Reasonover is not wrong in saying that Sam has not made the NCIS D.C. team’s job any easier whenever he shows up. The last time Sam appeared on NCIS was in Season 20, during the big NCISverse crossover event between NCIS, NCIS: Los Angeles, and NCIS: Hawai’i. Sam and G. Callen (Chris O’Donnell) show up unannounced and handle a crime scene before the D.C. team arrives, even though they were called in. Sam and Callen even accuse Tim McGee (Sean Murray) of committing treason, but it ultimately gets cleared up. That season of NCIS: LA was also the series’ last, but it ended with a tease of Sam joining the NCIS: Hawai’i team for Season 3. Although the show received a ratings boost, presumably from Sam joining the team, NCIS: Hawai’i was unexpectedly cancelled. The last time Sam was seen, he recovered from a deadly virus and celebrated with the Hawai’i team. Although there’s no indication of what Sam has been up to since then, it’ll be fun to see how Sam’s reappearance will affect the team. It could be a creative test to see if Sam has a place on the D.C. team. He’s already interacted with all the main characters in the series, and they have a great dynamic with him. He’d be a fun addition for the confirmed NCIS Season 23. There’s still one episode left between now and Sam’s return to NCIS, so fans don’t have to wait too long for this exciting crossover.
A New Dynamic in ‘NCIS’
‘NCIS’ has been a fan-favorite crime procedural for years, and one of the biggest reasons is its strong, cohesive team dynamic. But when Sam Hanna steps in, things take an unexpected turn. He isn’t just another team member—he’s a force of nature, and his presence shakes things up in ways that no one saw coming.
How exactly is Sam Hanna disrupting the normal flow of the team? Let’s dive deep into his impact on the show, the dynamics between characters, and why this shift is either a brilliant move or a risky change.
Who Is Sam Hanna? A Quick Recap
For those unfamiliar, Sam Hanna (played by LL Cool J) is a highly skilled special agent who first made waves in ‘NCIS: Los Angeles.’ Known for his military background, sharp instincts, and no-nonsense approach, he’s a character that commands respect.
But bringing such a dominant figure into the core ‘NCIS’ team? That’s bound to create some tension.
Why Sam Hanna’s Arrival Shakes Things Up
1. A Different Leadership Style
The original ‘NCIS’ team has always worked under a structured yet flexible leadership style. Sam Hanna, however, brings a military-influenced, disciplined approach. This contrast leads to friction—especially when he challenges established team norms.
2. Clashes With Gibbs’ Legacy
Leroy Jethro Gibbs left big shoes to fill, and while no one can truly replace him, the team has adjusted to his absence. Sam’s arrival disrupts that adjustment, making some team members feel like they’re in a constant state of change.
3. A More Aggressive Approach to Investigations
Sam’s background in military and tactical operations means he’s used to acting fast and decisively. This occasionally puts him at odds with other agents who rely more on patience, deep analysis, and procedural methods.
How the Team Reacts to Sam Hanna’s Presence
1. Torres: A Battle of Alpha Males
Nick Torres is no stranger to taking charge, and Sam’s strong-willed nature leads to some heated moments between them. While they respect each other, their different styles create tension in high-pressure situations.
2. McGee: The Analytical Mind vs. the Action Hero
Tim McGee is the team’s tech genius and strategist, preferring data-driven decision-making. Sam’s more hands-on approach sometimes makes McGee feel sidelined, leading to a subtle power struggle.
3. Parker: Balancing Authority and Trust
As the team leader, Alden Parker must ensure harmony within the group. With Sam in the mix, Parker faces new challenges in maintaining order and keeping everyone on the same page.
The Positive Side of Sam Hanna’s Disruption
1. Fresh Energy to the Show
Sometimes, shaking things up is exactly what a long-running show needs. Sam’s presence adds unpredictability, which keeps viewers engaged and invested.
2. Pushing the Team to Be Better
Disruptions aren’t always bad. Sam’s experience and confidence challenge the team to adapt and improve, ultimately making them stronger.
3. Expanding the ‘NCIS’ Universe
Having Sam in the main ‘NCIS’ lineup bridges the gap between different series within the franchise, creating exciting crossover potential.
Potential Risks of This Change
1. Alienating Longtime Fans
Some fans love the traditional team dynamic and may resist a major shift in chemistry. If not handled carefully, Sam’s presence could feel like an intrusion rather than an evolution.
2. Overshadowing Other Characters
Sam’s big personality could dominate the screen, leaving less room for character development among other team members.
3. Risk of Forced Conflict
If the show overemphasizes tension between Sam and the team, it could feel unnatural or repetitive. Striking the right balance is key.
What This Means for the Future of ‘NCIS’
Will Sam Hanna’s presence permanently change the show’s DNA? Or will the team find a way to integrate his strengths without losing their core identity?
The key lies in evolution—allowing natural character development while respecting the essence of ‘NCIS.’ If the writers get it right, Sam’s disruption could be exactly what the show needs to stay fresh and relevant.
Conclusion
Sam Hanna’s arrival in ‘NCIS’ is both exciting and risky. He brings a unique energy that can reinvigorate the show, but his presence also has the potential to shift the team dynamic too drastically. Whether this change is for better or worse depends on how well the writers balance character interactions and story arcs. For now, one thing is certain: Sam Hanna is not here to blend in—he’s here to make an impact. And love him or hate him, that’s exactly what he’s doing.
