While it’s been months since the series ended, there is still a buzz about the controversial cancelation of NCIS: Hawai’i. CBS launched the series in 2021 and introduced Vanessa Lachey’s Jane Tennant. Lachey’s character was the first female and Asian-American lead in the NCIS franchise, breaking ground for the police procedural that has become an institution throughout its 21 years on television. The cast included a lot of diversity, making it truly unique within the franchise. All these positive qualities made the shocking cancelation of NCIS: Hawai’i ahead of season 4 all the more devastating for its dedicated fan base.
Many fans jumped into action following the cancelation, even launching a petition to save NCIS: Hawai’i. Their efforts were hardly for naught, considering NCIS’ parent network, CBS, decided to revive Shermar Moore’s canceled S.W.A.T. series on two occasions. The news of NCIS: Hawai’i’s cancelation came just three weeks after filming wrapped up, and the timing significantly impacted the NCIS: Hawai’i season 3 capper, which defaulted to the series ending following the cancelation. The NCIS: Hawai’i finale wrapped up with a major cliffhanger, which was a massive blow to those already fretting about the series’ end.
“NCIS: Hawaii” built a loyal fanbase with its thrilling action, compelling characters, and engaging storylines. However, the series finale left many viewers feeling frustrated and unsatisfied. Was it the rushed conclusion? The lack of character closure? Or was there a single flaw that, if corrected, could have completely changed how fans perceived the ending?
In this article, we’ll explore the issues with NCIS: Hawaii’s conclusion and reveal the one simple change that could have made all the difference.
Why NCIS: Hawaii’s Ending Didn’t Sit Well with Fans
1. A Rushed Conclusion
One of the biggest complaints about the NCIS: Hawaii finale was how rushed it felt. Plotlines that had been building up throughout the season were abruptly wrapped up, leaving little time for emotional payoff.
2. Lack of Character Closure
Fans had invested in the characters’ journeys, but the ending didn’t provide satisfying conclusions. Relationships were left hanging, and some characters didn’t get the send-off they deserved.
3. Weak Villain Resolution
The antagonist’s arc felt incomplete. A villain that had been built up as a major threat was taken down too easily, making the final confrontation feel anticlimactic.
4. Missing Emotional Payoff
A good finale should evoke strong emotions, whether it’s excitement, sadness, or satisfaction. Unfortunately, the NCIS: Hawaii ending felt emotionally underwhelming, leaving viewers feeling disconnected.
The One Simple Change That Could Have Fixed Everything
So, what was the biggest flaw in NCIS: Hawaii’s ending? It needed an extended, character-driven epilogue.
If the finale had included at least 15-20 extra minutes of character closure, it could have transformed the entire experience. Here’s how:
1. More Time for Emotional Goodbyes
An extended finale could have allowed deeper conversations between characters, giving fans a true sense of closure.
2. A Proper Villain Showdown
Instead of a rushed defeat, the main antagonist could have had a more intense final confrontation, making their downfall feel earned.
3. Relationship Resolutions
Whether it’s romantic connections or friendships, an extra scene or two could have provided satisfying conclusions to ongoing dynamics.
4. A Glimpse into the Future
Many great finales offer a flash-forward or at least a hint of where the characters are heading next. NCIS: Hawaii missed an opportunity here.
How Other Shows Have Done It Right
To see why an extended epilogue works, let’s look at other successful TV finales:
1. NCIS: Los Angeles’ Emotional Send-Off
The long-running NCIS spin-off ended with a heartfelt conclusion, giving fans proper closure on beloved characters.
2. The Mentalist’s Flash-Forward Ending
The series wrapped up with a satisfying epilogue that showed where the characters ended up, giving viewers a sense of completion.
3. Breaking Bad’s Perfectly Executed Finale
Although not in the NCIS universe, Breaking Bad is a great example of a finale done right, balancing action with emotional closure.
What Fans Would Have Loved to See Instead
1. A Final Team Gathering
A farewell dinner, a last team mission, or even a simple beachside moment would have given the series a stronger emotional send-off.
2. Answers to Lingering Questions
Did some unresolved subplots get a conclusion off-screen? A few extra scenes could have provided clarity.
3. A Cameo from Another NCIS Series
Bringing in a character from another NCIS show could have made the ending even more memorable.
4. A Post-Credits Scene
Teasing what’s next—even if the show isn’t continuing—could have left fans feeling more satisfied.
What This Means for Future NCIS Spin-Offs
The way NCIS: Hawaii ended serves as a lesson for future spin-offs. Audiences crave emotional closure, strong resolutions, and well-paced finales. The next NCIS installment should take these factors into account.
Conclusion: A Missed Opportunity, but a Fixable Mistake
NCIS: Hawaii had the potential to deliver an unforgettable ending, but it fell short due to a rushed finale and a lack of character closure. However, a simple fix—an extended, character-driven epilogue—could have made all the difference.
By giving fans more time with the characters they loved, resolving lingering plot points, and delivering a more emotional conclusion, NCIS: Hawaii’s finale could have been one of the best in the franchise.
Although the series has ended, the conversation around it continues. And who knows? Maybe a future NCIS project will correct this mistake and give fans the ending they truly deserve.
