
In part one of the two-part season 2 finale of NCIS: Hawai’i, Jane Tennant (Vanessa Lachey) is found stooping over the body of a dead former MI6 agent, which brings Jane’s past to light and uncovers secrets best kept hidden, forcing her to go to extreme lengths to track down the killer. “I made a mistake and I need to fix it,” she says. One of the extreme lengths Jane goes to is going MIA and flying to Florence, Colorado to get some face time with her former CIA mentor and best friend Maggie Shaw (Julie White), who is serving prison time for feeding secrets to the Chinese government.
When Two TV Worlds Collide
What do you get when you cross the mysterious aura of Lost with the high-stakes crime drama of NCIS: Hawaii? An unforgettable episode that has fans of both series buzzing. Henry Ian Cusick, known for his role as Desmond Hume on Lost, makes a stunning guest appearance on NCIS: Hawaii. But here’s the kicker—he’s not here to help solve a case. He’s investigating Jane Tennant herself—for murder.
Yeah, you read that right. This explosive crossover brings a fresh twist to the procedural drama, shaking up alliances and making us question everything we thought we knew about the island, and Jane.
The Power of a Crossover Done Right
Why Henry Ian Cusick Is the Perfect Choice
Henry Ian Cusick’s arrival is more than just fan service. His deep, mysterious energy fits perfectly into the NCIS universe. He carries a legacy of playing characters who thrive in moral gray zones—exactly what this episode needed.
The Unexpected Suspect: Jane Tennant
Jane Tennant (played by Vanessa Lachey) has been the unshakeable pillar of NCIS: Hawaii. But in this twist, the tables turn. Suddenly, she’s the one being questioned, shadowed, and even doubted by her own team. It’s gripping, unsettling—and absolutely brilliant storytelling.
Breaking Down the Episode’s Plot
A Body Found with Connections to Tennant
The episode kicks off with a body discovered off the coast. It’s not just any victim—it’s someone with a murky connection to Jane’s past. The evidence? It points directly to her.
Enter Henry Ian Cusick’s Character
Cusick plays a special investigator sent by the Department of Defense. He’s no-nonsense, methodical, and doesn’t care who Jane is or what she’s done for NCIS. He wants answers—and he won’t stop until he gets them.
Behind the Scenes Drama and Inspiration
Inspired by ‘Lost’? You Bet
The tone of this episode clearly takes notes from Lost—shadowy motives, flashbacks, and trust issues galore. It even plays with timeline jumps to unravel Jane’s past piece by piece.
The Writer’s Risky Move
Putting the lead character under scrutiny is a bold choice. But it pays off. The writers manage to deepen our understanding of Jane while keeping us questioning her innocence all the way to the final scene.
Character Dynamics Shift in a Big Way
Jane’s Team Begins to Fracture
Even her closest allies start wondering: Could she really have done it? This tension drives the story forward and creates emotional conflict that feels raw and real.
Cusick’s Character Plays Mind Games
He doesn’t just ask questions—he plays psychological chess. It’s like watching Desmond Hume morph into Sherlock Holmes with a darker edge.
Fan Reactions Across Social Media
Twitter Explodes with Theories
Within minutes of the episode airing, hashtags like #NCISHawaii and #HenryIanCusick were trending. Fans dissected every clue, flashback, and sideways glance. Some are convinced Jane is being framed. Others… not so sure.
‘Lost’ Fans Welcome the Callback Vibes
The eerie, mysterious tone of the episode had longtime Lost fans nostalgic. Many said it felt like a mini reunion with the suspense and island vibes cranked up to 100.
The Emotional Core of the Episode
Jane Faces Her Darkest Hour
This isn’t just a murder investigation—it’s a deep dive into Jane’s past. Secrets she thought were buried resurface, and the emotional toll is written all over her face.
Cusick Adds a Layer of Gravitas
Henry Ian Cusick brings emotional weight to every scene. You’re never quite sure whether he’s friend or foe, which keeps viewers glued to the screen.
The Island Becomes a Character Again
Just like in Lost, the island setting isn’t just a backdrop. It’s alive with secrets, tension, and a past that refuses to stay buried. The direction and cinematography make the location feel mysterious once again.
The Ending That Shocked Everyone
No Clean Resolutions Here
Unlike typical episodes, this one doesn’t wrap things up neatly. In fact, the ending throws even more questions at us. Just when you think Jane is safe, another twist emerges.
What This Means for Future Episodes
Will Cusick Return?
Viewers are already begging for a spin-off or recurring role. His character was that good. If producers are smart, they’ll bring him back to stir the pot even more.
Jane’s Reputation Is Tarnished
Even if she’s cleared (which isn’t 100% certain yet), the suspicion will linger. And that changes the game for Season 4.
Why This Is the Best NCIS: Hawaii Episode Yet
Stakes, Suspense, and Star Power
It had everything—tight writing, jaw-dropping acting, and the kind of suspense that leaves your jaw on the floor. This isn’t just an episode—it’s an event.
Conclusion: A Bold, Brilliant Crossover That Raised the Bar
This special NCIS: Hawaii episode delivered a rare blend of intrigue, emotional depth, and nostalgic TV magic. By bringing in Henry Ian Cusick, the writers dared to explore Jane Tennant’s past and flip the script on everything we thought we knew. The result? A must-watch moment in TV history.