NCIS: Los Angeles Showrunner Talks Hetty’s Return for Season 14
Introduction: Will Hetty Finally Make Her Long-Awaited Return?
NCIS: Los Angeles fans have been eagerly waiting for the return of Hetty Lange (Linda Hunt), the mysterious and beloved operations manager. Since her reduced screen time in recent seasons, speculation has been swirling about whether she will make a full comeback in Season 14.
Now, the show’s executive producer and showrunner has finally addressed Hetty’s future, giving fans hope that she may not be gone for good. Let’s dive into what was revealed and what it could mean for the NCIS: LA team.
Who Is Hetty Lange? A Recap of Her Role in NCIS: LA
Before we get into the details of her potential return, let’s take a moment to appreciate who Hetty Lange is and why fans love her so much.
1. Hetty’s Background
- Hetty Lange has been a part of NCIS: Los Angeles since its inception in 2009, played brilliantly by Linda Hunt.
- She is the Operations Manager of the Los Angeles division, overseeing dangerous missions and keeping her team in check.
- Hetty is known for her mysterious past, which includes deep connections with government intelligence agencies.
2. What Makes Hetty an Iconic Character?
- Her tough but caring leadership style makes her a fan-favorite.
- She always seems to know more than she lets on, keeping both her team and the audience guessing.
- Her fatherly relationship with Callen (Chris O’Donnell) has been one of the most compelling storylines in the series.
Why Has Hetty Been Absent from Recent Seasons?
Fans have noticed that Hetty has appeared less frequently over the past few seasons. Here’s why:
1. Linda Hunt’s Health and Safety Concerns
- Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Linda Hunt had to limit her on-set appearances to ensure her safety.
- The showrunners confirmed that they wanted to protect the 78-year-old actress while still keeping her character alive in the storyline.
2. The Show’s Explanation for Hetty’s Absence
- In NCIS: LA, Hetty’s absence was explained by a mysterious mission in Syria, where she was working on a highly classified operation.
- Her whereabouts have remained unknown, with occasional references to her in different episodes.
3. Will Hetty Return in Season 14?
Now, the showrunner has given fans a major update on whether they can expect to see Hetty Lange back in action.
NCIS: LA Showrunner Breaks Silence on Hetty’s Return
The showrunner of NCIS: Los Angeles, R. Scott Gemmill, recently spoke about Hetty’s fate in Season 14, and here’s what we learned:
1. They Want to Bring Hetty Back the Right Way
- Gemmill emphasized that they are not done with Hetty’s story and that her absence is part of a bigger narrative arc.
- He stated, “We know how much Hetty means to the fans, and we want to make sure that when she returns, it’s done in a way that does justice to her character.”
2. Hints That She Will Have a Bigger Role in Season 14
- The showrunner strongly hinted that Season 14 will give more closure regarding Hetty’s mission and how it ties into the team’s current challenges.
- Some sources suggest that the team may go on a rescue mission to bring her back.
3. Hetty’s Return Could Impact Callen’s Storyline
- A major Season 14 storyline revolves around Callen’s past and his search for answers—something that has always been connected to Hetty.
- With Callen’s wedding coming up, many fans believe that Hetty’s return could play a significant role in his story.
How Could Hetty’s Return Change Season 14?
If Hetty does return, here are some big ways it could impact the NCIS: LA team:
1. Hetty and Callen’s Reunion
- Callen has always looked up to Hetty as a mother figure.
- Her return could help Callen finally uncover the truth about his past before he gets married.
2. A New Major Mission?
- If Hetty returns, it could mean a major new mission for the team—possibly one that ties into her secretive work overseas.
- The show could explore government conspiracies or old enemies returning to seek revenge.
3. Hetty’s Leadership Role Restored
- While Kilbride (Gerald McRaney) has been leading in Hetty’s absence, her return could shake up the team’s leadership.
- Could there be tension between Hetty and Kilbride over control of the team?
What Fans Are Saying About Hetty’s Return
NCIS: Los Angeles fans have been buzzing with excitement and speculation about Hetty’s return. Here are some fan reactions:
💬 “Hetty is the heart of NCIS: LA. It’s not the same without her!”
💬 “If Hetty returns for Season 14, I’ll be so happy! We need her back.”
💬 “I just want to see Hetty at Callen’s wedding. That would be perfect!”
Many fans agree that the show isn’t the same without her, and they’re hoping for a satisfying return in the upcoming season.
Will Linda Hunt Continue Playing Hetty?
The biggest question remains: Will Linda Hunt return to play Hetty in person?
1. No Official Confirmation Yet
- So far, neither Linda Hunt nor CBS has confirmed if she will physically return or if her role will be limited to voiceovers and references.
2. A Possible Hybrid Role?
- Some fans speculate that if Hunt cannot return full-time, the show may use a mix of voiceovers, flashbacks, and brief appearances to keep Hetty’s presence alive.
3. Will This Be Hetty’s Final Season?
- If Season 14 does mark Hetty’s return, it could also set up her final storyline, giving her character the grand send-off she deserves.
Final Thoughts: What’s Next for Hetty Lange?
With the NCIS: Los Angeles showrunner confirming that Hetty’s return is in the works, fans have something exciting to look forward to in Season 14. While we don’t yet have a full confirmation on Linda Hunt’s physical return, the hints suggest that Hetty will play an important role in the storyline.
For longtime fans of the show, this news is a major relief. Whether it’s through a rescue mission, a surprise comeback, or a major twist, Hetty’s return could be one of the most memorable moments of NCIS: LA history.
