Over Romance
The real magic is in how much they admire each other’s skills. That’s worth way more than a forced kiss.
Keeping the Show Grounded in Reality
Interagency Romance Is Unrealistic and Risky
In real-life federal law enforcement, romantic relationships between colleagues—especially across units—can be frowned upon or complicated. Keeping the storylines rooted in real-world dynamics makes the show more believable.
Sam Hanna’s Legacy Should Remain Intact
Don’t Rebrand Sam as “Jane’s Guy”
Sam’s a legend from NCIS: Los Angeles. He’s been through wars, deep cover ops, and personal tragedies. Reducing his presence to a romantic subplot sells his legacy short.
Let the Setting Shine, Not the Romance
Hawai’i Is Already Romantic Enough
We’ve got sun, surf, and sunsets. The island itself brings the warmth. We don’t need a forced love story to add heat.
More Compelling Storylines to Explore Instead
Sam Mentoring the Team
Let Sam be the mentor. The wisdom guy. The steady hand. That’s a story arc worth watching.
Jane Balancing Motherhood and Leadership
Her story is already so rich. Why dilute it with romance when we haven’t even scratched the surface of her personal struggles?
What the Fans Are Really Saying
Social Media Buzz Is Split
A scroll through Reddit, Twitter, or Facebook shows one thing: fans are divided. Some want sparks to fly. Others are begging the writers to keep it strictly professional.
The Risk of Alienating the Core Audience
Loyal NCIS fans have seen this play out before. If the show leans too far into romance, it might lose the very audience that made it a hit in the first place.
Building Real Tension Without Romance
Use Backstory, Not Love Stories
Diving into Jane and Sam’s pasts, their traumas, their motivations—that’s how you build tension. Not with flowers and awkward flirting.
A Call to the Writers – Don’t Take the Easy Route
Let’s not do what every other show does. Let’s keep things fresh. Complicated. Real. NCIS: Hawai’i has the chance to break the mold—and that starts by saying no to a Tennant-Hanna romance.
Conclusion: Keep the Mission First, the Romance Out
At the end of the day, NCIS: Hawai’i is about solving crimes, building team dynamics, and navigating the complex world of federal investigations—all with a beautiful island backdrop. We don’t need romance to add depth. In fact, adding a love story between Jane Tennant and Sam Hanna could water down everything that makes the show so special.
Let them be leaders. Let them be friends. But don’t let them fall in love—because that’s the lazy way out. And NCIS: Hawai’i deserves better.
