For fourteen seasons, LL Cool J graced the screens as the formidable and charismatic Senior Special Agent Sam Hanna on NCIS: Los Angeles. As the beloved spin-off prepared to air its final episodes in May 2023, marking the end of an era for both the cast and its dedicated fanbase, LL Cool J revealed a surprising and unique approach to filming the series finale: he deliberately chose not to read the final script beforehand, opting instead to experience the culmination of Sam Hanna’s journey in real-time as they filmed.
A Decision Rooted in Trust and the Moment
In an exclusive interview leading up to the two-part finale, LL Cool J shared his reasoning behind this unconventional decision. Rather than poring over the final script pages, anticipating every twist and turn, he preferred to immerse himself fully in each scene as it unfolded, allowing for a more organic and spontaneous portrayal of his character’s emotional arc.
Embracing the Unknown: A Unique Acting Choice
LL Cool J explained that after portraying Sam Hanna for over three hundred episodes across fourteen years, he had developed such a deep understanding of the character and a profound trust in the writers and showrunners that he felt comfortable relinquishing the need for pre-emptive knowledge of the ending. This decision speaks volumes about his connection to the role and his confidence in the storytelling.
Living the Farewell Scene by Scene
By choosing to approach the finale scene by scene without the overarching knowledge of the final outcome, LL Cool J allowed himself to experience the emotions and reactions authentically in the moment of filming. This approach likely lent a raw and genuine quality to his performance during those pivotal final scenes, mirroring the emotional journey that the characters and the audience were simultaneously undertaking.
A Testament to Longevity and Connection
LL Cool J’s decision to forgo reading the final script underscores the deep-seated relationships and the sense of family that had developed among the NCIS: Los Angeles cast and crew over its long and successful run. His trust in the creative team to deliver a fitting conclusion for his character is a testament to the collaborative spirit that defined the show.
Fourteen Years of Shared History: A Foundation of Trust
Having embodied Sam Hanna for so long, LL Cool J had witnessed his character evolve, overcome countless challenges, and forge unbreakable bonds with his colleagues. This extensive shared history likely contributed to his comfort in allowing the final chapter of Sam’s story to unfold organically during filming.
Mirroring the Audience’s Experience: A Shared Journey to the End
In a way, LL Cool J’s choice mirrored the experience of the audience, who were also approaching the series finale with a mixture of anticipation and uncertainty about how the characters’ journeys would conclude. By allowing himself to be surprised by the unfolding events, he created a unique parallel between his own experience and that of the viewers.
What This Means for Sam Hanna’s Ending
While LL Cool J chose to remain in the dark about the specifics of the final script, his comments leading up to the finale, along with those of his fellow cast members, suggested that fans could expect a satisfying and hopeful conclusion for Sam Hanna. The overarching sentiment was that the characters would receive the “happy” and “fulfilled” endings they deserved after years of dedication and sacrifice.
A Focus on Resolution and Future Possibilities
The series finale ultimately saw Sam Hanna continuing his partnership with Callen, their bond stronger than ever. While the show concluded, the ending left the door slightly ajar for potential future appearances within the NCIS universe, a possibility that LL Cool J himself has hinted at.
A Legacy of Strength and Loyalty
Sam Hanna’s journey throughout NCIS: Los Angeles was defined by his unwavering loyalty, his formidable strength, and his deep care for his team. LL Cool J’s portrayal of this iconic character left an indelible mark on the NCIS franchise, and his unique approach to filming the finale only adds another layer of intrigue to his legacy.
Conclusion: An Actor’s Trust, a Fan’s Anticipation
LL Cool J’s decision to not read the final script for NCIS: Los Angeles before filming speaks volumes about his trust in the show’s creative team and his deep connection to his character, Sam Hanna. By choosing to experience the culmination of Sam’s story in the moment, he created a unique parallel with the audience’s anticipation for the series finale. While the show has concluded its impressive run, the dedication and artistry of its cast, including LL Cool J’s distinctive approach to his final scenes, will undoubtedly remain a cherished part of the NCIS legacy for years to come. His willingness to embrace the unknown for the sake of his performance underscores the special bond he shared with the character and the show that defined a significant chapter of his career.
