The NCIS universe has always thrived on connections — a web of crossovers, cameos, and Easter eggs that reward fans who’ve stayed loyal across decades. And now, with Paramount+’s newest spinoff NCIS: Tony & Ziva, viewers are wondering if the latest episode just dropped a sly reference to one of the franchise’s most beloved badasses: Sam Hanna, LL COOL J’s Navy SEAL-turned-agent from NCIS: Los Angeles.
🚨 The Episode in Question: “To Be Determined”
In Episode 5, things go south for Tony (Michael Weatherly) and Ziva (Cote de Pablo). What starts as a mission to extract Interpol’s Secretary General Jonah (Julian Ovenden) quickly unravels when they discover Jonah’s actually aligned with their enemy, Martine (Nassima Benchicou).
Before long, Tony and Ziva find themselves locked up in a prison cell, stripped of their comms, and relying on wits, codes, and trust in their makeshift team. It’s during a tense hiding scene from the guards that Tony casually drops a line that set fandom buzzing:
He recalls meeting a Navy SEAL who still owes him $5 and wonders aloud if the man might help with an exfil.
Sound familiar? To NCIS: LA fans, that sounded a lot like Sam Hanna.
🕵️ The Sam Hanna Connection
Back in Season 7 of NCIS: Los Angeles, Michael Weatherly’s Tony DiNozzo crossed paths with Sam Hanna. Their dynamic was brief but memorable — Tony’s fast-talking charm bouncing off Sam’s stoic, tactical cool. For longtime viewers, the thought that Tony would reference a Navy SEAL “buddy” seemed like a wink at that shared history.
Could Tony really be calling on Sam in a roundabout way?
🎬 The Showrunner Speaks
TV Insider pressed showrunner John McNamara on whether fans were right to suspect a crossover Easter egg. His answer?
“Sam Hanna, deep cut! No, it’s not Sam. Or anyone from the NCISverse. But since he and Tony know each other, maybe Sam introduced them? I’d never made that connection, honestly — but you win NCIS Trivia Night.”
So, officially, no — the SEAL in question isn’t Sam. But even McNamara admits the connection makes sense.
💔 A Tragic Twist
While fans were distracted by the possible Easter egg, the episode delivered one of the season’s most heartbreaking moments. Tony and Ziva finally put their trust in Henry (James D’Arcy), Tony’s longtime Interpol friend. For once, their instincts were right: Henry wasn’t a traitor.
But in true NCIS fashion, his loyalty came at a devastating cost. Henry sacrificed himself during their escape, buying time so Tony and Ziva could save their daughter, Tali (Isla Gie), after she sent a chilling distress message.
🔮 What It Means for the Future
The Sam Hanna line may not have been intentional, but it underscores how vast — and interconnected — the NCIS universe has become. With Tony & Ziva leaning into emotional stakes, callbacks, and possible surprises, fans are already speculating: could we see an actual Sam cameo down the line?
LL COOL J has reprised his role in NCIS: Hawai’i, proving he’s still game to play. And with Tony and Ziva globe-trotting on dangerous missions, who’s to say a SEAL like Hanna couldn’t be called in for backup?
The Bottom Line
Whether or not Tony’s $5 Navy SEAL was Sam Hanna, the buzz proves one thing: fans are craving deeper crossovers in the NCIS world. And if Tony & Ziva keeps dropping breadcrumbs, the possibilities are endless.
After all, in this universe, no goodbye is ever final — and no debt, not even five bucks, is ever truly forgotten.
