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.
Love, drama, and high-stakes action are the holy trinity of a binge-worthy TV show. While NCIS: Hawai’i nails the action and teamwork, Season 3 is missing that one ingredient fans can’t stop talking about — more ROMANCE. Not just any romance, though. We’re talking about the emotional slow-burn, can’t-look-away kind of love story that keeps people glued to their screens. Let’s break down why NCIS: Hawai’i Season 3 desperately needs to dive deeper into its most compelling romantic subplot, and how it could take the series from great to unforgettable.
Why Romance Matters in ‘NCIS: Hawai’i’
Viewers Want More Than Just Crime-Solving
Sure, chasing bad guys and uncovering high-level threats is thrilling. But you know what keeps people coming back week after week? Emotional investment. And nothing fuels that fire like a juicy, well-developed romance.
The Tori and Kate Chemistry is Off the Charts
Let’s just say it — the subtle sparks between Special Agent Lucy Tara and Kate Whistler are undeniable. From tension-filled conversations to stolen glances, this slow-burn love story is one of the show’s most promising dynamics. Yet, Season 3 has barely scratched the surface.
A Closer Look at Lucy and Kate’s Relationship
From Enemies to Lovers – A TV Classic
This pair has all the ingredients of a classic “enemies-to-lovers” arc. Remember when they first clashed over protocol and personal boundaries? Sparks flew. That kind of narrative tension is storytelling gold — and viewers live for it.
Fan Reactions Say It All
Scroll through any NCIS-related Reddit thread or Twitter tag, and you’ll see it: fans ship Lucy and Kate hard. They’re not just popular — they’re essential to the emotional heart of the show.
What’s Missing in Season 3? Depth and Screen Time
Their interactions feel more like cameos than plot-driving moments lately. We’re three seasons in — it’s time to stop teasing and start telling their story. Give us the late-night talks, the tension-filled missions, the “will-they-won’t-they” drama we crave!
How Romance Could Elevate the Show
Emotional Stakes = Higher Engagement
The more emotionally invested we are in the characters, the higher the stakes become. When love is on the line, missions feel more dangerous, losses hit harder, and victories feel more satisfying.
Think of the Cinematic Moments
Imagine this: a quiet moment on the beach after a mission, stars overhead, a conversation that turns into a confession. It’s not just romantic — it’s TV magic.
Romance Adds Depth to Characters
Romantic subplots give us access to different sides of characters. Lucy and Kate both have complex pasts, but those layers rarely get explored without personal relationships to peel them back.
The Opportunity Ahead in Season 3
The Time is Now for Bold Storytelling
Season 3 is the perfect time to double down on what works. Fans already love these characters — now is the time to invest in their emotional journey.
More Scenes, More Vulnerability
Give us scenes that matter. Vulnerable conversations, romantic tension, even the occasional fight that leads to character growth — all of it makes for richer storytelling.
Let’s not forget: Lucy and Kate represent LGBTQ+ characters on prime-time television. That visibility matters. Developing their romance isn’t just good storytelling — it’s powerful representation.
What Needs to Change in the Writing Room
Shift from Subtle to Substantive
Teasing is fine, but after two full seasons, fans want more than winks and hints. We need scenes that push the relationship forward — not just acknowledge that it exists.
Integrate Romance into the Plot, Not Just the Background
Make their relationship part of the mission. Whether it creates tension during an operation or a heartwarming reunion after a dangerous assignment, it should serve the story — not distract from it.
Let the Characters Talk About Their Feelings
Seems obvious, right? But emotional dialogue has been rare between Lucy and Kate. Let them be vulnerable. Let them feel onscreen. That’s where the magic lives.
What Fans Want to See Next
A Real Romantic Arc – Not Just Moments
Give us a full arc — from reconciliation to growth to commitment. Not just scenes that hint at a relationship but a full-blown journey we can follow. Every slow-burn deserves a climax. A big moment. A confession. A kiss in the rain. Something unforgettable that validates everything fans have been rooting for.
Conclusion – It’s Time to Turn Up the Heat
Let’s be real: NCIS: Hawai’i is already packed with action, beautiful scenery, and strong characters. But to take things to the next level, Season 3 needs to lean harder into its most compelling romance — Lucy and Kate. Fans are ready. The story is ready. All it needs is the writers to take the plunge.
Because when love is in the air, the stakes are higher, the drama is richer, and the show becomes unforgettable.
