A Once Unshakeable Foundation: NCIS: Los Angeles Loses Its Luster for Some
For fourteen seasons, NCIS: Los Angeles stood as a reliable and often thrilling addition to the NCIS franchise. Its blend of high-octane action, undercover intrigue, and the undeniable chemistry between its core cast members, particularly the beloved duo “Densi” (Deeks and Kensi) and the bromance of Callen and Sam, garnered a dedicated and passionate fanbase. However, as the series approached its conclusion with Season 14, a surprising and vocal segment of viewers began to express significant disappointment, with some even going as far as labeling the final season as the “worst TV ever.” This unexpected backlash raises questions about what shifted in the show’s final run that alienated a portion of its long-time audience.
The Fingerprints of Discontent: Identifying the Key Areas of Criticism
Examining the online discourse and reviews from disgruntled fans reveals several recurring themes contributing to this negative sentiment surrounding NCIS: Los Angeles Season 14. These criticisms often center around perceived declines in writing quality, inconsistent character development, questionable plotlines, and the noticeable absence or altered roles of key, long-standing characters.
The Writing Room Woes: Plotlines Deemed “Preposterous” and “Filler”
One of the most frequently cited issues is a perceived drop in the quality and coherence of the storylines. Some fans pointed to specific episodes, such as the Season 13 finale involving Russians training sharks (aired just before Season 14), as a turning point, with the narrative becoming increasingly outlandish and straying from the grounded procedural elements that initially drew viewers in. Season 14 itself faced criticism for episodes deemed “filler” or lacking in compelling investigative work, with some plotlines feeling forced or underdeveloped.
Character Conundrums: Inconsistent Portrayals and Missed Opportunities
Another significant area of contention revolves around the portrayal and utilization of the core characters. Some viewers felt that the established personalities and relationships they had come to love were not consistently represented in the final season. There were complaints about certain characters acting out of established norms or that long-standing dynamics felt strained or ignored. The absence of key characters, particularly the fan-favorite couple Deeks and Kensi, in certain episodes also drew considerable ire, with some feeling their reduced screen time diminished the show’s emotional core.
The Hetty Factor: Linda Hunt’s Limited Presence and Unresolved Arc
The reduced role of the iconic Henrietta “Hetty” Lange, due to Linda Hunt’s health-related absences, was a long-standing issue that arguably contributed to the decline in later seasons. While the show attempted to explain her absence through off-screen missions, many fans felt her limited presence significantly impacted the show’s dynamic and the overall narrative. The lack of a definitive and satisfying resolution to Hetty’s storyline in the final season was a particular point of frustration for many who considered her an integral part of the NCIS: Los Angeles magic.
Crossover Catastrophes: Ill-Conceived Attempts to Boost Ratings
Crossover events, often intended to boost viewership across the NCIS franchise, also drew criticism from some Los Angeles fans. The major crossover episode involving NCIS and NCIS: Hawai’i was specifically cited as having “terrible writing” and mischaracterizing beloved figures, further contributing to the sense that the show had lost its way in its final stretch.
The “Worst TV Ever” Accusation: Hyperbole or a Symptom of Deeper Discontent?
While the label of “worst TV ever” is undoubtedly hyperbolic and represents a strong emotional reaction from a segment of the fanbase, it underscores the depth of disappointment felt by these viewers. For a show that enjoyed a long and successful run, this level of negative sentiment in its final season suggests a significant disconnect between the creative direction and the expectations of a portion of its loyal audience.
A Divided Legacy: Balancing Nostalgia with Critical Assessment
It’s important to note that not all fans shared this extreme negative view of Season 14. Many appreciated the attempts to provide closure for the core characters and cherished the final moments with the team. However, the emergence of such strong criticism highlights a potential misstep in the show’s final execution for a significant portion of its viewership. The legacy of NCIS: Los Angeles will now likely be viewed through a more divided lens, with the earlier, stronger seasons often contrasted with the perceived shortcomings of its final run.
Conclusion: A Disappointing Farewell for Some in the City of Angels
The fan backlash labeling NCIS: Los Angeles Season 14 as “worst TV ever” underscores a significant disappointment for a segment of the show’s dedicated audience. Issues with perceived declines in writing quality, inconsistent character portrayals, questionable plotlines, and the handling of long-standing character arcs, particularly Hetty’s, contributed to this negative sentiment. While the show aimed to provide a sense of closure, for some viewers, the final season fell short of expectations, leaving a bitter taste and a tarnished legacy for a once beloved procedural. The strong emotional reaction serves as a reminder of the deep connection fans forge with long-running series and the disappointment that can arise when those connections feel betrayed in the final act.
