Great stories. Great characters. Not always great endings.
After 14 seasons, NCIS: Los Angeles has said its final goodbye—but not every character got the send-off they deserved. While some arcs were satisfyingly wrapped up (shoutout to Callen and Anna’s surprise wedding), others left fans scratching their heads, wanting more closure, more screen time, or just… better.
Let’s take a look at five characters in NCIS: LA history who truly deserved more.
1. Hetty Lange (Linda Hunt)
A Legend Who Vanished Too Quietly
Hetty was the mysterious, powerful backbone of the show for over a decade. From her cryptic one-liners to her covert missions, she was the glue that held the team together.
🔍 What went wrong?
Her absence during the final season—despite references to a rescue mission and secret projects—felt like a disservice. Linda Hunt’s real-life scheduling conflicts were understandable, but Hetty deserved an on-screen farewell, or at the very least, a voice message to the team she mentored for years.
🎬 What she deserved:
A dramatic return or flashback. Even a pre-recorded final message from Hetty to her team would have brought some emotional closure.
2. Dominic Vail (Adam Jamal Craig)
Gone Too Soon—And Forgotten Even Sooner
Dom was one of the original team members when NCIS: LA first premiered. Though green and still learning, he had potential. His unexpected abduction and death in Season 1 stunned fans—and then? Silence.
💔 What went wrong?
After his death, Dom was barely mentioned again. His storyline was buried so fast that even longtime fans often forget he existed. His loss had zero long-term emotional impact on the team.
🎬 What he deserved:
A deeper emotional fallout, especially from Sam and Kensi. A later-season tribute or flashback would’ve honored his contribution and sacrifice.
3. Nell Jones (Renée Felice Smith)
Brains, Bravery, and an Uneven Exit
Nell evolved from a quirky intelligence analyst into a capable leader, even being groomed to take over for Hetty. She had a strong moral compass, deep friendships, and undeniable chemistry with Eric Beale. So why did her exit feel so… anticlimactic?
😐 What went wrong?
Nell left the team without a huge moment or a meaningful goodbye scene with Hetty. When she briefly returned, it wasn’t to reclaim her place but to recruit others.
🎬 What she deserved:
A clear decision: step into Hetty’s shoes or walk away with purpose. Her legacy needed a stronger final chapter, not a hesitant fade-out.
4. Eric Beale (Barrett Foa)
The Heart of the Ops Center Who Just Drifted Away
Eric Beale was more than just tech support—he was the emotional core, comic relief, and Nell’s awkwardly lovable partner. Over time, he grew from a nerdy sidekick to a driven entrepreneur.
💸 What went wrong?
Eric’s sudden transformation into a billionaire tech mogul who barely appeared in Season 12 felt like a rushed exit. His off-screen success wasn’t satisfying—it felt disconnected from the show’s tone.
🎬 What he deserved:
A meaningful goodbye with Nell. Maybe even a wedding. Instead, we got cameos and mentions that didn’t match his importance to the team.
5. Devin Rountree (Caleb Castille)
All Potential, No Payoff
Rountree joined NCIS: LA in Season 11 and brought fresh energy as a former FBI agent trying to find his place. He was loyal, competent, and brought new dimensions to the team dynamic.
⏳ What went wrong?
Despite being a series regular, Rountree never got the character development he deserved. His backstory was touched on—but never fully explored. In the final season, he was often sidelined in favor of legacy characters.
🎬 What he deserved:
A compelling arc of growth. A defining moment in the finale. More than just being “the new guy” until the very end.
✨ Honorable Mentions
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Michelle Hanna (Aunjanue Ellis): Sam’s wife was killed off-screen. The lack of closure still stings.
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Sabatino (Erik Palladino): The most chaotic “is he good or bad?” recurring character who vanished without resolution.
📝 Final Thoughts
NCIS: Los Angeles will always be remembered for its mix of adrenaline and heart. But even great shows drop the ball now and then. These characters may not have gotten the endings they earned, but fans will always remember their contributions to the team—and to our screens.
