After an impressive fourteen seasons of undercover missions, high-stakes action, and the enduring bonds of family, NCIS: Los Angeles prepared to bid farewell to its dedicated fanbase with a special two-part series finale. The culmination of years of storytelling promised a blend of the show’s signature suspense and heartfelt moments, with the joyous occasion of a long-awaited wedding serving as a central element of the grand send-off. This two-part event aimed to provide closure for beloved characters and leave a lasting impression on the viewers who had made NCIS: LA a staple of their television viewing.
A Double Dose of Farewell: The Two-Part Structure
Recognizing the significance of bringing such a long-running and cherished series to a close, CBS opted for a special two-part finale event. This format allowed the showrunners ample time to tie up loose ends, provide meaningful conclusions for key character arcs, and deliver the emotional resonance that fans had come to expect. The decision to dedicate two full episodes to the series’ conclusion underscored the network’s respect for the show’s legacy and its loyal audience.
Part One: Setting the Stage for Goodbye
The first part of the finale, titled “New Beginnings, Part One,” aired on May 14, 2023. This episode likely focused on a final high-stakes case that brought the team together one last time, showcasing their signature blend of teamwork, wit, and expertise. While tackling a dangerous threat, the personal lives of the agents also began to take center stage, setting the emotional groundwork for the series’ ultimate conclusion. This episode likely weaved together the professional demands of their jobs with the burgeoning personal milestones that were on the horizon for several characters.
Part Two: The Celebration and the Send-Off
The second and concluding part, “New Beginnings, Part Two,” aired on May 21, 2023. As the title suggests, this episode promised to usher in new chapters for the characters, most notably featuring the highly anticipated wedding of Special Agent G. Callen (Chris O’Donnell) and Anna Kolcheck (Bar Paly). This joyous occasion served as a focal point for the finale, bringing together the core team and their extended family to celebrate a significant milestone in Callen’s long and often tumultuous journey.
The Wedding Fans Waited For: Callen and Anna’s “I Dos”
The relationship between Callen and Anna had been a slow-burn romance throughout the series, marked by trust issues, international intrigue, and undeniable chemistry. Their engagement in the final season was met with widespread approval from fans who had rooted for their happiness. The inclusion of their wedding in the series finale provided a much-needed moment of pure joy and a sense of earned contentment for two characters who had faced numerous personal and professional challenges.
An Impromptu Affair: A Celebration of Their Bond
While the couple had spent some time planning their nuptials, the finale saw them opting for a more intimate and perhaps slightly impromptu ceremony. This decision underscored the core of their relationship: a deep and abiding love that transcended grand gestures and focused on their connection with each other and their closest friends and family. The wedding served as a beautiful symbol of their commitment and the found family they had built within NCIS.
The Team as Family: Sharing the Special Moment
The wedding brought the entire team together in a heartwarming display of camaraderie and affection. The presence of Callen’s longtime partner Sam Hanna (LL Cool J) as his best man, along with Kensi (Daniela Ruah), Deeks (Eric Christian Olsen), Fatima Namazi (Medalion Rahimi), and Devin Rountree (Caleb Castille), highlighted the strong familial bonds that had formed over years of working side-by-side. Even the gruff Admiral Kilbride (Gerald McRaney) likely offered a rare, heartfelt smile.
A Symbol of Hope and New Beginnings
Beyond the personal happiness of Callen and Anna, their wedding served as a broader symbol of hope and the “new beginnings” promised in the finale’s title. It represented the characters moving forward into new chapters of their lives, carrying with them the lessons learned and the bonds forged during their time at NCIS: Los Angeles.
Beyond the Wedding: Tying Up Loose Ends and Looking to the Future
While Callen and Anna’s wedding was a central element of the finale, the two-part structure allowed the show to address other significant storylines and offer glimpses into the futures of the remaining characters.
The Lingering Question of Hetty: A Hint of What’s Next
The fate of the enigmatic Operations Manager Henrietta “Hetty” Lange (Linda Hunt) had been a major concern for fans. The finale provided some movement on this front, with Callen and Sam embarking on a “side project” to locate and potentially rescue her in Morocco. This open-ended conclusion left the door slightly ajar for potential future developments within the NCIS universe.
Densi’s Next Chapter: A Hint of Parenthood
For the beloved “Densi” fans, the finale offered a sweet and hopeful glimpse into their future as well. While already parents to their adopted daughter Rosa, the final moments hinted at the possibility of expanding their family further, leaving viewers with a warm and fuzzy feeling about their journey.
Farewells and Enduring Bonds: Saying Goodbye to the Team
The finale also provided opportunities for heartfelt moments between the team members, acknowledging the deep bonds they had formed and the challenges they had overcome together. These interactions served as a poignant farewell to the characters that viewers had come to know and love over fourteen seasons.
Conclusion: A Heartfelt Goodbye with the Promise of New Beginnings
The two-part series finale of NCIS: Los Angeles delivered a satisfying and emotionally resonant conclusion to a beloved series. The joyous occasion of Callen and Anna’s wedding provided a heartwarming centerpiece, celebrating love and commitment while bringing the core team together as family. Coupled with hints of future adventures for Hetty and the promise of a growing family for Kensi and Deeks, the finale offered a sense of closure while leaving a glimmer of hope for what might come next. For fans who had invested in these characters for so long, the “new beginnings” promised in the finale’s title offered a fitting and hopeful send-off to the NCIS: Los Angeles team.
