It’s already been confirmed that Henry Ian Cusick will be reprising his role as Agent John Swift in the season 3 finale, returning for the second time in the show’s latest season. The identity of the other returnee is currently unknown, with no hints yet as to who it could be. Given the fact that Sam Hanna is now a recurring agent on the team, the returnee could be someone highly unexpected that hasn’t been seen in quite some time.
The incoming character temporarily joining NCIS: Hawai’i’s cast could be someone who has ties to the two-part case the team has to tackle. This could include a character from one of the other spinoffs in the franchise, such as Nick Torres from NCIS or G. Callen from NCIS: Los Angeles, both of whom have made guest appearances on the show before. If that ends up happening, then it could emphasize just how big the final episode is going to be.
The season ending on a cliffhanger could mean the fate of a major character will hang in the balance, or that the two episodes won’t be enough for them to tackle whatever the threat will be. This could lead into NCIS: Hawai’i season 4 which, despite no official word on its renewal, could feature altered dynamics because of how season 3 ends. Tarrant may have confirmed some elements of the final episode, but his statements also leave plenty of anticipation for what will happen next.
NCIS: Hawai’i has delivered tension, action, and emotional punches all season long. As we approach the finale of Season 3, fans are buzzing with questions, theories, and hope for their favorite characters. Will we see major twists? Is someone in danger? Are relationships going to survive the storm? Buckle up, because we’re diving deep into everything we know, suspect, and fear about the NCIS: Hawai’i Season 3 finale.
A Quick Recap of NCIS: Hawai’i Season 3 So Far
Before we talk about the finale, let’s jog our memory with what’s been going down.
Season 3 Has Been Full of Bombshells
From military conspiracies to emotional character arcs, Season 3 has been relentless. Jane Tennant’s leadership has been tested, Lucy Tara returned to the team full-time, and Whistler and Lucy’s relationship has had fans swooning again.
The Stakes Have Never Been Higher
The last few episodes built up suspense with high-level threats involving national security, criminal syndicates, and personal vendettas.
Clues Leading Up to the Finale
Let’s break down what the show has hinted at so far.
Episode Teasers: What We’ve Learned
CBS hasn’t released full details, but teasers show a major investigation going sideways, which could place one or more team members in danger.
Cast Interviews Suggest an Emotional Climax
In recent interviews, Vanessa Lachey (Tennant) hinted at “a finale fans won’t forget,” suggesting high emotional stakes—possibly a cliffhanger or a character departure?
Possible Plot Twists In The Finale
Now for the juicy part—what could actually happen?
Will There Be a Shocking Betrayal?
It wouldn’t be NCIS without a betrayal, right? A recurring side character could be revealed as a mole, possibly linked to one of the team’s ongoing cases.
Will Someone Die in the Finale?
Fans fear we might lose a team member. With mounting threats and high-stakes missions, anyone could be at risk. Could it be Jesse? Or worse—Lucy or Kai?
Trouble in Paradise: Lucy and Whistler’s Relationship
Though they’ve patched things up, finales love to test relationships. A job offer, long-distance pressures, or even a mission gone wrong could put them at a crossroads again.
Major Characters To Watch In The Finale
Jane Tennant
Tennant’s been the heart of the team. But has all the pressure finally caught up to her? She might face a career-altering decision.
Lucy Tara & Kate Whistler
Fans love #Kacy, but the writers love throwing drama their way. Will love win out—or will duty call?
Jesse Boone
The team’s second-in-command may have a more central role this time—possibly even saving someone’s life.
Themes Likely to Shape the Season 3 Finale
1. Loyalty vs Duty
Expect characters to face tough choices between personal desires and professional obligations.
2. Redemption
A character from earlier in the season could return for redemption—helping the team or turning against them.
3. Loss and Resilience
Finales love emotional punches. Prepare yourself for a tearjerker moment that could reshape the team dynamic.
Behind-The-Scenes Finale Teasers
Production Hints
Set photos show tense scenes involving multiple agencies, suggesting a large-scale operation or takedown.
Director’s Vision
The director for the finale is known for past NCIS episodes that featured major cliffhangers. That means we might not get all the answers in one episode.
What Fans Are Predicting
Reddit Theories That Might Actually Happen
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Lucy goes undercover and disappears.
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Tennant gets offered a job outside NCIS.
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The finale will tie into a future NCIS crossover.
Twitter Reactions
Fans are already nervous. The #NCISHawaiiFinale hashtag has been trending, with people bracing for “emotional damage.”
Hopes for Season 4
No confirmation yet, but all signs point toward renewal for a fourth season. That means the finale could easily end with a cliffhanger, teasing a whole new threat.
Will the Finale End with a Cliffhanger?
Highly likely. The writers know fans will be itching for more, and there’s still so much ground to cover. Expect the episode to end with a jaw-dropping reveal that leaves us counting down the days to Season 4.
What Viewers Should Watch For
Subtle Hints and Easter Eggs
Pay attention to background details, dialogue throwbacks, and characters who suddenly become suspicious. NCIS: Hawai’i loves dropping breadcrumbs for future arcs.
Character Growth Moments
Watch for emotional moments between key pairs—Tennant and Jesse, Lucy and Whistler, or Kai confronting past trauma.
Why This Finale Could Redefine The Series
It’s not just another season ending. With deeper plots, sharper writing, and a larger ensemble, this finale could reshape how we see NCIS: Hawai’i as a whole—transforming it from a spinoff to a must-watch juggernaut.
Final Thoughts
The NCIS: Hawai’i Season 3 finale isn’t just a conclusion—it’s a launchpad. Expect action, heartbreak, twists, and moments that will keep fans talking for months. Whether it’s a shocking death, a cliffhanger, or a sweet resolution, one thing’s certain: you won’t want to miss it.
