Leroy Jethro Gibbs is often ranked as the top NCIS leader, but NCIS season 22 changes that with a Hetty update. Once presumed dead in NCIS: Los Angeles, Hetty Lange resurfaced via a cryptic message during the 2023 crossover event. It became clear someone had to go to Syria and extract her from her unknown location.
That’s now happened, as Sam Hanna told the team in NCIS season 22, and discovered she’s still continuing her work with NCIS. That makes her a far superior leader to Gibbs in the NCIS universe. Now, eyes are on whether she could return to the franchise, even just for an episode.
NCIS Season 22 Reveals That Hetty Is Still An Active Duty
Leon Vance’s Questions Hinted That Hetty Is Still Working With NCIS
When LL Cool J appeared in an episode of NCIS season 22, he brought some updates about Hetty Lange. After all, the canceled NCIS: Los Angeles show ended with Nell setting up a task force to head into Syria and save the former leader. For years, we wondered whether this mission was successful as we patiently waited for a wrap-up movie.
Sam Hanna offered the update everyone needed. Hetty has been saved, and she hasn’t quit her work with NCIS just yet. Leon Vance asked whether Sam was working with Hetty on a secret project she had going on, which he couldn’t confirm or deny, but hinted that he was.
This makes it clear that Hetty is continuing to do the job she has always loved, and she continues to keep the people of the United States safe. She is also more than happy to put her life in danger, which is something that other agents, such as Gibbs, have stepped away from doing.
Hetty Continuing Her Work Proves That Gibbs Isn’t The Best Team Leader In NCIS
Gibbs’ Ending Was Good, But It Proves 1 Disappointing Thing
For the longest time, we’ve believed Gibbs was the best leader in the NCIS universe. He was dedicated to his job and his team, setting up rules that would keep everyone alive and protected. It seemed like he was going to be one of those agents who would rather die on the job than retire.
While Gibbs finding peace in Alaska was a great ending for him, it wasn’t believable considering how dedicated to his work he always was.
Then, Mark Harmon decided he wanted to leave the series in NCIS season 19. The show had to find a way to write the character out, and killing him off wasn’t an option. While Gibbs’ finding peace in Alaska was a great ending for him, it wasn’t believable considering how dedicated to his work he always was.
Meanwhile, Hetty has been through a near-death experience, and she continues to put her focus on the job. She has always put her life on the line and made it out the other side. She’s a trooper, making her the best NCIS leader.
Will Hetty Ever Resurface In The NCIS Franchise?
Linda Hunt’s Availability Could Affect Hetty’s Return In The Future
As much as we would love to see Hetty again in the NCIS universe, there are a few issues with this. The biggest one is the reason Hetty wasn’t in the NCIS: Los Angeles series finale in the first place. NCIS: Los Angeles’s Linda Hunt wasn’t available for the episodes, as she had a busy schedule.
At least there would be an arc if Hunt were available, as we know Hetty is working on a secret project. It could open the door for her return in NCIS season 23 or beyond, or we could at least get some updates about her mission through other characters, such as other NCIS: Los Angeles cameos.
The best way to bring Hetty back into the NCIS franchise would be via the prequel series NCIS: Origins. This would mean a new actor playing the role, and it would allow us to see just what made her so steadfast in her career in the NCIS universe.
