NCIS: Hawai’i, an offshoot of the popular CBS procedural, follows Jane Tennant (Vanessa Lachey) and her dedicated team — Jesse Boone (Noah Mills), Kai Holman (Alex Tarrant), Lucy Tara (Yasmine Al-Bustami), and Ernie Malik (Jason Antoon) — as they solve varying crimes involving naval officers. Together, they are a force, but with the help of friends and coworkers like Kate Whistler (Tori Anderson), Commander Chase (Seana Kofoed), and Boom Boom (Sharif Atkins), they are unstoppable. As we gear up for another season, which is up in the air until studios begin to pay writers what they are worth and bring about an end to the strike, there is something that was, unfortunately, lacking in the second season (at least compared to the first season) and needs to be a priority: Lucy and Kate’s romance.
Let’s be real—‘NCIS: Hawai’i’ has all the ingredients of a fan-favorite crime drama: stunning scenery, thrilling cases, a badass lead, and a close-knit team. But there’s one thing Season 3 is seriously lacking… romance. And not just any romance—more of the sizzling, slow-burn chemistry between Lucy Tara and Kate Whistler.
Why Romance Keeps Us Hooked on TV Shows
Romance isn’t just fluff. It’s the heartbeat that gives depth to action-packed dramas. When done right, it adds tension, emotional stakes, and, let’s face it, binge-worthy moments we can’t stop replaying. Think about your favorite shows—chances are, they’ve got at least one iconic couple.
The Magic of Lucy and Kate (aka #Kacy)
A Relationship That Feels Real
From the moment Lucy and Kate appeared on-screen together, their chemistry was undeniable. It wasn’t forced. It was natural, heartfelt, and relatable. Their love story broke barriers by being one of the few queer relationships in a major primetime franchise, and viewers noticed.
Drama Meets Intimacy
Whether they’re sneaking kisses before missions or dealing with trust issues, their dynamic adds emotional weight. Fans are invested—not just because they’re cute together, but because their relationship feels earned.
Why Season 3 Feels Emotionally Flat Without Kacy
Too Much Action, Not Enough Heart
Season 3 dove hard into crime-solving—and while that’s the show’s bread and butter, it’s missing balance. Without romantic subplots, especially the beloved Lucy/Kate pairing, the show feels a bit… robotic.
Lucy’s Absence Is a Huge Blow
With Lucy Tara missing from several episodes (due to actress Yasmine Al-Bustami’s other commitments), the show’s emotional center took a hit. Kate, left on her own, seemed adrift—and the spark that made earlier seasons special started to flicker.
What More Romance Could Do for Season 3
Boost Ratings with Relationship Drama
Let’s not pretend that viewers don’t love some juicy relationship twists. A little tension—maybe a love triangle or a temporary breakup—could spice up the plot and draw in more viewers.
Normalize Queer Representation
Bringing Lucy and Kate’s relationship front and center helps normalize LGBTQ+ love stories in mainstream media. It’s not just “nice to have.” It’s necessary. Plus, their relationship is way more compelling than a lot of the stereotypical romances on TV.
Give Fans What They’re Begging For
Social media is buzzing with fans pleading for more Kacy content. The writers would do well to listen—because keeping your audience happy is key to a show’s longevity.
Ideas to Bring Romance Back into Season 3
More Screen Time Together
Give Lucy and Kate more shared scenes. Let them argue. Let them laugh. Let them kiss. Basically—let them be a couple.
Couple Missions
How fun would it be to see them go undercover together? Tension, banter, and high stakes? Yes, please.
Backstory Moments
Flashbacks to their early relationship could add depth and give fans more reasons to root for them.
Tie Romance to the Main Plot
Don’t separate their relationship from the cases. Make it part of the story. When romance intertwines with the action, that’s when magic happens.
The Risks of Ignoring Romance
Losing Emotional Investment
If the show keeps pushing romance to the background, it risks alienating a loyal fanbase who’s emotionally tied to these characters beyond their detective work.
Generic Procedural Syndrome
Without compelling character arcs (especially romantic ones), ‘NCIS: Hawai’i’ risks becoming just another procedural drama lost in the crowd.
What Made Kacy So Special in the First Place?
Real Conversations, Real Issues
They didn’t just fall in love—they faced real problems: secrets, career tension, personal trauma. And they talked it out, like actual adults. That’s rare and refreshing.
Representation That Matters
It’s not just about romance. It’s about seeing yourself on screen, and feeling like your story matters.
Psychology Behind Why We Love On-Screen Romance
We’re wired to connect. Romantic subplots activate emotional responses that make stories stick. Without that emotional pull, shows can feel forgettable. Adding romance is like adding seasoning to a meal—it brings everything to life.
How ‘NCIS: Hawai’i’ Can Navigate This Going Forward
Write for the Shippers
Shippers are your most passionate fans. Give them moments to gif, tweet, and talk about. Make them feel seen.
Balance Action and Emotion
Don’t ditch the crime-solving. Just blend it better with human connection.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Let the Spark Die
‘NCIS: Hawai’i’ Season 3 still has time to turn things around—but it needs more romance. Specifically, more of Lucy and Kate. These two aren’t just fan service—they’re the heart of the show. Neglecting that is like pulling the plug on the very thing that makes the show worth watching. So dear writers, if you’re listening—bring back the love. The fans are ready.
