NCIS: Hawai’i, an offshoot of the popular CBS procedural, follows Jane Tennant (Vanessa Lachey) and her dedicated team — Jesse Boone (Noah Mills), Kai Holman (Alex Tarrant), Lucy Tara (Yasmine Al-Bustami), and Ernie Malik (Jason Antoon) — as they solve varying crimes involving naval officers. Together, they are a force, but with the help of friends and coworkers like Kate Whistler (Tori Anderson), Commander Chase (Seana Kofoed), and Boom Boom (Sharif Atkins), they are unstoppable. As we gear up for another season, which is up in the air until studios begin to pay writers what they are worth and bring about an end to the strike, there is something that was, unfortunately, lacking in the second season (at least compared to the first season) and needs to be a priority: Lucy and Kate’s romance.
If you’ve been tuning in to NCIS: Hawai’i since day one, chances are you’ve noticed a little something missing in Season 3. Sure, there’s action. There’s mystery. There’s the paradise backdrop. But where’s the heart-pounding, can’t-look-away romance that made fans swoon in the early seasons? It’s no secret—Season 3 of NCIS: Hawai’i needs more romance. And not just for fluff. Romance fuels character growth, emotional depth, and viewer loyalty. Let’s dive into why adding more romantic arcs could seriously elevate this hit CBS show.
Why Romance in Crime Dramas Works So Well
Romance Adds Emotional Stakes
Let’s be real—bullets flying and case-solving are great, but when you add love into the mix? Now you’ve got something personal. Romance raises the emotional stakes. When two characters care about each other, every mission feels riskier.
Viewers Love a Good Ship
The fandom doesn’t lie. Social media is buzzing every time there’s a spark between team members. People love shipping couples—whether it’s slow burns or full-blown love stories.
Romance Humanizes the Heroes
These agents are brave and brilliant, but they’re also human. Seeing their vulnerabilities and relationships makes them feel real, relatable, and rooted.
The Romance We Miss: Lucy & Kate
The Original Power Couple
Remember Lucy Tara and Kate Whistler? Their relationship was ground-breaking—not just for LGBTQ+ representation, but for how genuine and heartfelt it felt. It wasn’t just a side plot—it mattered.
The Chemistry Was Off the Charts
These two had fire. Every glance, every moment of tension—they kept fans hooked. Their ups and downs added layers to the show that are missing in Season 3.
Season 3 Drifted Away from That Magic
So far, Season 3 has downplayed their connection. Lucy’s absence hasn’t helped, and even when Kate is on-screen, the emotional pull just isn’t there anymore. That’s a loss.
Missed Opportunities for Romance in Season 3
1. Lucy’s Deployment Could Have Been a Love Test
Instead of fading to the background, her absence could’ve been a story-rich challenge for Kate. Imagine letters, late-night calls, or even jealousy creeping in—gold for drama.
2. Kai Deserves a Real Love Arc
Kai’s a fan favorite, but where’s his romance? He’s cool, he’s mysterious, and frankly, he’s long overdue for a meaningful relationship that reveals his softer side.
3. Tennant’s Balancing Act Could Be Romantic Gold
As Special Agent in Charge and a single mom, Jane Tennant juggles everything. A romantic storyline could explore the push-pull between career and personal life, giving her depth beyond the badge.
The Potential Couples Season 3 Is Ignoring
Kai and Jessie
These two have chemistry—period. Whether it’s playful banter or shared danger, it wouldn’t take much to ignite a slow-burning romance that fans could get behind.
Ernie Needs a Love Life Too
He’s quirky, smart, and loyal. Ernie’s been everyone’s favorite tech guy, but imagine how fun—and adorable—a romantic storyline could be for him. Maybe a fellow analyst? Or even a long-distance mystery lover?
Jane and Captain Milius (Again)
Let’s not pretend they didn’t have a spark. Their previous fling had tension, heart, and potential. It’s time to revisit that, or at least introduce someone new worthy of Jane’s time.
Romance Isn’t Just Fluff—It’s Good Writing
It Boosts Ratings
From Bones to Castle to NCIS: LA, crime shows with strong romantic arcs keep fans coming back. Relationships build loyalty.
It Drives Character Growth
Love forces characters to confront themselves. It creates tension, vulnerability, and room for evolution—something every show needs to stay fresh.
It Expands the Audience
You don’t have to love crime shows to love a great romance. Adding emotional storylines can attract new demographics—especially younger or more romance-savvy viewers.
How ‘NCIS: Hawai’i’ Can Turn Things Around
1. Reignite Lucy and Kate
Even if Lucy’s off-screen, her presence can be felt. Messages, cameos, and heartfelt moments can keep their love alive—and give fans hope.
2. Introduce a New Romance for Kai
Let him fall in love. Seriously. Let’s see what he’s like when he’s not being the tough guy. Romantic vulnerability could be his best arc yet.
3. Give Tennant a Slow Burn Love Interest
We’re not asking for soap opera drama. Just give her a partner who challenges her, supports her, and makes her smile once in a while.
4. Let Ernie Be the Romantic Underdog
We’ve seen him save the day with tech. Let him try to win someone’s heart—with awkward charm and all.
What Fans Are Saying Online
“Bring back Lucy! We need Whistler and Tara moments!”
— Twitter user @islandhearts
“Kai is too hot to be single this long. Come on, writers.”
— Reddit post on r/NCISHawaii
“The show feels colder without the romance. Where’s the warmth?”
— Facebook comment on CBS official page
Fans are vocal—and they know what they want.
Writing Tips CBS Should Take to Heart
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Make it slow-burn, not instant. Tension is key.
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Use real conflict. No fake drama. Let it grow from who the characters are.
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Give it screen time. Don’t relegate romance to one-liners. Make it matter.
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Respect the audience. Romance lovers are smart. They know lazy writing when they see it.
Final Thoughts: Romance Can Save Season 3
NCIS: Hawai’i has the scenery, the action, and the characters. But without the heartbeat of real, consistent romance, it risks losing its emotional core. It’s time to bring back the passion. The longing. The “will-they-won’t-they” that keeps us watching even after the case is closed. Because in the end, we don’t just tune in for the crimes—we tune in for the connections.
