CBS‘ very recently cancelled NCIS: Hawai’i this Monday night served up Part 1 of its Season 3 — and now series — finale. How high are the stakes heading into next week’s very final episode? (And who didn’t make it out of Part 1 alive?)
The episode “Spill the Tea” opened with Jesse, Kai and a grabbed-during-her-morning jog Lucy rudely rounded up and loaded into a van by NCIS Elite (sorry, ELITE, since it’s an acronym) team members Rosemary and Thyme. They were delivered to ELITE’s top-secret holding center, where Jane and her team, Dr. Chase included, were needed to work a crime scene — the crime being Volkov aka The Chemist’s murder, by poisoned tea. We learned that Special Agent Swift had tea with Volkov every day; in fact, the fed prepared and served the tea himself, so there were no clues there. Dr. Chase eventually deduced that Volkov had a heavily compromised immune system (due to his years of work with noxious chemicals), and he had been slowly poisoned by regular servings of tea that contained an herbal supplement that triggered a deadly allergic reaction.
Meanwhile, Kai and Lucy had gone looking for the procurements guy who outfitted the ELITE hub, and instead found who they come to realize is a killer for a Bratva faction. That led the “NCIS Regular” and NCIS ELITE teams to a motel where other Russkies were holed up. A firefight ensued, Bratva goons died, and the agents found a frightened young woman being held prisoner: Dr. Annalise Cruz, Volkov’s assistant.
The end of an era is near. NCIS: Hawai’i is wrapping up, and the final few episodes have turned up the emotional heat like never before. But as we head toward the series finale, one question has viewers everywhere reeling: who died before the final episode? Let’s break it all down—the drama, the heartbreak, the unexpected twist, and what it all means heading into next week’s emotional conclusion.
Setting the Stage—The Build-Up to the Series Finale
NCIS: Hawai’i has never been short on action, but the past few episodes have taken the tension to another level. As Season 3 approached its end, it was clear something major was about to go down. The showrunners hinted at loss, betrayal, and an emotional climax—and they weren’t kidding.
The Task Force’s Final Mission Gets Complicated
As the team dove into a high-stakes operation involving international arms dealers and corrupt intelligence operatives, things began to spiral. Threats were mounting from every direction. Each character was facing personal stakes, and the writing was on the wall: not everyone would survive.
Vanessa Lachey’s Jane Tennant—Caught in the Crossfire
Tennant, played by Vanessa Lachey, has always been the glue holding the team together. But the last episode showed her in deep danger—outnumbered and outgunned. While she’s made it through countless risky missions, this time felt different. And while she survived, the price paid was heavy.
The Shocking Death That Changed Everything
Jesse Boone—Gone Too Soon
One of the most jaw-dropping moments came with the death of Jesse Boone (Noah Mills). The beloved second-in-command didn’t make it out alive. Boone took a bullet while saving Tennant during the mission gone wrong—a true hero’s sacrifice. The moment was heartbreaking, sudden, and real.
Fans were devastated. Social media exploded with shock and tributes to the character.
Why Boone’s Death Hit So Hard
Boone wasn’t just a team member—he was family. His easygoing nature, loyalty, and role as the team’s moral compass made him one of the most relatable and loved characters. His loss will shape the final episode in major ways, especially as the team seeks justice for his killer.
Emotional Fallout Across the Team
Lucy and Kate Struggle With the Loss
Lucy Tara (Yasmine Al-Bustami) and Kate Whistler (Tori Anderson) were already navigating personal and professional chaos, but Boone’s death rocks them. The grief brings some clarity but also pushes them into dangerous territory. Expect bold moves in the finale.
Kai’s Guilt and Vengeance Arc
Alex Tarrant’s Kai is visibly shaken. He blames himself for the mission’s failure. His grief is driving him to the edge, and it’s setting up a possible revenge arc in the final episode. Could we see Kai break NCIS rules to settle the score?
Plot Threads Still Dangling Before the Finale
Several questions remain unanswered:
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Who ordered the hit?
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Will Tennant go rogue?
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Is another death looming?
The writers are clearly saving some final twists for the last hour.
A Final Mission… or a Trap?
The team’s final operation is being framed as their last chance at redemption. But is it a setup? The death of Boone has rattled their instincts—and with enemies still in play, trusting anyone could be fatal.
Fan Theories Running Wild
Let’s be real—NCIS fans are theorists by nature. And this time, theories are flying:
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Is Boone really dead? Some viewers believe a fake-out might be in play.
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Will Gibbs make a surprise appearance? There’s chatter about a legacy character cameo.
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Could Tennant leave NCIS for good?
All possible. All juicy.
The NCIS Universe Always Has Secrets
Remember, NCIS: Hawai’i plays within a larger NCIS world. Surprises, faked deaths, and unexpected returns have all happened before. That said, Boone’s funeral scenes in the preview seem very final.
Social Media Reactions—Fans in Mourning
The hashtag #NCISHawaii trended immediately after Boone’s death. Fans poured out love, rage, and tears in equal measure. Many praised the writers for the bold move but begged for a satisfying, heroic ending in the finale.
Tributes to Noah Mills Pour In
Noah Mills received a wave of support from fans and fellow cast members. His portrayal of Boone was lauded as “grounded,” “real,” and “the heart of the team.” His exit marks a turning point for the show and its legacy.
What to Expect in the Series Finale
With Boone gone, tensions are at their peak. Here’s what we expect:
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One final mission with sky-high stakes
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Kai on the edge of losing control
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Tennant taking risks that could end her career—or life
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A tribute moment that honors Boone’s memory
The Legacy of NCIS: Hawai’i
NCIS: Hawai’i gave fans something special—a diverse, island-rooted team of relatable heroes. With rich character development and authentic stories, it carved out its place in the NCIS franchise. Boone’s death, while heartbreaking, is a bold move to cement the show’s emotional impact.
Conclusion: The Final Aloha Is Almost Here
We’re not just watching a finale—we’re saying goodbye to a story that mattered. Jesse Boone’s death reminds us that in the world of NCIS, justice has a cost. But more than that, it reminds us how deeply we can care about fictional heroes when they’re written with heart. As we count down to next week’s final episode, one thing is certain: it’s going to be unforgettable.
