When Noah Mills teased that “there are some major changes coming to season 3 and it will be a different dynamic, I’ll put it that way, in the beginning of season 3,” you could feel the electricity among fans rising. The upcoming season promises to shake the foundations of what we thought we knew about NCIS: Hawaiʻi. In this article, we’ll dig deep into everything we anticipate — from character shifts and plot pivots to fan expectations and possible challenges. Let’s dive in.
Why Season 3 Needs a Shift
The Aftermath of the Two-Part Finale
The Season 2 finale pulled back the curtain on Jane Tennant’s secret CIA past and introduced life-or-death stakes that reverberated through the team. That kind of dramatic upheaval lays the groundwork for a different kind of storytelling in Season 3 — one where trust, identity, and hidden allegiances take center stage.
The Writers’ Strike, the Shortened Season & Pressure
Due to the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes, Season 3 was trimmed — only 10 episodes were produced, making it the shortest season in the franchise. That kind of constraint forces tighter arcs, sharper turns, and less room for filler. In a sense, pressure breeds innovation — and that‘s exactly what this season aims for.
Casting Shocks — Who’s New, Who’s Back
The Big Return — LL Cool J as Sam Hanna
One of the most talked-about moves: LL Cool J (as Sam Hanna from NCIS: Los Angeles) returns as a recurring guest star. His reappearance changes the power balance and shakes the dynamic between Jane and her team. How permanent will his role feel? That’s part of the intrigue.
How Sam Hanna’s Arrival Could Shake Relationships
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Jane Tennant may find herself more isolated or more supported — depending on how she perceives his loyalty.
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Jesse Boone might feel overshadowed, challenged, or put in unexpected positions of leadership.
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Other team members (Lucy, Kai, Kate, Ernie) will have to adapt to a new personality in the mix — alliances might shift.
Who Else Might Appear or Depart?
So far, no major cast departures have been confirmed. But rumors swirl about recurring faces returning (e.g. John Swift or Maggie Shaw) or new adversaries stepping in. With the show reworking its core dynamic, a fresh villain or internal mole could surface.
Story Arcs & Major Plot Changes to Expect
Jane Tennant’s Past Catches Up
Her CIA history is no longer a subplot — it’s now a critical driving force. The finale left unresolved legal and personal consequences for her actions. Expect that to color every mission, every interaction, and every decision she makes.
Internal Tensions & Moral Ambiguity
With higher stakes, the show is likely to lean harder into internal politics, moral gray zones, and conflicts within the team. Loyalties may be tested, especially with the arrival of a strong external figure like Sam.
New Cases, Bigger Stakes
We’re not expecting cookie-cutter episodes. Cases may tie back to Jane’s past, to national security threats, or dramas implicating the characters personally. Some episodes might be serialized rather than standalone, bridging the arcs more tightly.
Possible Crossover Momentum
Given NCIS’ penchant for crossovers, Sam Hanna’s return hints at more crossover potential between NCIS: Hawaiʻi and NCIS: LA. The 2023 crossover event already set a precedent.
The New Team Dynamic
Rebalancing Trust & Leadership
Jesse, as second-in-command, might feel his role threatened by Hanna’s arrival or emboldened to step up in new ways. The team’s hierarchical structure may flex and bend in surprising ways.
Shifting Roles for Lucy, Kate, Kai, Ernie
Each agent has grown over Seasons 1 and 2. But under stress, their strengths and vulnerabilities will be exposed — and they may have to assume responsibilities they’ve never handled before.
The “Outsider” Tension
Bringing in Sam Hanna as someone already legendary in the NCIS universe turns him into both a hero and an outsider. That tension — between respect for his skill and resentment for being new — will likely fuel interpersonal drama.
What the Fans Are Saying & Expectations
Excitement vs. Skepticism
Many fans welcome the shake-up — they see it as necessary to avoid stagnation. But others fear the original chemistry will be lost in the face of these changes.
Questions Fans Will Be Watching
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Will the team we fell in love with feel marginalized or sidelined?
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Will Jane’s secretive nature alienate her own people?
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Can Sam Hanna be integrated without turning the show into NCIS: LA Part II?
Risks & Potential Pitfalls
Overstuffing in 10 Episodes
With so many changes to introduce — Hanna’s return, Jane’s past, new cases, shifting alliances — there’s danger in cramming too much into a short season.
Character Displacement
If not handled carefully, core characters (Lucy, Kate, Kai, Ernie) could feel tertiary in their own show. Fans will balk at that.
Drifting Away From What Made the Show Unique
Earthy, local flavor; the Hawaiian spirit; tight-knit team dynamics — if those disappear, NCIS: Hawaiʻi risks becoming just another procedural.
What’s Not Changing (Hopefully)
The Hawaiian Setting & Cultural Heart
The backdrop of the islands is integral. Expect the show to still weave in local culture, environment, and relationships to place.
The Core Team Chemistry
Despite the shake-ups, the show is unlikely to abandon the relationships and history between these characters. They are too meaningful to the identity of the series.
Predictions — What We’ll See in the First Few Episodes
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Jane under investigation or scrutiny — someone begins looking into her CIA past.
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Sam Hanna’s first mission assisting — perhaps reluctantly, perhaps heroically.
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Mistrust within the team — subtle jabs, questioning of motives, shifting loyalties.
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A crisis that forces teamwork — maybe tied to Jane’s hidden history.
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One or two shocking revelations — about character backstories or secret betrayals.
Measuring Success — What to Watch For
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How organically Sam Hanna is integrated
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Whether Jane’s character can still command sympathy despite moral complexity
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That every original character still gets meaningful moments
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The pacing of arcs across just 10 episodes
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Balance between procedural cases and serialized storytelling
Final Thoughts
Season 3 of NCIS: Hawaiʻi is shaping up to be the boldest, most transformative chapter in the show’s short history. With major changes, a shift in team dynamics, and high-stakes story arcs, fans are in for an emotional, edge-of-your-seat ride. If the writers and cast can deliver balance — between what we love and what’s new — this season might just become one of the franchise’s most talked-about.
Conclusion
Change is the heartbeat of storytelling, and NCIS: Hawaiʻi is embracing it head-on. From the shockwaves of the Season 2 finale to the return of Sam Hanna and the weight of Jane Tennant’s secrets, Season 3 is not just another season — it’s a pivot point. For viewers, it means holding your breath, rooting for your favorites, and maybe discovering new ones. The dynamic has shifted, the stakes are higher, and in the beginning of Season 3 — as Mills promised — we’re entering uncharted territory.
