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.
When it comes to primetime television, there’s a secret sauce that keeps viewers coming back week after week. It’s not just explosive action or clever plot twists. It’s chemistry—especially the kind that brews between two compelling characters. In NCIS: Hawai’i, that spark has a name: Kate Whistler and Lucy Tara. But here’s the thing: Season 3 is starving us of it. Let’s break down why this slow-burning romance deserves a bigger spotlight and how it could inject new life into the show.
The Heart of the Show: Chemistry in Paradise
Romance Meets Action—Why It Works
What do shows like Bones, Castle, and Grey’s Anatomy have in common? Romance. They nailed the art of pairing heart-pounding plotlines with emotional intimacy. NCIS: Hawai’i has already laid the groundwork with Lucy and Kate. Why stop now?
Why Lucy & Kate Are More Than Just Background
These two aren’t just a side story. They’ve become fan favorites with real emotional depth. They’re not thrown together for token representation—they earn their moments.
The Power of Representation Done Righ
Authentic LGBTQ+ Storylines Matter
Let’s be honest—authentic queer love stories on network TV are still too rare. Lucy and Kate’s relationship stands out because it feels real. It’s not forced or overly dramatized. It’s raw, relatable, and worth more screen time.
Representation Builds Loyalty
Want to keep audiences engaged? Make them feel seen. The romance between Lucy and Kate isn’t just “nice to have”—it’s crucial for inclusivity and deepening audience connection.
Turning Up the Heat in Season 3
The Romantic Tension is Being Wasted
In Season 1 and 2, we saw passion, tension, breakups, makeups—everything a good shipper lives for. But Season 3? Crickets. The spark’s still there, but it’s being suffocated by subplots.
Missed Opportunities for Emotional Payoff
Remember that epic airport kiss? That was peak TV. Season 3 needs more emotional high points like that to balance the crime-solving with character growth.
Fans Are Literally Asking For It
Social Media Is Screaming #MoreWhistlerTara
From TikTok to Twitter (or should we say X?), fans are demanding more screen time for their favorite couple. Fan edits, trending hashtags, and passionate posts don’t lie—this couple is the heartbeat of the fandom.
Ratings Could Skyrocket With More Romance
Love stories have universal appeal. The more invested viewers are in the characters, the more likely they’ll stick around. Emotion drives loyalty.
Building a Romance That Lasts
Let Them Grow Together
Every romance needs its struggles—but we also want to see growth. Let Lucy and Kate evolve not just as partners, but as individuals within a couple.
Showcase Real Conflicts, Real Resolutions
Forget soap-level drama. We want grounded storytelling. Misunderstandings, work-life conflict, cultural clashes—give us challenges that reflect real life.
Why Every Episode Should Include a Lucy-Kate Beat
Even if it’s just a coffee date or a shared look, each episode should give us something. That small moment? It means everything to viewers rooting for them.
Integrate Romance Into the Plot
No need to pause the action. Their relationship can evolve naturally within cases—supporting each other, disagreeing on strategy, or even saving one another in life-or-death moments. That’s where magic happens.
Romance That Adds Depth, Not Distraction
They’re Not Just a “Cute Couple”—They’re Complex
Both Lucy and Kate are fiercely independent, flawed, and driven. Together, they’re not just adorable—they’re compelling. Show more of that push and pull.
Writers, Take Notes—Here’s What Fans Want
Give Them More Dialogue and Intimacy
We’re not asking for a rom-com. Just a little intimate conversation, shared vulnerability, and more moments of connection. Even subtle cues go a long way.
Make Their Love Story Central, Not Side
Imagine the ratings and reviews if Lucy and Kate were a central narrative thread. The potential for storytelling is endless—and audiences are already hooked.
It’s Time to Normalize Queer Love on Network TV
HMake Romance a Norm, Not a Novelty
The only way to normalize queer relationships is to show them just like straight ones. Let them be messy, romantic, silly, sexy, complicated—just like everyone else.
Wrapping It All Up: Why This Romance Matters
Lucy and Kate aren’t just a ship—they’re a symbol. They show what it means to love authentically in a world full of danger and duty. Season 3 has the chance to build something beautiful, to deepen character arcs, and to elevate NCIS: Hawai’i beyond procedural TV.
