Relationships have never been the driving factor behind any of the NCIS series, but they’ve always offered substantial subplots. For instance, Tony and Ziva’s back and forth relationship was a cornerstone on the flagship series, and NCIS: New Orleans final few episodes centered around Pride and Rita’s wedding. Currently, in the franchise, the big relationship is Kensi and Deeks on NCIS: Los Angeles, as the pair are on the path to becoming foster parents.
Following in the franchise footsteps, NCIS: Hawai’i has teased a number of relationships over its first season. Jane Tennant and Captain Milius weren’t a thing, until they were, and then he was promptly transferred to the Pentagon. Ernie had an on-again-off-again thing with an officer from the HPD, but it was pretty one-sided. In this week’s episode he asked his art instructor out on a date. Even Kai — who’s been wrapped up with family drama — might have found a love interest in a recent episode. However, the real flames are between Agents Kate Whistler and Lucy Tara, but “Nightwatch” only added to the drama to the relationship that fans have dubbed “Kacy.”
The relationship between Whistler and Lucy started off as a departure from procedural standards. They shared a kiss in the very first episode, and it looked like they were going to be the series’ marquee couple. But, it wasn’t a love story in paradise. While the two of them clearly cared about each other, Whistler was highly guarded and wanted to focus on her career. So, in order to maintain a sense of professionalism at work, they decided to keep their couple-status a secret.
That was the status quo for a while, but things quickly got worse. During “The Game,” Lucy found out that Whistler hadn’t formally ended a previous relationship. That was an especially awkward moment, as Lucy decided to end things with Whistler. At the time, it looked like that was that. Lucy and Whistler would move on to greener pastures, but NCIS: Hawai’i has yet to call it quits on their relationship and continues to tease that “Kacy” will happen.
A few episodes later, Whistler asked for forgiveness, and Lucy seemed like she accepted the apology. Yet, they didn’t get back together. Lucy made it clear that she wanted to move on. In “Nightwatch,” she even went out on successive dates with another woman. However, there were a number of moments where Lucy — despite her displeasure with Whistler — hadn’t gotten over her lover. She couldn’t take her eyes off of Whistler while she was surfing. Then, after Whistler was beaten up by an assassin, Lucy was genuinely worried about her.
As a whole, the episode might have shown NCIS: Hawai’i’s hand. Lucy’s actions proved that “Kacy” wasn’t over, despite her acting like the two of them would never be a thing. So, the likely solution is that “Kacy” will be the long-term relationship for the series, and as such, it looks like the writers won’t be in any type of hurry. In other words, Whistler and Lucy will probably end up together, but there’s going to be a lot of will-they-won’t-they along the way. So, fans should buckle up and expect more drama before the two decide to go steady.
