As NCIS: Los Angeles dives deeper into its season, all eyes are on an upcoming episode cloaked in secrecy, drama, and unexpected character returns. Tentatively titled “The Third Choir”, this episode—written by R. Scott Gemmill and Dana Scanlon, and directed by Diana C. Valentine—is already stirring up major buzz among fans and insiders alike.
Although the official air date and episode number remain unconfirmed, what we do have is a goldmine of behind-the-scenes teases, photos, and cryptic social media posts from the cast. And if these early hints are any indication, this could be one of the most emotionally charged and suspenseful episodes we’ve seen in years.
Nell on the Beach… and Nate with a Gun?
Let’s start with a surprising sighting: Nell Jones (Renée Felice Smith) filming a beach scene alongside Dr. Nate Getz (Peter Cambor). Renée herself posted a photo, teasing fans with the caption:
“Filmed an emotional little scene written by #DanaScanlon w/ @petercambor down at the beach… #NellOnTheBeachInTights.”
Wait—Nate? At the beach? With Nell? Cue fan theories exploding across social media. While we’re used to seeing Nate in a clinical, psychological support role, this pairing—and setting—feels unusually intimate. Could it hint at a quiet emotional reckoning for Nell? A personal crisis? Or something far more dangerous?
Peter Cambor stoked the fires even more with a cheeky Instagram post:
“Think we’ve got a new thing going here, people. Forget Densi, forget Neric—it’s time for #GRATE.”
Whether he was joking or cleverly deflecting, the possibility of a new dynamic—or even romantic tension—between Nell and Nate has fans raising eyebrows and digging for clues.
Hetty in Peril… or in Power?
Another standout moment? A photo of the iconic Hetty Lange (Linda Hunt) in action, weapon in hand, with the caption:
“Hetty taking care of business. Who’s ready for Sept 28?”
The image alone was enough to send chills down viewers’ spines. After all, Hetty doesn’t draw a gun unless the stakes are dangerously high. And just when we thought it couldn’t get more intense…
The Return of Mattias?
Perhaps the most shocking reveal is the return of the enigmatic antagonist Mattias—a figure with a complicated past and a fraught relationship with Hetty. In one photo, Hetty appears to be handing him a gun. Friendly alliance? Calculated move? Or is Hetty playing a dangerous double game?
Mattias has previously been both an adversary and a reluctant ally. Could he be the one putting Hetty in danger this time—or pulling her out of it?
What’s Really Going On?
The cast’s cryptic captions and cheeky wordplay suggest a layered, multifaceted plot that may explore loyalty, emotional vulnerability, and shifting alliances. With Nate’s return, Nell’s emotional arc, Hetty’s gunplay, and Mattias’ sudden reappearance, it’s clear this episode isn’t just another case-of-the-week.
It feels deeply personal. Potentially game-changing.
There’s also the curious title: “The Third Choir.” Is it a metaphor? A code? A reference to a hidden unit within the agency—or something more symbolic, perhaps touching on grief or justice?
Fan Theories Are Heating Up
From Reddit threads to fan pages, theories abound:
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Is Nate back to help Nell through a psychological breakdown—or uncover something darker?
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Could Hetty be staging a rescue mission, not just for herself but for someone she once betrayed?
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Are we on the verge of a brand-new ship? #GRATE may have started as a joke, but fans are running with it.
One Thing’s Certain…
With R. Scott Gemmill and Dana Scanlon at the helm of the script, and Diana C. Valentine directing, expectations are sky-high. These names are behind some of the most emotional and twist-heavy episodes in NCIS: LA history.
So, buckle up. If the beachside tears, weapons exchanges, and cryptic captions are any indication, “The Third Choir” could deliver one of the season’s most explosive emotional payoffs.
Until it airs, the speculation continues. And we’ll be watching every teaser, every leaked photo, and every emoji-laced caption for clues.
What’s your theory about Hetty, Nate, and Nell? Could Mattias be friend or foe? Share your predictions using #ThirdChoirNCISLA.
