A Chapter Closed, But the Book Might Not Be Finished: Reflecting on the ‘NCIS: LA’ Send-Off
The two-part series finale of NCIS: Los Angeles delivered a potent mix of closure and lingering threads, offering a satisfying, albeit bittersweet, farewell to a show that captivated audiences for fourteen seasons. The final episodes focused on tying up long-standing character arcs while also leaving the door slightly ajar for potential future stories within this beloved corner of the NCIS universe. Let’s delve into where the finale left our favorite agents and speculate on what the future might hold for them.
The culmination of the series saw several key personal milestones reached. The long-awaited wedding of Special Agent G. Callen (Chris O’Donnell) and Anna Kolcheck (Bar Paly) finally took place in an impromptu but heartfelt ceremony, surrounded by their chosen family. This marked a significant turning point for Callen, who had spent much of his life searching for connection and belonging. Their “I do’s” symbolized a new chapter filled with stability and love.
Equally joyous was the revelation that Kensi Blye (Daniela Ruah) and Marty Deeks (Eric Christian Olsen), after navigating the complexities of their careers and a desire to start a family, were expecting a baby. This news brought a wave of emotion and hope for the future of the “Densi” household, promising a new set of challenges and joys for the beloved couple.
Meanwhile, Sam Hanna (LL Cool J) continued to grapple with his father Raymond’s (Richard Gant) Alzheimer’s diagnosis, finding a promising research study that offered a glimmer of hope. This personal struggle added a layer of emotional depth to Sam’s journey, highlighting his unwavering dedication to his family.
The legal troubles faced by Devin Rountree (Caleb Castille) regarding his involvement in a shooting incident with the LAPD also found a resolution, allowing him to move forward with his career and personal life without that cloud hanging over him.
The Lingering Mystery: Hetty’s “Side Project” and the Moroccan Rescue Mission
However, the most significant loose thread left dangling by the finale involved the enigmatic Operations Manager, Hetty Lange (Linda Hunt). While absent from Callen and Anna’s wedding, Hetty sent a cryptic congratulatory note, hinting at her ongoing, highly classified “side project” in Syria. The final moments of the series saw Callen and Sam, at Anna’s urging, embarking on a mission to Morocco, not to meet Hetty directly, but to join forces with familiar faces – Nell Jones (Renée Felice Smith), Nate Getz (Peter Cambor), and Vostanik Sabatino (Erik Palladino) – to rescue her from a perilous situation.
This cliffhanger regarding Hetty’s fate and the nature of her secret mission was a deliberate choice by the showrunner, leaving the door open for potential future storylines. The fact that Sam, a key character, has since resurfaced in a recurring role on NCIS: Hawai’i, often involved in missions that hint at a connection to Hetty’s whereabouts, suggests that this storyline is not entirely dormant.
What Could Be Next? Exploring Potential Avenues for the NCIS: LA Universe
While NCIS: Los Angeles has officially concluded, the enduring popularity of its characters and the unresolved Hetty storyline leave room for speculation about potential future iterations within the NCIS franchise:
Guest Appearances and Crossovers:
The most immediate possibility lies in seeing beloved NCIS: LA characters pop up in guest roles on the remaining NCIS series, particularly NCIS and NCIS: Hawai’i. Sam’s recurring role on Hawai’i has already paved the way for this, and there’s always the potential for other characters, like Callen and Anna, or even Kensi and Deeks (perhaps in a less field-intensive capacity due to their growing family), to make appearances in crossover events.
A Limited Series or Movie:
The unresolved storyline surrounding Hetty’s rescue and her mysterious “side project” could serve as the basis for a future limited series or a standalone movie. This would allow the show to revisit the core team, potentially bringing back other fan-favorite characters, to conclude Hetty’s arc and offer further closure to the NCIS: LA chapter.
Focusing on the Next Generation:
While less likely in the immediate future, there’s always the possibility of a new spin-off that focuses on the next generation of NCIS agents in Los Angeles, perhaps with occasional appearances from the original cast in mentor roles. This would allow the franchise to maintain a presence in the LA setting while introducing fresh perspectives and storylines.
Exploring Prequels (Though Unlikely Now):
While there was talk of a prequel focusing on Mel’s parents from Virgin River, the NCIS franchise could, in theory, explore the backstories of some of the NCIS: LA characters in their earlier years. However, with the main series concluded, this seems like a less probable direction.
The Unlikely Revival: Chris O’Donnell’s New Venture
As mentioned in a previous article, the recent casting of Chris O’Donnell in a lead role in the 9-1-1 spin-off, 9-1-1: Nashville, significantly diminishes the likelihood of a full NCIS: LA revival anytime soon. Leading a new network procedural is a demanding commitment, making it logistically challenging for O’Donnell to reprise his role as Callen in a substantial way.
Conclusion: The Spirit of OSP Lives On
The NCIS: Los Angeles series finale provided a satisfying emotional conclusion for many of its key characters, offering glimpses of a bright future for Callen and Anna, Kensi and Deeks, and Sam and his father. However, the deliberate cliffhanger surrounding Hetty’s fate and the ongoing rescue mission leaves a lingering sense that the stories within this universe might not be entirely over. While a full revival seems improbable in the near future, the possibility of guest appearances, a limited series focusing on Hetty, or even future iterations within the NCIS franchise cannot be entirely ruled out. For now, fans can cherish the memories of the NCIS: LA team and find solace in the fact that their adventures, even if concluded on their own show, might still have a chapter or two left to be written within the broader NCIS saga. The spirit of the Office of Special Projects, with its blend of action, humor, and heart, continues to resonate.
