Sam Hanna is a perfect combination of some of the best NCIS characters. While Leroy Jethro Gibbs (played by Mark Harmon in NCIS, and a younger version played by Austin Stowell in NCIS: Origins) was a Marine before NCIS (back then it was referred to as NIS), Sam joined the Navy SEALs before becoming an agent. Sam is proud of his time as a SEAL and gets frustrated whenever fellow SEALs disgrace the name. Although Sam may be this hulking person who can sometimes be quick to anger, he’s also a big teddy bear to the people he cares about, just like Nick Torres (Wilmer Valderrama). Both of them are skilled fighters who you can count on when a fight breaks out. One of the best parts of NCIS: LA was the hand-to-hand fight scenes. While not on the same scale as something out of Daredevil: Born Again, it highlighted Sam’s combat training and showed why he shouldn’t be messed with. A potential NCIS spin-off series starring his character could be more action-oriented with a full-season budget devoted to a shorter episode order.
Let’s be honest—when you think of NCIS, you probably picture names like Leroy Jethro Gibbs or Special Agent Tony DiNozzo, right? But here’s the truth bomb: Sam Hanna, played flawlessly by LL Cool J, is easily one of the most compelling, badass, and grounded characters in the entire franchise. He’s not just a sidekick or muscle guy—he’s the glue holding it all together, especially in NCIS: Los Angeles. So, why does Sam deserve more recognition? Let’s dive into the character that’s been stealing scenes and hearts without even trying.
Sam has also experienced a lot of trauma in his life, even before his time as an NCIS agent. Like Jessica Knight (Katrina Law), Sam feels responsible for the death of his NCIS team. As NCIS Season 22, Episode 18 “After the Storm” revealed, Sam took a leave of absence from the agency for a change of pace after the death of his fellow NCIS ELITE members. As someone who had experienced combat overseas on the front lines, Sam devoted his efforts to getting congressional support on Capitol Hill to help soldiers around the world. Even though he needed a break from the action, Sam knows he has more to offer than his strength and investigative skills.
One of the best things about NCIS is that it’s a family show at its core. While it mostly sees family members popping up from time to time, most of the main cast members of these shows don’t have kids of their own. But for Sam, Tennant, and Jimmy Palmer (Brian Dietzen), who all bonded during the NCISverse crossover event, they’re all single parents trying their best to raise their kids while they risk their lives every day at NCIS. Sam’s family isn’t featured much throughout NCIS: LA, so his spin-off could also highlight more of him as a single father, especially as his kids are older and can begin to understand why their dad does what he does.
Let’s wrap it up: Sam Hanna isn’t just one of the best characters in NCIS: Los Angeles—he’s one of the most well-rounded, deeply human, and truly inspiring figures in the entire NCIS universe. Whether he’s protecting his team, cracking jokes with Callen, or tackling moral dilemmas, Sam brings authenticity in every scene. So next time someone talks NCIS legends, don’t just say Gibbs—say Sam.
