In NCIS: Hawai’i Season 2, the powers that be were forced to write Lucy out for several episodes due to the actor having scheduling conflicts. In the show, Lucy took a position as Special Agent Afloat, which had her out at sea for several weeks, leaving behind her life in Hawai’i. (Despite her fear of water, considering the situation was outside the writers’ control, we’ll give them credit for pulling together a meaningful temporary exit for Lucy.) Lucy’s absence was felt on every level, and when she did return, it didn’t feel like there was enough of a spotlight on the character considering how long she had been gone. There was one episode that split focus between Hawai’i and Lucy’s new life, where Lucy solved a case on board the ship where she was stationed, and then her return came about unexpectedly.
After ward, she quickly got back in step with everyone. After being gone for eight episodes, it didn’t feel like enough time was spent with the character to “make up” for her time away, though it’s possible this was due to continuing scheduling conflicts. While colleague Jesse’s primary focus is his role on the team, Lucy’s has been fairly split between her job and her love life — neither of which felt fully fulfilling upon her return. There didn’t feel to be enough exploration of how Lucy’s absence really impacted those she left behind, nor how being gone for so long and confronting her worst fear changed Lucy herself. There was a little bit of exploration here, sure, but not nearly enough.
Meanwhile, Kate remained in touch with the team and helped them out on several occasions, allowing her to become even more entrenched in this chosen family than she was before. However, her role and story suffered somewhat because of Lucy’s diminished presence. Her primary focus is (more often than not) her relationship with Lucy, and this was just suddenly cut out of the show for nearly a third of the season. So, it simply didn’t feel the same with Kate without Lucy’s presence.
Kate didn’t have much of a personal story with Lucy out of the picture, even though it was nice to see her continue to bond with the team and prove her connection with them is not solely due to her relationship with Lucy. It further increased her relevance, on her own, to the show, ultimately building Jane’s unwavering trust in her when Jane needed help in the two-part finale of Season 2. Nonetheless, until Lucy returned to our screens, the series lost some of its charm, especially as Kate and Lucy’s romance is the only romance we’re seeing.
A Character’s Exit That Changed Everything
In a show like NCIS: Hawai’i, character dynamics matter just as much as the cases they solve. That’s why Lucy Tara’s noticeable absence in much of Season 2 wasn’t just a minor detail—it left a giant emotional hole in both the show and in Kate Whistler’s storyline. Viewers who fell in love with the fiery chemistry between Lucy and Kate were left wondering, Where’s Lucy? and What does this mean for Kate? Let’s dive deep into how Lucy’s exit from the show shaped Season 2 in ways fans couldn’t ignore—and why her absence may have been the most underrated twist of the season.
The Sudden Exit – Why Lucy Was Missing from Season 2
Scheduling Conflicts Behind the Scenes
Lucy, played by Yasmine Al-Bustami, stepped away from NCIS: Hawai’i early in Season 2 due to scheduling conflicts. This wasn’t a dramatic firing or a storyline-driven departure—it was logistics. But sometimes, the most subtle changes behind the scenes can ripple out in huge ways on screen.
The Creative Fallout
Writers were left with a narrative puzzle: how do you maintain emotional continuity between Kate and Lucy with one of them gone? The answer: with difficulty.
Kate Whistler’s Emotional Evolution Without Lucy
From Lover to Lone Wolf
Kate Whistler, played by Tori Anderson, started Season 2 strong and in love. But once Lucy was gone, we saw a major shift. Her smiles were fewer. Her confidence—usually cool and calculated—showed cracks. It wasn’t just a romantic subplot lost; it was a key part of her personality dimmed.
Professional Growth, Personal Loss
Kate took on more responsibility at work, diving deeper into her role as an FBI liaison. She became sharper, more focused—but noticeably colder. It was clear: she was using work to fill the void left by Lucy.
The Kacy Relationship – Stuck in Limbo
Fan Favorite Couple Put on Pause
The Kate-Lucy romance (lovingly dubbed “Kacy” by fans) was more than a background relationship—it was groundbreaking. One of the most authentic LGBTQ+ romances on TV, it gave fans hope. Season 1 ended with them taking steps forward. Season 2? It felt like a rewind.
Minimal Communication, Maximum Tension
Their relationship was kept alive through scattered phone calls and brief mentions. But without physical presence, those moments felt hollow. The chemistry that once lit up the screen had to be imagined by fans instead of witnessed.
Viewer Backlash and Fan Reactions
Social Media Uproar
Fans took to Twitter, Reddit, and Tumblr to voice their frustration. Many felt misled, having expected more of the couple they’d grown to love. Hashtags like #BringBackLucy and #KacyDeservedBetter trended weekly.
Emotional Disconnection
The absence led to emotional disconnection. Fans who tuned in specifically for Kacy found themselves watching a different show—a colder, lonelier version of what they’d signed up for.
The Team Dynamic Took a Hit
Missing the Fire and Fun
Lucy wasn’t just Kate’s girlfriend—she was the team’s heart. Her vibrant energy, quick wit, and offbeat approach brought levity to intense moments. Her absence left the team dynamic a bit flatter and more procedural.
Chemistry That Couldn’t Be Replaced
Other characters tried to step up, but no one could quite fill Lucy’s shoes. The rhythm of the show was altered, and even casual viewers noticed.
Behind the Scenes – Cast and Crew Speak Out
Mutual Respect Among the Cast
Despite the absence, Tori Anderson (Kate) and Yasmine Al-Bustami remained supportive of each other’s work. In interviews, they often praised each other’s talent and hinted at future reunions.
Writers Walking a Tightrope
Writers had the tricky job of preserving the essence of Kacy while adapting to real-world challenges. Some fans appreciated the effort. Others felt more could’ve been done.
The Return – When Lucy Came Back
A Long-Awaited Reunion
Lucy’s eventual return was bittersweet. It reminded fans of what they’d been missing—but it also made the gap in the storyline all the more glaring.
Trying to Pick Up the Pieces
The characters tried to reconnect, but things weren’t the same. Just like in real relationships, time apart had changed them. That realism hit hard for viewers.
The Larger Impact on Representation
A Step Forward, Then a Step Back
Kacy was a win for LGBTQ+ representation on network TV. But Lucy’s absence felt like a step back—a missed opportunity to show a loving, complex queer relationship in full bloom.
Visibility Matters
Representation isn’t just about checking boxes. It’s about consistency. Visibility. Storytelling that reflects real lives. The absence interrupted that visibility at a crucial time.
What Could’ve Been Done Differently
Writing Around the Absence
Could the writers have included Lucy more through video calls or remote scenes? Maybe. Would that have helped maintain emotional momentum? Probably.
Leaning into the Heartbreak
Instead of glossing over the emotional toll, the show could’ve explored Kate’s heartbreak more deeply. A rawer storyline might’ve resonated more with viewers.
Lessons for Season 3 and Beyond
Consistency Builds Loyalty
If the showrunners learned anything, it’s this: consistent character presence builds loyal fanbases. Disrupt that—and you risk losing emotional investment.
Give Kacy Their Moment
Season 3 should give Kacy space to breathe, heal, and grow—onscreen. After all, love stories deserve screen time, especially the ones breaking barriers.
Conclusion: A Love Left Hanging
Lucy’s absence in NCIS: Hawai’i Season 2 wasn’t just a temporary change—it was a major disruption. It impacted the tone, the team, and most of all, Kate Whistler’s emotional journey. While we understand that real-world logistics affect TV shows, fans were right to feel the void. And hopefully, future seasons will give the characters—and viewers—the emotional closure they deserve.
