“Things Would’ve Been Different”: NCIS: LA Season 14 Finale Changes After Cancellation Explained
The abrupt cancellation of “NCIS: Los Angeles” after 14 seasons sent shockwaves through its loyal fanbase. While the series finale provided a sense of closure, it’s widely known that the original plans for the ending were significantly altered due to the unexpected news. The phrase, “Things would’ve been different,” echoes the sentiments of both the cast and crew, hinting at a vastly different conclusion that was ultimately reshaped by the cancellation. This article delves into the changes made to the “NCIS: LA” season 14 finale, exploring how the cancellation impacted the storyline and what the original vision might have been.
The Shock of Cancellation: A Sudden Shift in Plans
The announcement of “NCIS: LA’s” cancellation came relatively late in the production process, leaving the writers and producers scrambling to adjust their plans. The original trajectory of season 14 was designed to set up potential future storylines, possibly leading to a spin-off or a continuation of the narrative. However, the cancellation forced them to condense and reshape the ending into a definitive series finale.
Rushed Closure: Compressing Long-Term Arcs
The most significant impact of the cancellation was the need to provide closure to long-running storylines in a limited timeframe. Plots that were intended to unfold over multiple seasons had to be wrapped up quickly, potentially sacrificing depth and nuance. This led to a sense of rushed pacing in the finale, where character arcs and relationships were resolved in a more condensed and superficial manner.
Altered Character Fates: What Could Have Been
The cancellation also likely influenced the fates of certain characters. Original plans may have included cliffhangers, departures, or significant changes to the team dynamic. However, the need to provide a satisfying series finale meant that most characters received relatively happy endings. While this provided a sense of closure, it may have deviated from the original, more complex storylines.
Missed Opportunities: Storylines Left Untapped
With the cancellation, several potential storylines were left untapped. The writers may have had plans to explore new threats, delve deeper into character backstories, or introduce new members to the team. These opportunities were lost due to the sudden end of the series, leaving fans wondering what could have been.
The Finale We Got: Finding Closure Amidst Change
Despite the challenges posed by the cancellation, the “NCIS: LA” finale managed to deliver a heartfelt and emotional conclusion. The episode focused on celebrating the team’s camaraderie, highlighting their dedication to their work, and providing a sense of closure for long-term viewers.
Focusing on Team Dynamics: A Sentimental Farewell
The finale leaned heavily on the established relationships between the characters. It emphasized the strong bonds forged over 14 seasons, showcasing the team’s unwavering loyalty and support for one another. This focus on team dynamics provided a sentimental farewell to the show’s core strength.
Happy Endings: Providing a Sense of Satisfaction
The writers opted for mostly happy endings for the characters, ensuring that viewers left the series with a sense of satisfaction. While some might argue that this was too neat or predictable, it provided a comforting conclusion to a beloved series.
Addressing Key Relationships: Kensi and Deeks’ Future
The finale also addressed the long-term relationships that were central to the show’s appeal. In particular, the storyline of Kensi and Deeks, a fan-favorite couple, was given a satisfying resolution, offering viewers a glimpse into their future.
What “Things Would’ve Been Different” Really Means
The phrase “things would’ve been different” encapsulates the sense of missed opportunities and altered plans that resulted from the cancellation. It suggests that the original vision for the finale was more ambitious, complex, and potentially open-ended.
A More Open-Ended Future: Potential Spin-Offs and Continuations
The original plans likely included setting up potential spin-offs or continuations of the “NCIS: LA” narrative. The cancellation prevented these plans from coming to fruition, leaving fans wondering what new stories could have been told.
Deeper Character Exploration: Untapped Potential
The cancellation also meant that certain characters and storylines were not explored to their full potential. The writers may have had plans to delve deeper into character backstories, introduce new conflicts, or explore new facets of their personalities.
A More Gradual Conclusion: Avoiding Rushed Pacing
The cancellation forced the writers to condense the ending into a single episode, resulting in a rushed pace. The original plans may have included a more gradual conclusion, allowing for more in-depth storytelling and character development.
Ultimately, the “NCIS: LA” finale, while providing a sense of closure, was undeniably shaped by the sudden cancellation. “Things would’ve been different” serves as a reminder of the creative potential that was left untapped, leaving fans to imagine what the original vision might have been. Despite these changes, the finale still managed to deliver a heartfelt farewell to a beloved series, celebrating the team’s camaraderie and providing a satisfying conclusion to their journey.
