Leroy Jethro Gibbs is frequently regarded as the premier leader of NCIS, but the 22nd season introduces a twist with an update on Hetty Lange (Linda Hunt). Once thought to be deceased in NCIS – Los Angeles, Hetty Lange made a surprising return through a mysterious message during the crossover event in 2023.
It soon became evident that someone needed to travel to Syria to rescue her from her undisclosed whereabouts. This has now come to pass, as Sam Hanna informed the team in NCIS Season 22, revealing that she is still actively engaged in her role with NCIS.
This positions her as a significantly more effective leader than Gibbs within the NCIS Universe. Currently, all attention is focused on the possibility of her returning to the franchise, even if just for a single episode.
NCIS Season 22 Unveils That Hetty Remains On Active Duty
When LL Cool J made a guest appearance in an episode of NCIS Season 22, he shared some exciting updates regarding Hetty Lange. After all, the recently canceled NCIS – Los Angeles concluded with Nell organizing a task force to venture into Syria and rescue the former leader.
For years, we have been left wondering if this mission was successful as we eagerly anticipated a concluding movie. Sam Hanna provided the crucial update that everyone was waiting for. Hetty has been rescued, and she is still committed to her role at NCIS.
Leon Vance inquired if Sam was collaborating with Hetty on a confidential project she was involved in, which he neither confirmed nor denied, but suggested that he might be.
This clearly shows that Hetty remains dedicated to the work she has always cherished, ensuring the safety of the people in the United States. She willingly puts her life at risk, a commitment that some agents, like Gibbs, have chosen to avoid.
Hetty’s Ongoing Efforts Demonstrate That Gibbs May Not Be The Most Effective Team Leader In NCIS
For many years, we have held the belief that Gibbs was the finest leader in the NCIS universe. His commitment to his work and his team was unwavering, as he established guidelines designed to ensure everyone’s safety and survival. It appeared that he was the type of agent who would choose to sacrifice himself in the line of duty rather than step down from his role.
Subsequently, Mark Harmon made the choice to exit the series during NCIS Season 19. The production team needed to devise a method to remove his character, and eliminating him was not a viable solution. Although Gibbs’ journey to find tranquility in Alaska served as a fitting conclusion for his character, it felt implausible given his unwavering commitment to his profession.
In the meantime, Hetty has faced a life-threatening ordeal, yet she remains dedicated to her work. Throughout her career, she has consistently risked her life and emerged victorious. Her resilience makes her an exceptional leader for NCIS.
Will Hetty (Linda Hunt) Ever Make A Comeback In The NCIS Franchise ?
While we would certainly enjoy seeing Hetty return to the NCIS Universe, there are some challenges to consider. The primary issue stems from the fact that Hetty was absent from the NCIS – Los Angeles Series finale to begin with.
Linda Hunt, who portrays Hetty in NCIS – Los Angeles, was unavailable for those episodes due to her packed schedule. There would certainly be a storyline if Hunt were accessible, especially since Hetty is engaged in a covert project.
This could pave the way for her comeback in NCIS Season 23 or later, or we might at least receive some insights about her mission from other characters, including potential cameos from NCIS – Los Angeles.
The most effective method to reintroduce Hetty into the NCIS franchise is through the prequel series NCIS – Origins. This approach would involve casting a new actor for the role, providing us with the opportunity to explore what shaped her unwavering dedication to her career within the NCIS universe.