“Revenge Deferred” delivers one of NCIS: Los Angeles’ most emotionally restrained episodes, placing Sam Hanna at the center of a deeply personal reckoning. When Sam and Callen head to Africa, the case quickly turns intimate: someone has been secretly surveilling Sam’s family, and the trail leads back to Tahir Khaled — the ruthless brother of Jada, a woman who still occupies a complicated space in Sam’s heart.
The episode’s power lies less in action and more in emotional aftermath. Sam’s reunion with Jada reveals she has rebuilt her life and found genuine love, a revelation that brings relief — and guilt. LL Cool J plays the moment beautifully, conveying Sam’s turmoil through silence, restraint, and subtle shifts rather than words. It’s a reminder that Sam’s toughest battles aren’t fought with fists, but with conscience.
While the plot moves quickly — perhaps too quickly, given how easily forgiveness is granted — the emotional resolution feels earned. Jada’s compassion offers Sam something he’s long denied himself: permission to let go.
Elsewhere, the episode reinforces the unshakable bond between Sam and Callen, whose quiet loyalty and mutual trust remain one of the series’ strongest dynamics. Kensi and Deeks provide warmth and humor in Los Angeles, while Hetty and Granger’s clash over duty versus compassion adds moral complexity.
