When it comes to NCIS: Los Angeles, fans know to expect heart-stopping drama, nail-biting suspense, and enough twists to leave everyone second-guessing. But Season 12, Episode 9 delivered a curveball that has left the fandom reeling: Did Anna Kolcheck betray Grisha Callen — or is something far more sinister at play?
This episode didn’t just shake Callen’s personal life; it cracked open a mystery that could unravel everything he holds dear. The episode’s final moments left fans with their jaws on the floor and their minds spinning with questions. Let’s break down the drama, the theories, and what this shocking twist means for the future of NCIS: Los Angeles.
The Proposal That Never Happened
Callen has never been the poster child for commitment. From a childhood marred by abandonment to a career built on secrets and lies, trust doesn’t come easy for him. So when he decided to propose to Anna Kolcheck — the woman who somehow managed to break through his walls — it was more than just a romantic gesture. It was a statement.
But just when we thought Callen was ready for his happily-ever-after, the universe had other plans. Armed with a ring and determination, he arrives at Anna’s supposed hotel — only to be told by the receptionist that no humanitarian team has been there in weeks. The woman he loves, the woman he was about to marry, might have been lying to him the whole time.
Anna Kolcheck: Lover, Fighter… Liar?
Anna Kolcheck (Bar Paly) has always been a fascinating wildcard in the NCIS: LA universe. The daughter of Arkady Kolcheck, she carries a legacy of intrigue and secrets. Over the years, her romance with Callen has been one of the show’s most compelling arcs — filled with undeniable chemistry and, yes, plenty of complications.
But Anna’s actions in Episode 9 raise eyebrows. Why would she tell Callen she’s away on a humanitarian mission if that wasn’t the case? Is she running from something… or someone? And more importantly, is she running from Callen himself?
Three Theories Fans Can’t Stop Talking About
As the credits rolled, the internet exploded with speculation. Here are the top theories dominating fan forums and social media:
1. Anna Lied — But To Protect Callen
The most popular theory paints Anna not as a villain, but as a protector. Fans believe she may have discovered a dangerous plot and lied to keep Callen out of harm’s way. If true, her silence could be the ultimate act of love — but one that risks destroying their relationship.
2. Anna Has Been Kidnapped
Paralleling the shocking kidnapping of Kam Hanna (Sam’s daughter) in the same episode, some viewers suspect Anna met a similar fate. If someone is targeting the families of NCIS agents, Callen and Sam could both be in for the fight of their lives.
3. The Arkady Factor
Never underestimate Arkady Kolcheck. Fans suspect he may have orchestrated this entire scenario, either to protect his daughter from a looming threat or to prevent a marriage he doesn’t approve of. If Arkady’s involved, nothing is ever simple.
The Kam Hanna Connection
Kam’s storyline is more than just a side plot — it’s the key to something bigger. Her abduction signals that someone is sending a message, and the timing of Anna’s disappearance feels too coincidental to ignore. Are the two cases connected? If so, we could be looking at a massive conspiracy targeting the very core of the NCIS: LA team.
Callen’s Trust Issues Explode
Callen’s lifelong struggle with trust is no secret. After a childhood filled with betrayals and unanswered questions, he learned early on to rely on no one but himself. Anna was the exception — the person he dared to let in. Now, that fragile trust has been shattered.
Will Callen channel his pain into finding Anna, or will this break him in ways we’ve never seen before? One thing is certain: the fallout will be emotional and explosive.
Why This Episode Changed Everything
Season 12, Episode 9 wasn’t just another case-of-the-week. It was a turning point for Callen’s character and the show itself. The unanswered questions, the layered mysteries, and the emotional stakes have set the stage for some of the most intense episodes in NCIS: LA history.
What’s Next for Callen and Anna?
Whether Anna is lying, missing, or caught in a deadly conspiracy, her future with Callen hangs by a thread. Fans are desperate for answers, but one thing is clear: this love story will never be the same.
Final Take
Did Anna betray Callen? Or is she the victim of a dangerous game? Season 12’s shocking twist proves that NCIS: Los Angeles is far from running out of surprises. Whatever the truth may be, the impact will ripple through every relationship and mission going forward.
One thing is certain: the truth is coming — and when it does, it could destroy everything Callen thought he knew.
