As the sun sets on the long-running procedural, this episode reminds us what we’ll miss most.
It’s official: we’re in the final stretch of NCIS: Los Angeles, and Season 14, Episode 12 — “In the Name of Honor” — arrives with emotional weight, fierce action, and just enough heartbreak to remind fans what made the show special for over a decade. While it delivers on the drama and banter we love, there’s no escaping the underlying ache: we’re saying goodbye — and it feels far too soon.
🧨 Kensi and Fatima Steal the Spotlight — and the Fight Scenes
If there’s one thing NCIS: LA knows how to do, it’s deliver badass women with style. This episode is a showcase for Kensi Blye and Fatima Namazi, who take center stage in a high-stakes mission that’s as intense as it is personal. Fatima’s expanded role frames the narrative in a fresh way, and instead of being sidelined, she becomes the emotional and tactical anchor — a smart move by the writers.
Watching Kensi and Fatima work together? 🔥 A pure adrenaline rush.
The action is sharp, the chemistry effortless — and yes, Kensi’s kidnapping adds the gut-punch tension we’ve come to expect. But this time, it hurts more. Because time is running out, and we know we won’t have many more chances to see this dynamic duo in action.
💔 Densi: Still the Heart of the Show
Season 14 has been frustratingly light on Densi moments, but “In the Name of Honor” tosses us a lifeline. Even though they spend most of the episode apart, the emotional throughline is powerful. Deeks’ reaction to Kensi’s danger? Raw and real.
“The way he looks up so he doesn’t cry?”
Chef’s. Freaking. Kiss.
There’s also a subtle reminder that this couple has been wrestling with the future for seasons. How long can they keep doing this job? Do they want to? Now, with the end in sight, those questions hit harder than ever.
🧠 Callen, Sam & the Power of Long-Term Friendship
One of the episode’s most rewarding threads is the Sam and Callen dynamic — veterans of the show, brothers-in-arms, and now more than ever, pillars of each other’s lives. Their banter, their mutual respect, the quiet moments of real talk — it’s classic NCIS: LA, and it still works.
Callen giving Sam advice? That’s growth. That’s heart. That’s legacy.
It’s also a painful reminder of everything we’ll miss — particularly the open-ended arcs. We never truly got to see Sam’s next chapter, or Callen and Anna’s happily ever after, and the Hetty mystery remains unresolved. Some threads are destined to dangle.
💬 Quick Hits – “Things I Think I Think”
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That cold open? Pure fire.
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Deeks being the emotional center of the team? YES.
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Of course Kensi gets kidnapped the moment she says, “I’ll be fine.”
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Fatima and Kensi fighting back = all the empowerment energy we need.
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I need more Roundtree and Fatima interactions.
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Deeks in the backseat? In this economy?!
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The painful “what could’ve been” setups sting the most.
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Killbride’s call to hold Deeks back? Right, but ouch.
📺 Final Verdict
“In the Name of Honor” is NCIS: Los Angeles doing what it does best — sharp dialogue, thrilling action, and deep character beats. But it’s also a reminder of everything that’s slipping away. This episode has heart, bite, and the unshakeable sense that we’re nearing a goodbye we weren’t ready for.
And even after 14 seasons, it’s just not enough.
