If you’re an NCIS fan, you’ve probably found yourself asking one big question lately: What happened to Sam Hanna after his last appearance on NCIS: Hawai’i with Jane Tennant? One minute he was dodging bullets and cracking codes, the next — radio silence. No farewell. No resolution. Just… gone. Let’s break down what we know, dive into some juicy behind-the-scenes theories, and explore what Sam’s sudden disappearance might mean for the NCIS universe.
While originally a main character of NCIS: Los Angeles, Sam slowly built his way up to becoming a recurring character in NCIS: Hawai’i as well. He began as a guest star in season 2 before becoming a valuable asset to the team in season 3. Sam’s increased appearances in NCIS: Hawai’i overlapped with the cancelation of NCIS: Los Angeles, which gave LL Cool J the perfect opportunity to join the Hawaiian team.
As a result, the last time Sam was seen in the NCIS franchise, he was working closely with NCIS: Hawai’i’s Jane Tennant (Vanessa Lachey). Sam held such a significant role with this team and with Jane that seeing him appear on NCIS alone now is almost painful. His appearance in NCIS season 22 should be good news, but because of his connection to NCIS: Hawai’i, it just serves as a reminder of what CBS chose to give up.
While not many details have been revealed about Sam’s role in the upcoming NCIS season 22 episode, it is safe to assume that he is appearing in NCIS to tie the spinoffs together again. NCIS season 22 already featured an episode that referenced all the flagship’s spinoffs that are set in the present day. In NCIS season 22, episode 13, McGee’s children were part of a coffee fundraiser for their school. Kasie loved the coffee so much that she helped McGee out by reaching out to NCIS’ satellite offices and asking the other agents if they wanted to contribute.
Sam’s appearance in NCIS season 22 could then be furthering his connection back to the other offices. Sam was not mentioned by name in the episode, but his former teams in NCIS: Hawai’i and NCIS: Los Angeles were. NCIS: Hawai’i’s Jane Tennant, and Ernie Malik were listed as buying coffee for the office, and so were NCIS: Los Angeles’ G. Callen and Kensi Blye. Sam’s appearance in NCIS season 22 could then be furthering his connection back to the other offices. He worked closely with the teams so maybe he could provide an update on what they have been up to since we last saw them.
Sam has always been a great character, and maybe he is the key to tying all the offices together. He was a significant character in NCIS: Los Angeles and his time on that show was as an excellent foundation for him to later be introduced to NCIS: Hawai’i. He also works great with Wilmer Valderrama’s Nick Torres, so he is an excellent ally to the MCRT team, too. Seeing him in NCIS season 22 is something to look forward to because his appearances will act as a reminder of all the exciting spinoffs that NCIS has created over the years.
Sam Hanna may be MIA, but his legacy lives on. His final mission with Jane Tennant was electric — but also raised more questions than answers. Whether he’s on a secret op, prepping for a solo return, or taking a much-needed break, one thing’s for sure… NCIS just isn’t the same without him.
