The two-part season 2 finale kicks off Monday with the first hour, “Past Due,” which puts the focus squarely on Jane Tennant (Vanessa Lachey) and her CIA past when the discovery of a dead former MI6 agent leads to questions about her dealings years earlier. With the tables turned, Tennant — who becomes a prime suspect in the death of the MI6 agent — is forced to go to extreme lengths to track down who’s responsible and potentially put her team in danger.
“The cool thing about NCIS is it can go very highbrow, CIA, Bourne Ultimatum action. This two-part finale, for me, is the best of that version of our show,” teased NCIS: Hawaii star Noah Mills, who plays Tennant’s second-in-command, Jesse Boone. “It goes back to Tennant’s CIA days and stuff that’s coming back to haunt her, putting all of us in precarious situations — legally and how we do our jobs. It puts her family in danger. It was just awesome, that two-part [finale].”
As Tennant goes MIA, her team is left in the dark as they attempt to put the puzzle pieces together of where she’s run off to and what her next move might be. One of those people she reaches out to is Tennant’s former CIA mentor, Maggie Shaw, played by guest star Julie White. To make matters more complicated for the NCIS: Hawaii crew is the arrival of Supervisory Agent John Swift (guest star Henry Ian Cusick) from the Office of Special Projects, who’s been brought in to assist the team in their investigation. More likely, he’s a thorn in the team’s side.
“You’ll see some familiar faces that come to play, which I think will be super exciting for the fans,” Mills previewed. “And it was cool to see our show have that breadth of history and size in it from NCIS to the CIA to the FBI, and they carved out a really nice action movie in this two-part finale. I thought it was some of the best writing and I think will be some of the best episodes we’ve had for sure.”
The actor noted that with Tennant on the lam, it leaves Jesse to step into a leadership role, something viewers have seen him do before. Secrets that Tennant has hid regarding her sketchy past sometimes are best kept hidden, Mills hinted.
“She has a very, I guess, interesting past and some of which we’re not totally aware of,” he elaborated. “We know that she’s been through a lot in the CIA. She’s had this long, illustrious career, but it’s also shifted into areas that would be ‘not OK’ with department rules and guidelines. So I think in this episode, when push comes to shove and she’s out on a limb, we formulate in a different way, which is me taking charge and doing everything I can to protect her, but also being very aware that some things are beyond our reach and also maybe beyond our protocol.” “There’s a scene with Jason [Antoon], who plays Ernie, and I’m like, ‘I’m asking you to do this. Do you understand?’ And he’s like, ‘Yeah, I understand,’ because it’s something really we shouldn’t be doing,” Mills continued. “But we have an understanding through looking at each other. We’re doing this for our boss and for our friend.”
The 40-year-old actor hinted that what transpires in the two-hour finale will have a lasting effect on Tennant and the team moving forward. “That’s a really interesting question and I think one that is still in process and it will be interesting to see how the writers and producers carry that into the beginning of season 3 because they definitely will,” he said when asked about the impact of finale events. “Her past and some of her emotional decisions do put other people in jeopardy and do pull us out of our job description. Tennant is an emotional character and is charged especially in this two-part because it’s her past and Maggie Shaw’s involved. It’ll be interesting to see, legally, what comes down on her from the higher-ups of the NCIS.”
“I think for us, in the two-part, the main objective is getting her home safe and figuring out what she’s dealing with and helping her as best we can. But yeah, it’s a really good question anytime you go through an experience like that, when you’re in it, it’s about survival and about taking out the threat,” Mills added. “After, you might have the moment to look back on it and say, ‘I do have an issue with you disappearing and… not communicating because you’re putting us in a hard position.’ So I think there will be some bones to pick there and some pretty serious ramifications. It’ll be interesting to see how it all plays out.”
As for how viewers should be feeling heading into the finale, Mills warned they “should be very worried.” “There are some major changes coming to season 3 and it will be a different dynamic, I’ll put it that way, in the beginning of season 3,” he hinted, adding that he hopes Jesse’s family will finally be introduced.
Noah Mills Teases Two-Part Finale and ‘Major Changes’ in Season 3
Get ready, NCIS: Hawaii fans — things are about to get intense. According to cast member Noah Mills, the Season 3 finale isn’t just your standard wrap-up. It’s a two-part bombshell that promises “major changes” and a bold new direction for the CBS hit series. In this deep dive, we’ll break down everything teased so far, speculate on what’s coming, and explore why Season 3 might be the most pivotal yet for NCIS: Hawaii. So grab your badge, your sunscreen, and let’s dig in.
A Shocking Two-Part Finale Is Coming
Noah Mills Hints at Big Surprises
Noah Mills, who plays Jesse Boone, recently dropped hints in an exclusive interview that the Season 3 finale is “massive in scale and emotion.” Unlike previous seasons, this finale won’t neatly tie everything up with a bow. Instead, it’s designed to shake up everything you think you know about the team and their future.
He didn’t drop spoilers — but what he did say has fans buzzing.
“It’s not just an end to the season — it’s a shift. Viewers should expect something bold,” Mills explained.
Why a Two-Part Finale Changes Everything
More Time, More Twists
A two-part finale gives the writers and showrunners more breathing room to develop deeper arcs, build suspense, and hit harder with emotional payoffs. Instead of rushing to resolve every thread, the pacing allows for greater dramatic tension and cliffhanger moments.
Season 3 Could End on a Cliffhanger
Let’s be honest: cliffhangers are part of the NCIS DNA. Season 3’s finale could easily leave fans dangling with unanswered questions, potentially setting up new rivalries, betrayals, or even character exits.
Who Might Be Leaving NCIS: Hawaii?
Cast Shake-Ups on the Horizon
Although Mills didn’t confirm any character departures, his mention of “major changes” has viewers speculating. Could someone from the core team be written out? Could a new character be introduced?
Rumors have circulated about possible guest stars making big entrances — or surprise exits.
The Future of Jesse Boone
Noah Mills’ Character Might Face Personal Stakes
In past seasons, Jesse Boone has acted as the team’s rock. But Mills hinted that Boone could be pushed into new emotional territory. That could mean family drama, betrayal, or a leadership shake-up that forces him to make hard choices.
“Jesse’s been the steady one,” Mills said. “But even rocks can crack under pressure.”
NCIS: Hawaii’s Identity Crisis — In a Good Way
Season 3 Signals a Tonal Shift
Many shows evolve as they grow, and NCIS: Hawaii seems to be doing just that. The show is getting grittier, deeper, and more complex, Mills suggested. Expect more than just breezy beach scenes and clever case-solving.
From Procedural to Personal
This finale could pivot the show from a case-of-the-week formula to a more serialized storytelling style, with characters’ personal lives driving more of the action. That’s a bold — and welcome — shift.
Showrunner Promises Evolution, Not Revolution
In recent interviews, showrunner Matt Bosack echoed Mills’ sentiments, saying:
“We’re not blowing things up just to shock. We’re evolving. The finale marks a turning point in the team’s story.”
Fan Theories Are Running Wild
Could Jane Tennant Step Down?
Vanessa Lachey’s Jane Tennant has led the squad since day one. But some fans wonder if the finale will test her loyalty or ability to lead. Could she be reassigned, suspended — or even choose to walk away?
Is Boone Ready to Take Command?
With Tennant possibly facing challenges, Boone may be next in line. Could the finale set the stage for Boone stepping up as acting team leader?
Will We See More Crossovers?
Shared NCIS Universe Possibilities
Mills also teased that this finale may connect to other NCIS franchises. While he didn’t name names, fans suspect we could see cameos from NCIS: Los Angeles alumni or even characters from the mothership series.
The Stakes Are Higher Than Ever
Not Just Physical — Emotional Risks Too
Unlike other finales that focus purely on action, Mills suggested this one goes for the heart.
“It’s personal. It hits deep. Not everyone walks away the same,” he warned.
Hawaii as a Character — And It’s Changing Too
The Setting Evolves with the Story
NCIS: Hawaii has always embraced its setting, using the island’s beauty to create contrast with darker narratives. Season 3’s finale reportedly leans into the dichotomy of paradise and peril more than ever.
Expect more local politics, cultural themes, and community conflicts.
Behind-the-Scenes Hints
Bigger Budget, Bigger Action
Sources close to production say the finale had a higher budget and involved more night shoots, location changes, and action sequences than any episode so far. Translation? The stakes are higher than ever — literally and figuratively.
What This Means for Season 4
A Fresh Start, Not Just a Continuation
The way Mills framed things, Season 4 won’t just pick up where 3 left off. It may feel like a soft reboot, introducing new dynamics, characters, and possibly even a different mission focus for the team.
Conclusion: NCIS: Hawaii Is About to Break the Mold
If Noah Mills’ teasing is any indication, the NCIS: Hawaii Season 3 finale is about to flip the script on everything fans think they know. With a gripping two-parter, emotional depth, and game-changing consequences, the show is evolving — and fast. Whether that means characters leaving, power dynamics shifting, or storylines getting darker, one thing’s certain: the best is yet to come. Buckle up — because the island drama is about to erupt.
