NCIS: Hawai’i ended Season 2 on a high note. SAC Jane Tennant’s CIA days came back to haunt her, and she had to go out of country to make good on a mistake from her past. Although she wanted to fly solo, it took help from her team, Whistler and Charlie 1 to solve the case and catch the bad guy. Additionally, NCIS: LA’s Sam Hanna conveniently showed up out of nowhere to provide some much-needed backup.
Before leaving, Hanna made it clear that he would always be willing to give Tenant a helping hand. That comment sounded like a hint, and it turned out that it was. Shortly after the finale, NCIS: Hawai’i announced that LL Cool J would be joining the cast for Season 3. He’s been tabbed as a recurring guest star, but exactly what his role will look like is anyone’s guess. One thing is clear, though, NCIS: Hawai’i should avoid a relationship between him and Tennant.
Why NCIS: Hawai’i Should Avoid a Jane Tennant and Sam Hanna Romance
Let’s not sugarcoat it—NCIS: Hawai’i is riding a strong wave of character development, plot intensity, and fan engagement. But here’s the thing: forcing a romance between Jane Tennant and Sam Hanna might just sink the ship before it sails. Let’s break down why this potential storyline isn’t just unnecessary—it’s actually harmful to the show’s long-term success.
Meet the Leads – Jane Tennant and Sam Hanna
Jane Tennant – A Strong, Independent Commander
Jane Tennant, played with fierce resolve by Vanessa Lachey, has already carved her place in NCIS history. She’s the first female Special Agent in Charge in the franchise. She’s bold, decisive, and doesn’t need a man to validate her storyline.
Sam Hanna – The Veteran With Grit
Sam Hanna, portrayed by LL Cool J, comes from NCIS: Los Angeles, bringing years of field experience, charisma, and emotional complexity. He’s battled grief, espionage, and betrayal. Fans love him for who he is—not for who he might date.
Why a Romance Plotline is a Bad Move
It Undermines Their Individual Strength
Both characters are strong solo. Forcing romance risks turning them into a cliché—“two tough agents who find love in the chaos”—we’ve seen that before. Too often.
We Don’t Need a “Will They/Won’t They” Distraction
Let’s be real—shows tank when the drama shifts from action-packed missions to awkward love tension. NCIS fans tune in for the thrill, not for the soap opera.
Think of Tony and Ziva – But With Way Less Chemistry
Tony and Ziva were lightning in a bottle. But Tennant and Hanna? They’re great partners, not passion-driven characters. Their chemistry screams teamwork—not romance.
What Fans Actually Want
Give Us Character Depth, Not Romantic Tropes
We want to see Jane balancing motherhood, command, and intelligence operations—not a love triangle.
Sam Deserves a Fresh Story Arc, Not a Forced Relationship
Sam Hanna deserves new challenges—maybe a mentor role or a deep-dive into his psychological scars. Not some shoehorned “slow burn” romance.
The Franchise’s Legacy Is at Stake
Romance Risks Derailing the NCIS Brand
Let’s not forget what made NCIS work for decades: sharp writing, tight-knit teams, and edge-of-your-seat cases. Romance plots? They’re usually secondary—or totally avoidable.
Fans Are Already Skeptical of Crossovers
Crossovers can be amazing when done right, but they can also backfire—especially if they’re clearly being used to boost ratings. A forced romance might feel like a gimmick.
The Chemistry Is Professional—And That’s Okay
Respect the Platonic Energy
Not every strong man-woman duo needs to fall in love. Sometimes the strongest bond is one built on trust and respect.
Let Them Be a Power Duo, Not a Couple
Think of Mulder and Scully before the romance, or Benson and Stabler from SVU. The tension is more compelling when it doesn’t cross into cliché romance.
What Could Work Better Than a Romance?
Shared Mission Arcs
Give them joint cases that show their skills. Let them disagree, strategize, and conquer enemies—not emotions.
Personal Growth Arcs
How about Tennant tackling leadership challenges while Sam helps train a new generation of agents?
Found Family Vibes Over Forced Feelings
Build a team that feels like family, not a dating pool. Fans relate to characters who support each other without romantic baggage.
Listen to the Audience – We’re Not Asking for Romance
Social Media Reacts Loud and Clear
Scroll through fan comments—you’ll see it. The consensus is: don’t ruin this dynamic. People are invested in character development, not couple development.
Ship What’s Natural, Not What’s Scripted
If a relationship organically develops (and that’s a big IF), it should come from years of build-up—not a mid-season twist.
The Show’s Message Matters
Empowerment > Entanglement
Jane Tennant is a symbol of breaking barriers. Let her continue inspiring without a romantic arc dragging her down.
Honor Sam’s Journey
Sam has lost a lot—his wife, his partner. His healing doesn’t need to come from love. It needs to come from purpose.
The Bottom Line – Romance Isn’t the Right Move
A Jane-Sam romance might look good on paper for drama’s sake—but in reality? It could ruin years of solid character building. Fans crave depth, not date nights. Don’t take the easy way out with a romance subplot. Dig deeper. Go smarter.
Conclusion: Keep the Mission, Ditch the Romance
Look, we get it—romance can be tempting for writers looking for emotional pull. But in NCIS: Hawai’i, the strongest play is to keep Jane and Sam as allies, not lovers. Their stories are already rich, layered, and compelling. Let’s not water them down with unnecessary romance. Instead, let’s raise the stakes, keep the action tight, and let these characters thrive without falling into each other’s arms.
