When CBS announced that NCIS: Hawai’i was coming to an end, fans were left stunned. The spin-off built a passionate following, largely thanks to Vanessa Lachey’s portrayal of Special Agent in Charge Jane Tennant. While the series may have closed its final chapter, the story doesn’t necessarily stop there. Fans are still buzzing about what could have happened to Jane Tennant and her team after the credits rolled.
In this article, we’ll dive deep into the possibilities, exploring where each beloved character might be now, how their stories could continue, and why the NCIS universe will always leave the door open for their return.
The Emotional Impact of the NCIS: Hawai’i Ending
Every great TV series leaves behind a mix of satisfaction and longing, and NCIS: Hawai’i is no exception. The finale tied up some storylines, but it also left plenty of space for speculation. Viewers want closure, but they also crave the thrill of imagining what comes next. That’s exactly what keeps the NCIS franchise alive—there’s always another mission, another character arc waiting to unfold.
Jane Tennant: A Leader Whose Story Isn’t Finished
Jane Tennant’s Strength as a Character
Jane Tennant stood out as the first female lead in the NCIS franchise. She balanced authority with empathy, making her leadership both powerful and relatable. Her resilience became the backbone of the series.
What Could Be Next for Jane?
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A Move to Washington D.C. – Could Jane join forces with Gibbs’ legacy team?
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Leading a Special Task Force – With her experience, Jane could easily spearhead a high-level NCIS task force.
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A Mentor Role – Imagine Jane guiding the next generation of NCIS agents, passing down her wisdom.
Jane’s arc feels far from over, and the NCIS universe thrives on crossovers. It wouldn’t be shocking to see her pop up in another franchise installment.
Jesse Boone: The Rock of the Team
Why Jesse Was Loved
Jesse Boone, played by Noah Mills, was the team’s moral compass. He was steady, reliable, and protective—qualities every NCIS unit needs.
Life After the Finale
Jesse might have:
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Returned to the mainland for family reasons.
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Taken on a quieter role, like training new agents.
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Or, in true Boone style, stayed close to Tennant, ready for the next mission.
Lucy Tara: A Rising Star with Unlimited Potential
Lucy’s Journey
Lucy, portrayed by Yasmine Al-Bustami, captured hearts with her ambition and vulnerability. Her relationship with Kate Whistler also made headlines as one of the most talked-about LGBTQ+ storylines in NCIS history.
Future Possibilities
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Rising in the NCIS ranks, possibly taking command of her own unit.
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A spin-off focusing on Lucy and Kate as a crime-solving duo.
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Guest appearances in NCIS or NCIS: Los Angeles crossovers.
Lucy’s trajectory screams “unfinished business.”
Kate Whistler: The Political Powerhouse
Her Role in the Team
Kate Whistler brought a unique edge, bridging the gap between the NCIS and the Defense Intelligence Agency.
Post-Finale Theories
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A move to Washington for a bigger political role.
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Staying in Hawai’i but working behind the scenes on high-stakes intelligence.
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Supporting Lucy’s career while continuing her own climb up the ranks.
Her future feels tightly intertwined with Lucy’s, making them one of the NCIS universe’s strongest duos.
Kai Holman: The Lone Wolf with a Future
Why Kai Stood Out
Kai, played by Alex Tarrant, had the “rebel agent” energy. His independent streak often made him unpredictable but also essential.
Life After the Show
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Could Kai become a deep-cover operative?
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Might he step into a leadership role if Jane moved on?
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Or would he follow his own path outside NCIS altogether?
Kai’s mystery makes him one of the easiest characters to imagine in future storylines.
Ernie Malik: The Heart and Brain of the Operation
Ernie’s Contribution
Ernie Malik, the lovable tech wizard, was more than comic relief—he was the team’s brain. His quirky humor balanced the show’s heavier themes.
What Could Be Next
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Running cyber operations for NCIS globally.
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Becoming the “McGee” of another NCIS show.
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Taking on a teaching role at an NCIS academy.
Ernie’s charm guarantees he could fit anywhere in the NCIS universe.
The Legacy of NCIS: Hawai’i
Even though the series ended, the NCIS brand thrives because it’s more than just one team. Each spin-off leaves threads that can weave into future stories. The ending of Hawai’i might just be a pause rather than a full stop.
Crossover Dreams: Could We See Jane Tennant Again?
NCIS fans love crossovers. Jane Tennant already appeared in episodes of NCIS and NCIS: Los Angeles. This sets the stage for more appearances. If the franchise ever brings together its greatest agents for a massive event, you can bet Tennant and her crew would be there.
Why NCIS: Hawai’i Still Matters
Representation and Diversity
From Jane Tennant as the first female NCIS lead to Lucy and Kate’s groundbreaking romance, NCIS: Hawai’i pushed the franchise into new territory.
Cultural Impact
The Hawaiian setting wasn’t just a backdrop—it was a character in itself, showcasing local culture and adding richness to the show.
Fan Connection
The emotional investment fans made ensures that conversations about the team will continue for years.
Fan Theories That Refuse to Die
Some fans speculate that:
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Tennant could replace Director Vance one day.
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Lucy and Kate might headline a new spin-off.
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Jesse could join another NCIS unit stateside.
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Ernie might show up as the cyber brain in NCIS: Cyber 2.0.
The possibilities are endless because the NCIS universe thrives on reinvention.
Conclusion
NCIS: Hawai’i may have officially ended, but its characters still live vividly in the minds of fans. Jane Tennant’s leadership, Lucy and Kate’s romance, Jesse’s stability, Kai’s mystery, and Ernie’s humor left a lasting imprint on the NCIS world. The finale wasn’t a goodbye—it was an open invitation to imagine what’s next. Whether through crossovers, spin-offs, or fan-driven storytelling, the legacy of Jane Tennant’s team is far from over.
FAQs
1. Will Jane Tennant appear in another NCIS show?
There’s a strong chance. The franchise is famous for crossovers, and Jane is too big a character to vanish completely.
2. Could there be a spin-off with Lucy and Kate?
Absolutely. Their storyline was groundbreaking and still has plenty of potential.
3. Why was NCIS: Hawai’i canceled?
CBS cited cost and ratings, but fan demand could always bring characters back in another form.
4. Is NCIS planning a crossover event including Hawai’i characters?
Nothing official yet, but it’s a possibility that excites the fanbase.
5. Did the finale give full closure?
Not entirely. Some threads were tied up, but many storylines were left open—fueling fan theories about the future.
