NCIS season 22, episode 18 brought back LL Cool J’s Sam Hanna, but it also featured several bits of information about other NCIS spinoff characters. One of whom is Jane Tennant. As a result of Hanna’s friendship with the MCRT members, Hanna decides to bake them some desserts while using one of Tennant’s recipes to thank them for their hospitality. When Parker questions Tennant’s baking activities, Hanna replies that with Tennant’s teenage daughter and young adult son, baking “keeps her out of trouble.”
The sweet sentiment is the only mention of Tennant in the episode, but it highlights how great of a parent she is. Throughout NCIS: Hawai’i, Tennant loved and supported her kids in different ways. Her baking can be seen as a loving act of service, as a way to bring peace to potential conflicts, which Hanna joked about. It can also be seen as a way for Tennant to provide and give her kids the care and attention she never received from her own parents. Baking is an act of love and Tennant’s actions prove that.
Why Everyone’s Talking About Sam Hanna’s Return
Let’s be real — when Sam Hanna pops back into the NCIS universe, fans pay attention. Season 22 of NCIS dropped a subtle yet juicy update during Sam’s appearance, and it wasn’t just a nostalgia trip. His brief scene dropped a major breadcrumb about Special Agent Jane Tennant over in NCIS: Hawai’i. If you blinked, you might’ve missed it. But we didn’t. Let’s break it all down — from what Sam said, what it means, and why it might be setting up a major shakeup in the NCIS franchise.
The NCIS Universe: Bigger Than Ever
A Franchise With Multiple Fronts
The NCIS franchise has come a long way. What started as a backdoor pilot on JAG has exploded into a sprawling universe that includes:
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NCIS (the OG)
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NCIS: Los Angeles (RIP, gone too soon)
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NCIS: Hawai’i (the tropical newcomer)
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NCIS: Sydney (yep, it’s global now)
Each show operates in its own lane, but the crossover potential? Massive. That’s where Sam Hanna steps in.
Sam Hanna’s Return: Not Just a Cameo
What Went Down in Season 22
In NCIS Season 22, Sam Hanna shows up. But it’s not just a fan-service drop-in. During a casual exchange, he references Jane Tennant. And not just a throwaway line — he gives an actual update on her status in Hawai’i.
The line?
“Tennant’s holding it down in Hawai’i. Still running ops tight as ever.”
Just like that, the NCIS writers gave us confirmation: Jane Tennant is still active, still in charge, and still kicking butt.
The Bigger Implications Behind Sam’s Update
Why Mention Jane At All?
Writers don’t do anything by accident in this universe. Mentioning Tennant — especially through Sam, a trusted and established character — could mean:
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She’s safe (for now)
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Crossovers are coming
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Her role might evolve
Could it also hint at behind-the-scenes changes? Possibly. But let’s dig deeper.
Jane Tennant: A Game-Changer in the NCIS World
Who Is Jane Tennant, Anyway?
For those who haven’t caught up on NCIS: Hawai’i, here’s a refresher:
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First female lead in any NCIS franchise
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Played by Vanessa Lachey
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Smart, strategic, and seriously tough
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Balances motherhood and being a federal agent like a boss
She’s been a breakout character since day one, and her leadership style is a refreshing shift from the usual Gibbs-type.
What’s Going on in Hawai’i?
Recent Developments in NCIS: Hawai’i
The latest episodes have kept Tennant busy:
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Tackling corruption inside the Navy
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Managing team dynamics (and drama)
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Dealing with threats that hit close to home
But here’s the kicker — fans have noticed her screen time has been inconsistent. Combine that with the writers’ strike delays and rumors swirling around Vanessa Lachey’s schedule, and people started asking: Is Jane Tennant leaving?
The Role of Crossovers in Story Continuity
Why Crossovers Matter More Than Ever
Sam Hanna appearing in NCIS and dropping intel on Jane is a classic franchise move. It does three things:
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Keeps continuity tight between shows
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Teases potential upcoming crossovers
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Keeps fans invested in the larger universe
Think of it like the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but with federal agents instead of superheroes.
Strategic Storytelling or Just Fan Service?
Let’s not kid ourselves. Fan service is part of the game. But using Sam to deliver that info is smart — he’s a credible, respected character. And it leaves the door wide open for more interconnected storylines.
What Could Be Next for Jane Tennant?
Will She Stay in Hawai’i?
Sam’s update makes it sound like Tennant isn’t going anywhere. But, if you know NCIS, nothing stays the same for long.
Possible future scenarios?
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Promotion: Jane could be headed to a bigger role across the entire NCIS system.
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Transfer: Another team might need her leadership.
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Spin-off: Could Jane get her own series down the line?
Anything’s possible.
What Fans Are Saying Online
Social media lit up after Sam Hanna’s line. Fans jumped on Reddit, Twitter (ok, X), and YouTube comment sections with wild theories:
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“Is Jane Tennant replacing Vance?”
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“Please give us a full crossover episode!”
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“Jane and Sam need more screen time together!”
It’s clear — the fandom wants more of this connection.
Behind the Scenes: Is Vanessa Lachey Leaving?
Addressing the Rumors
There’s been no official confirmation that Vanessa Lachey is leaving NCIS: Hawai’i. In fact, her social media presence suggests she’s fully committed. That said, actors do shift gears all the time.
Sam Hanna’s shoutout could have been a way to squash the rumors — or tee up her next move.
Could This Lead to a New NCIS Team-Up?
Imagine this: Sam Hanna and Jane Tennant co-leading a high-level NCIS task force. Field ops, global missions, joint task forces — all possible. And the fans would eat. it. up.
Why This Moment Mattered So Much
Let’s not underestimate what Sam did in 12 words. He grounded Tennant’s character in the current timeline. He reassured fans. He teased the future. That’s powerful storytelling in a tiny moment.
Final Thoughts: The NCIS Universe Is Just Getting Started
Sam Hanna’s quick update about Jane Tennant was more than just a one-liner. It was a reminder that the NCIS universe is alive, connected, and full of possibility. And you know what that means? We should buckle up — because something big might be coming.
