Setting the Stage – Who’s Sam and Why His Return Matters
Let’s kick off: If you’ve been following NCIS, you know Sam Hanna isn’t just another Special Agent. Originally prominent in NCIS: Los Angeles, his reappearance in Season 22 of the flagship NCIS signals more than fan service. It could be a deliberate move to strengthen narrative ties between all the NCIS offices.
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Who is Sam Hanna? Ex-Navy SEAL, former DEA agent, integral part of the LA team.
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Why was he gone (for many)? Actors, story arcs, spin-offs.
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Why is now his return a big deal? Because NCIS is increasingly leaning into cross-office storytelling.
The NCIS Multiverse – How Multiple Offices Shape the Universe
NCIS Offices Across the Nation (and Beyond)
There’s NCIS in Washington, LA, and sometimes even beyond. Each office has its own vibe, cases, and agents. But as plot threads weave together, the line between separate shows blurs.
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NCIS Washington: the “original”.
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NCIS Los Angeles: more action-heavy, deep undercover operations.
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NCIS: New Orleans, etc. (when active).
Shared Threats and Story Arcs
Often, national security threats cross boundaries. Terrorism, cybercrime, high-level conspiracies—they don’t stay in one city.
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Crossover episodes.
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Shared characters (like Sam).
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Overarching villains or conspiracies that force collaboration.
Sam’s Return – Clues from Season 22
First Teasers and Easter Eggs
Looking closely at promos and early episodes of Season 22, fans have spotted:
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Subtle references to LA protocols.
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Dialogue that treats Sam as both familiar and distant.
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Situations that don’t just need local NCIS work—but cross-office expertise.
His Role – Consultant, Agent, Bridge?
Is Sam back full time, or more like a pulsing presence? Here are possibilities:
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Consultant Role: Helping with specific case(s) that tie to LA.
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Full Agent: Operating in Washington but bringing in contacts.
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Bridge: Acting as liaison among NCIS branches.
Why NCIS Would Do This – Behind the Writing and Production
Expanding the Universe
TV series today thrive on shared universes. Think Marvel, Arrowverse, etc. Connecting NCIS branches allows:
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Broader storytelling possibilities.
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Larger fan engagement.
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More crossovers, boosting ratings.
Fan Demand and Nostalgia
Fans cherish Sam. His relationships, his moral compass, the action. Bringing him back:
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Taps into nostalgia.
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Rewards long-time viewers.
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Creates buzz on social media.
Logistic Advantages for Writers
Using characters familiar from other offices gives writers more flexibility:
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Use existing backstories without needing to invent everything.
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Swap characters across locations.
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Improve continuity.
Tying Sam into Other Offices – Potential Scenarios
A Case Spanning Multiple Locations
Imagine a case that starts in LA, moves to Washington, then maybe even overseas—Sam’s presence makes sense for continuity.
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Joint task force.
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Crime syndicate threats.
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Federal-level issues.
Personal Missions and Legacy
Sam could have personal stakes—family, old friends, or bringing down someone from his past—that connect across offices.
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Old enemies tied to LA and Washington.
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Family connections in different states.
Mentorship and Leadership
Could Sam be mentoring younger agents in other offices?
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Passing knowledge from LA’s undercover-heavy world.
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Showing how to blend fieldwork with diplomacy.
Evidence from Dialogues, Scenes, and Character Interactions
Cross References to Events in LA
Lines that refer to LA-only events or people (that only Sam’s character could know well) act as proof.
Interactions with Washington-based NCIS Agents
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How do agents react to Sam’s return?
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Do they recognize his credentials?
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Are they surprised, respectful, wary?
Geographical and Jurisdictional Moments
Scenes that show Sam moving between locations, or NCIS referencing jurisdiction issues—suggest his role isn’t confined.
Risks and Challenges of Pulling This Off
Consistency Trouble
With multiple offices, risk of:
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Conflicting backstories.
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Timeline mismatches.
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Character motivations that don’t align.
Overcrowding the Cast
Too many heavy characters can dilute screen time. If Sam appears everywhere, does he overshadow local agents?
Fan Expectations vs Reality
Fans may expect grand crossovers or explosive events. Could disappoint if Sam’s return is too small or underwhelming.
How This Strengthens the NCIS Brand
More Interconnectedness Means More Engagement
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Viewers getting clues from different series.
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Social media discussion over cross-show references.
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Increased loyalty as fans follow all branches.
Possibilities for Spin-Offs, Specials, Crossovers
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Special episodes featuring all NCIS offices.
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Sam-led missions bridging them.
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Potential for spin-offs or limited series that use his arc.
What Fans Should Watch For
Subtle Hints in Script
Throwaway lines, surprise flashbacks, mentions of past LA cases.
Movement Between Settings
Recognize when Sam is in Washington, then LA, or vice versa. Pay attention to where he’s operating from.
Responses From LA Alumni
Characters who worked with Sam in LA showing up—helping build that bridge.
The Significance of Timing – Why Season 22?
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The show may be hitting a milestone.
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Writers may see it as the right moment for change.
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Viewership trends pushing for reinvigoration.
Comparison With Other TV Universes
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Law & Order: crossover episodes among different cities.
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Chicago universe.
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Arrowverse.
NCIS taking a page from these, uniting offices through characters like Sam.
Conclusion
Sam Hanna’s appearance in NCIS Season 22 isn’t just a cameo—it’s a strategic move. It offers the writers a chance to knit together disparate NCIS offices, deepen the storytelling, reward loyal fans, and open up fresh narrative doors. Whether Sam returns as a consultant, mentor, or fully embedded agent, his presence signals that NCIS is steering toward a more connected universe. If done well, this approach can bring emotional depth, raise stakes, and unify the franchise in ways we’ve only glimpsed so far.
