NCIS: Los Angeles Series Finale: Hetty’s Story Concludes with Returning Characters, but One Element Was Missing
Introduction
After 14 seasons of thrilling action and intricate storytelling, “NCIS: Los Angeles” aired its series finale on May 21, 2023. The two-part episode, titled “New Beginnings,” aimed to provide closure to long-running storylines, particularly that of Operations Manager Hetty Lange, portrayed by Linda Hunt. While the finale brought back several familiar faces and offered a sense of resolution, many fans felt that something significant was missing from Hetty’s storyline.
Hetty Lange’s Absence in the Finale
The Build-Up to Hetty’s Return
Throughout the series, Hetty Lange served as the steadfast leader of the Office of Special Projects (OSP), guiding the team through numerous high-stakes missions. Her sudden disappearance in Season 9 left fans speculating about her fate. Hints about her whereabouts were dropped in subsequent seasons, but it wasn’t until the series finale that viewers hoped for a definitive conclusion to her story.
The Finale’s Approach to Hetty’s Story
In the series finale, Hetty’s presence was felt through a voiceover narration, a method that provided closure without her physical appearance. This narrative choice allowed the writers to wrap up her storyline while acknowledging Linda Hunt’s limited availability due to health concerns. However, this approach left many fans yearning for a more tangible farewell from the character who had been central to the series.
Returning Characters and Their Roles
Nell Jones’ Return
One of the most anticipated returns was that of Nell Jones, portrayed by Renée Felice Smith. Nell had departed the series in Season 12, and her reappearance in the finale provided a sense of continuity and nostalgia. Her involvement in the mission to locate Hetty added depth to the narrative, highlighting the enduring bonds among the team members.
Nate Getz and Vostanik Sabatino’s Appearances
Additionally, characters like Nate Getz (Peter Cambor) and Vostanik Sabatino (Erik Palladino) made brief appearances, contributing to the mission’s progression. Their inclusion underscored the collaborative nature of the OSP team and offered fans a glimpse into the team’s dynamics beyond the main characters.
The Missing Element: Hetty’s Physical Presence
Fan Reactions
Despite the heartfelt voiceover and the return of key characters, many fans expressed disappointment over Hetty’s absence from the screen. Discussions on platforms like Reddit revealed that viewers felt the finale lacked the emotional impact that a physical appearance from Hetty would have provided. One fan remarked, “It was really saddening that we didn’t see Hetty in the finale, only in a voiceover. Now I really wonder why they couldn’t get Hetty.”
The Significance of Hetty’s Presence
Hetty’s character was more than just a superior officer; she was a mentor and a mother figure to many of the team members. Her guidance and wisdom were pivotal in shaping the team’s dynamics and success. A physical appearance in the finale would have provided a sense of closure and allowed fans to witness the character’s final moments, offering a more profound emotional payoff.
The Real Reason Behind Hetty’s Absence
Linda Hunt’s Health Concerns
Linda Hunt, the actress who portrayed Hetty, has faced health challenges in recent years, which have affected her ability to participate in physical scenes. These concerns were a significant factor in the decision to have Hetty’s character exit the series off-screen and to utilize voiceover narration in the finale. While this choice was made to accommodate Hunt’s health, it also meant that fans were deprived of a visual farewell to a beloved character.
Production Decisions
The production team considered various options to include Hetty in the finale, including the possibility of a remote appearance or a brief cameo. However, logistical challenges and the desire to respect Hunt’s health led to the decision to conclude Hetty’s storyline through voiceover. Showrunner R. Scott Gemmill mentioned, “If we knew we had another season and Linda had been available, we probably would’ve gone to rescue Hetty and wound up in trouble and then had to have resolve that in the next season.”
Conclusion
The series finale of “NCIS: Los Angeles” successfully wrapped up several storylines and provided closure for many characters. However, the absence of Hetty Lange’s physical presence left a noticeable gap, leaving fans to reflect on what could have been a more emotionally resonant conclusion. While the voiceover narration offered a semblance of closure, it was clear that Hetty’s character deserved a more tangible farewell, one that would have honored her significant role in the series and provided fans with the closure they sought.
