As NCIS: Los Angeles approached its Season 11 finale, big changes loomed for the Office of Special Projects—and perhaps no one stood at a greater crossroads than Nell Jones.
Renee Felice Smith, who portrays the brilliant and meticulous intelligence analyst, reveals that Nell’s journey this season reaches a defining moment. “Nell has a very big decision to make,” she told TV Insider. After temporarily stepping into Hetty Lange’s shoes as interim operations manager, Nell is now weighing what she truly wants for her future.
Sign or Resign?
In the teaser for the May 23 finale, Retired Admiral Hollace Kilbride (Gerald McRaney) delivers a pointed ultimatum: “Sign or resign.” Meanwhile, Eric Beale (Barrett Foa) offers Nell a mysterious opportunity that could alter her course. While Nell had tried to resign earlier in the season—only to be encouraged by Hetty to take time to reevaluate—this moment marks a potential turning point.
Could this be the moment Nell either commits fully to leadership or walks away for good?
Finding Her Own Way
Smith says that Nell’s dilemma reflects her own personal growth as well. “Nell really needed to look inward and ask what this leadership role would mean for her,” she explained. “She had to unwrap it and make it her own—do things the Nell way.”
Using a metaphor that captures Nell’s internal conflict, Smith added: “Why are you drinking whiskey when you enjoy gin? Why try to wear someone else’s shoes when your own fit better?”
It’s a journey of self-trust—something that has been a long time coming for both Smith and her character.
A Nod to Granger’s Wisdom
Reflecting on Nell’s personal growth, Smith recalled a powerful moment from a past season with the late Miguel Ferrer’s character, Assistant Director Owen Granger.
“Granger tells Nell, ‘Never belittle yourself or your accomplishments. You deserve the respect you’ve gotten. You’ve earned it,’” Smith said. “As someone who’s a perfectionist—just like Nell—it’s hard to recognize your success. But that reminder sticks with me.”
Hetty’s Long-Awaited Return
Adding even more weight to the finale is the return of Hetty Lange (Linda Hunt), who’s been largely absent due to the pandemic, appearing only via video calls. This time, Hetty is back in person—just in time to possibly guide Nell’s major decision.
“It was incredibly emotional having Linda back,” Smith shared. “We filmed our scene together on the last day of the season, and it was such a special moment. Linda is not only a mentor onscreen—she’s a dear friend in real life. Every time I watch her work, it’s a masterclass.”
Meanwhile in Season 12: Russia and… a Militarized Dolphin?
While Nell’s storyline brings heart and emotional depth, the broader plot of Season 12 dives into geopolitical intrigue—sometimes in bizarre ways. The finale’s case? The team investigates a militarized dolphin shot in open waters, equipped with a Russian microchip.
Yes, really.
“The Russians are still a looming threat,” Smith noted. “Callen is heavily tied into that plotline, and the deepfake episode earlier showed how dangerous the new tech can be. The risk of impersonation is very real, and I think that danger will keep building in the future.”
What’s Next for Nell?
Whether Nell chooses to embrace leadership or step away entirely, the Season 11 finale marks a defining chapter for her character. With guidance from Hetty, support from Eric, and her own evolving sense of self, fans are eager to see what decision she’ll ultimately make.
