In a new promo for Season 3 of CBS’ NCIS: Hawai’i, Special Agent in Charge Jane Tennant (played by Vanessa Lachey) is still reeling a bit from her rogue, and traumatic, op in Venezuela. Can Los Angeles transplant Sam Hanna (LL Cool J) help Tennant get her mojo back?

When last we tuned in, Jane was in the course of escaping a pair of back-from-the-dead Adrian Creel’s henchmen when a sniper shot rang out from a nearby hill, felling the second of her and Whistler’s (Tori Anderson) pursuers. The shooter, Special Agent Sam Hanna, then rang Jane’s cell to make reference to the fact that, yes, the NCIS: Los Angeles series finale had deposited him (and Callen) 6,800 km away in Morocco, but also to offer Tennant his future services.

As it would turn out, while Jane worried what the fallout would be for letting superspy Maggie Shaw slip away, Supervisory Agent John Swift (guest star Henry Ian Cusick) was seen talking to someone on the phone about how “it couldn’t hurt to plus-up the team” in Pearl Harbor.

If you thought the stakes couldn’t get any higher in NCIS: Hawai’i, think again.

The Season 3 trailer doesn’t just tease action, explosions, and undercover missions. It delivers something even more compelling — heart. And right at the center of it? A powerful pep talk between Sam Hanna and Jane Tennant that already has fans buzzing.

Let’s break it down.

NCIS: Hawai’i Season 3 — A New Chapter Begins

Season 3 of NCIS: Hawai’i is shaping up to be the most emotionally charged installment yet. After last season’s intense cliffhangers and shifting team dynamics, the new trailer promises growth, tension, and a deeper dive into leadership.

But what truly stands out isn’t just the high-octane action.

It’s the connection.

Sam Hanna Steps Into a Bigger Role

Fans of the franchise were thrilled when Sam Hanna made his transition from NCIS: Los Angeles into Hawai’i’s orbit. And now? He’s not just visiting. He’s investing.

Sam’s presence in Season 3 feels intentional. He’s steady. Strategic. Battle-tested.

And when he talks — people listen.

The Jane Tennant Pep Talk That Changes Everything

Let’s talk about that scene.

In the trailer, Jane Tennant appears weighed down. Leadership isn’t light work. It’s pressure. It’s responsibility. It’s carrying your team’s safety on your shoulders.

Enter Sam.

His words aren’t loud. They aren’t dramatic. But they land. Hard.

He reminds Jane who she is. Why she leads. Why the team believes in her.

It’s not just advice — it’s affirmation.

And honestly? It’s one of the most grounded, human moments we’ve seen in the series.

Why This Moment Matters for Season 3

This pep talk isn’t filler. It’s foundation.

Leadership Under Pressure

Jane has always been strong, decisive, and compassionate. But strength doesn’t mean invincible. The trailer hints at internal struggles — doubts that even the most capable leaders face.

Sam’s conversation reframes her mindset.

It signals growth.

The Power of Mentorship in the NCIS Universe

Throughout the broader NCIS franchise, mentorship has been a recurring theme. From Gibbs guiding his agents to crossovers that bridge teams, wisdom gets passed down like a torch.

Sam stepping into that mentor role? It feels earned.

The Return of the ‘Dynamic Duo’

Now let’s get to what fans are REALLY excited about.

The trailer teases the return of the fan-favorite “dynamic duo.” While the show thrives on ensemble chemistry, certain partnerships just click differently.

You know the type.

The partners who move without speaking.
The ones who trust blindly.
The duo that feels like two sides of the same coin.

Season 3 promises more of that energy.

Why Audiences Love a Strong Partnership

Think about it — every great series has its iconic pair.

It’s not just about skill. It’s about rhythm. Banter. Unspoken loyalty.

The dynamic duo teased in the trailer brings back that spark. It reminds viewers why they fell in love with the team in the first place.

Action, Emotion, and Higher Stakes

Yes, the pep talk is powerful. But this is still NCIS.

And the action? Intense.

Explosive Missions Await

The trailer flashes quick cuts of:

• Tactical operations

• High-speed chases

• Undercover confrontations

• Split-second decisions

Season 3 isn’t slowing down. If anything, it’s accelerating.

Emotional Fallout From Past Events

Season 2 left lingering questions and emotional scars. Season 3 seems ready to address them head-on.

There’s tension in the air.

Trust will be tested.
Alliances might shift.
And leadership will be challenged.

Character Development Takes Center Stage

One of the biggest strengths of NCIS: Hawai’i has always been its balance between case-of-the-week storytelling and character-driven arcs.

Season 3 leans deeper into personal growth.

Jane’s Evolution as a Leader

Jane isn’t just leading missions — she’s navigating motherhood, authority, and expectation. Sam’s pep talk reinforces that leadership isn’t about perfection.

It’s about resilience.

Team Chemistry Reignited

The trailer hints at stronger collaboration, sharper banter, and renewed trust within the squad.

That dynamic duo energy? It radiates outward.

What Makes This Trailer So Effective?

Let’s break it down.

Emotional Hook First, Action Second

Instead of leading with explosions, the trailer opens with character.

That’s smart.

It reminds viewers that the heart of NCIS has always been its people.

Nostalgia Meets Forward Momentum

By incorporating Sam — a beloved figure from the larger universe — the show bridges past and present.

It’s comfort food with a twist.

The Broader Impact on the NCIS Franchise

The integration of characters across series keeps the universe interconnected. It creates depth. Continuity.

And it rewards loyal fans.

Sam’s continued involvement strengthens that shared DNA.

Why Fans Are Already Talking

Social media lit up within minutes of the trailer’s release.

Why?

Because it delivers exactly what fans crave:

• Emotional authenticity

• Meaningful character moments

• High-stakes drama

• Strong partnerships

It’s a formula that works — and Season 3 seems to be refining it.

Predictions for Season 3

Let’s speculate for a moment.

Could Sam take on a more permanent advisory role?
Will Jane face a leadership decision that reshapes the team?
Will the dynamic duo face their toughest mission yet?

The trailer plants the seeds. Now we wait for them to grow.

Final Thoughts — Season 3 Feels Different (In the Best Way)

There’s something more grounded about this season already.

More intentional.

The Sam/Jane pep talk isn’t flashy. It’s foundational. It reminds us that even heroes need reassurance. Even leaders need someone in their corner.

And that dynamic duo energy? It’s back — sharper, stronger, and ready for whatever comes next.

If the trailer is any indication, NCIS: Hawai’i Season 3 won’t just entertain.

It’ll resonate.

Conclusion

The Season 3 trailer for NCIS: Hawai’i proves that this series isn’t just about crime-solving — it’s about connection. Sam’s heartfelt pep talk to Jane underscores the emotional intelligence driving the new season, while the return of the beloved dynamic duo injects fresh excitement. With higher stakes, deeper character exploration, and explosive missions on the horizon, Season 3 looks poised to be the show’s strongest chapter yet. Fans aren’t just watching for action anymore — they’re watching for growth, mentorship, and the kind of partnership that defines great storytelling.

FAQs

1. What is the focus of the NCIS: Hawai’i Season 3 trailer?

The trailer centers on an emotional pep talk between Sam Hanna and Jane Tennant, along with teasing high-stakes missions and the return of a fan-favorite duo.

2. How does Sam Hanna impact Season 3?

Sam steps into a mentorship role, offering leadership guidance and stability that strengthens the team dynamic.

3. Will the dynamic duo have a major storyline this season?

The trailer strongly suggests their partnership will play a significant role in upcoming missions and character arcs.

4. Is Season 3 more emotional than previous seasons?

Based on the trailer, yes. There’s a stronger emphasis on leadership struggles and personal growth.

5. Does Season 3 connect to the broader NCIS universe?

Absolutely. Sam’s presence reinforces the interconnected storytelling across the NCIS franchise.