A Fond Farewell, But Not a Full Stop? The Unanswered Threads of ‘NCIS: LA’
The series finale of NCIS: Los Angeles offered a satisfying blend of action, romance, and closure for many of its beloved characters. Callen finally married Anna, Kensi and Deeks were expecting a baby, and the team, with the welcome return of familiar faces like Nell and Nate, embarked on a mission to rescue Hetty. However, despite the heartwarming moments and sense of finality, the two-part send-off didn’t tie up every loose end. For the dedicated fanbase, several key questions and lingering plotlines continue to fuel speculation and a sense of unfinished business. Here are seven of the most prominent questions we’re still pondering after the credits rolled on NCIS: LA.
1. What Exactly Was Hetty’s “Side Project” and Was She Rescued?
The biggest question mark hanging over the series finale is undoubtedly the fate and current whereabouts of Hetty Lange (Linda Hunt). While Callen and Sam, along with Nell, Nate, and Sabatino, headed to Morocco to rescue her from her covert mission gone wrong, the finale didn’t explicitly show a successful extraction or Hetty’s return. The final scene left her rescue as an implied success, especially with LL Cool J’s subsequent recurring role on NCIS: Hawai’i suggesting Sam’s involvement in ongoing missions connected to Hetty.
However, the specifics of Hetty’s “side project” – the dangerous and highly secretive operation that led to her capture – remain shrouded in mystery. What exactly was she doing in Syria? Who were her adversaries? And what was the ultimate goal of this clandestine mission? These questions linger, leaving fans to piece together the puzzle based on hints dropped throughout the final seasons.
2. Will We Ever See Kensi and Deeks as Parents?
The joyous news of Kensi’s pregnancy in the series finale was a beautiful moment for the fan-favorite couple “Densi.” After years of navigating personal and professional challenges, the prospect of starting a family felt like a well-deserved happy ending. However, the finale concluded before we could see Kensi and Deeks welcome their child.
Will the NCIS universe ever revisit Kensi and Deeks as parents? Will Sam’s appearances on NCIS: Hawai’i offer any updates on their growing family? The show left us on the cusp of a new chapter for them, and many fans are eager to know what their journey into parenthood looks like.
3. What Was the Full Extent of Callen’s Family History?
Throughout the series, Callen’s mysterious past and his search for his identity were central storylines. The finale brought some closure with his marriage to Anna and his found family within NCIS. However, the full extent of his family history, particularly regarding his father and any other potential relatives, still feels somewhat unexplored.
While he uncovered significant truths about his upbringing and his connection to the Russian spy world, there were still lingering questions about other potential family members or deeper secrets from his past. Could these ever be revisited in potential crossovers or mentions in other NCIS series?
4. What Happened to the Case First Presented in “The Monster” (Season 9)?
Eagle-eyed fans with a long memory might recall the unsettling case introduced in Season 9’s “The Monster,” involving a serial killer targeting young women. While the team made progress, the storyline felt somewhat unresolved, with the killer still at large at the time of that episode’s conclusion.
Was this a plot thread that was ultimately dropped, or was the implication that the team eventually apprehended the perpetrator off-screen? For viewers who remember this chilling case, a definitive resolution would have provided a greater sense of closure.
5. What Was Admiral Kilbride’s “Second Chance” and Did He Reconcile with His Son?
Admiral Hollace Kilbride (Gerald McRaney) evolved from a stern authority figure to a respected and even fatherly presence for the team. Season 14 explored his past relationship with his ex-wife and the estranged son he hadn’t seen in years. The finale hinted at a potential reconciliation, with his ex-wife attending Callen and Anna’s wedding.
However, the specifics of whether Kilbride and his son truly mended their relationship were left ambiguous. Did they manage to bridge the gap created by years of separation? This personal storyline for Kilbride felt like it was on the verge of a significant development that we didn’t fully witness.
6. What Does the Future Hold for the Office of Special Projects (OSP)?
With the team’s core members finding personal happiness and embarking on new adventures (even if temporary, like Sam’s assignment in Hawai’i), the future of the Office of Special Projects itself feels somewhat open-ended. Will the team dynamic shift significantly with potential personnel changes or new leadership down the line (especially if Hetty doesn’t return to her former role)?
The series finale focused on the characters’ personal lives and their immediate mission to save Hetty. A broader look at the long-term future and structure of the OSP would have provided a more complete sense of closure for the institution that brought these characters together.
7. Were There Any Other Familiar Faces We Might Have Seen Return?
The return of Nell, Nate, and Sabatino in the series finale was a delightful surprise for longtime fans. It sparked the question of whether there were other beloved characters from the show’s history who might have made a cameo appearance. Characters like Eric Beale (Barrett Foa) or even recurring allies who played significant roles in past storylines were noticeably absent.
While the finale did a commendable job of bringing back key figures, the absence of other familiar faces left a slight sense of “what if?” for viewers who had followed the series since its inception.
Conclusion: The Lingering Questions Keep the Spirit Alive
The NCIS: Los Angeles series finale provided a heartwarming and action-packed conclusion for many of its central characters. However, the nature of long-running television often leaves some threads untied, sparking ongoing discussions and fan theories. The seven questions outlined above represent some of the most prominent lingering mysteries and potential future storylines that continue to occupy the minds of the show’s dedicated fanbase. While a revival may seem less likely with each passing day, these unanswered questions serve as a testament to the deep connection viewers forged with the characters and the world of NCIS: Los Angeles, keeping its spirit alive in the hearts of its many devoted followers.
