It’s been more than two years since fans last saw Hetty Lange on-screen, but NCIS season 22 has finally taken the first steps toward solving the long-standing mystery of her disappearance.
Played by the beloved Linda Hunt, Hetty was a cornerstone of NCIS: Los Angeles for years. Her reduced appearances in later seasons sparked growing curiosity—and concern—about her fate. When the series ended with season 14 and CBS opted not to move forward with season 15, it left Hetty’s storyline unresolved and fans without a proper goodbye.
Until now, NCIS has remained largely silent about Hetty’s status, even as the franchise teased updates from its various satellite teams. But in a long-awaited development, season 22 finally offered a glimmer of hope—and a clue—as to what may have happened to her.
The last confirmed sighting of Hetty was in NCIS: Los Angeles, where she was said to be working on a covert mission in Syria. While this off-screen assignment was partly due to Linda Hunt’s reduced filming schedule, it still aligned with Hetty’s enigmatic persona—forever cloaked in secrets and overseas operations.
Despite being absent from the screen, Hetty’s name continued to echo throughout the final seasons of NCIS: Los Angeles. Her mysterious work was frequently referenced, culminating in some small revelations during the series finale. But with the main show now starting to revisit her story, it seems the franchise isn’t finished with Hetty just yet.
Though the details remain vague, the latest developments suggest that the franchise may be paving the way for closure—or possibly even a return. For longtime fans of the character, it’s a welcome sign that Hetty Lange’s story may still have another chapter to tell.
