After a year of silence following the abrupt cancellation of NCIS: Hawai‘i, fans were finally gifted with a bittersweet update in NCIS Season 22, Episode 18. While the nod was brief, it offered something many viewers had longed for: a sense of closure — or at least comfort — about the fate of Special Agent Jane Tennant and her family.
A Sweet Surprise from Sam Hanna
In the latest episode, the return of LL Cool J’s Sam Hanna provided a moment of nostalgia and subtle revelation. As he thanked the MCRT team for their hospitality, Hanna shared a heartfelt moment by serving up desserts made from one of Jane Tennant’s recipes. When questioned about it, he quipped that Tennant’s baking helps “keep her out of trouble,” especially with a teenage daughter and a young adult son at home.
It was a throwaway line on the surface — but for longtime fans, it was a crucial piece of the puzzle. That simple mention did what CBS hadn’t managed since the cancellation of NCIS: Hawai‘i: it gave us a glimpse into Tennant’s life after the dramatic season 3 cliffhanger and reassured viewers that her family is okay.
What Happened at the End of NCIS: Hawai‘i?
For those who remember, NCIS: Hawai‘i left off on a tense note. The season 3 finale ended just as Tennant returned home, expecting to reunite with her daughter Julie. Instead, she was greeted by Maggie Shaw, who ominously told her, “You’re going to need a drink for what’s coming.” The implication was dark — something had happened to Julie, or was about to. And then… the show was gone. No resolution, no follow-up. Just silence.
Now, thanks to NCIS Season 22, that silence has been broken. Tennant is alive, well, and — most importantly — still close to her children. Her baking, a new detail, speaks volumes. It’s not just a hobby; it’s a symbol of stability, love, and care — values Tennant held dear throughout her time in NCIS: Hawai‘i, especially given her own difficult upbringing.
The Cliffhanger Isn’t Solved — But It Hurts Less
We still don’t know exactly what Maggie’s warning meant, or what unfolded immediately after the credits rolled in NCIS: Hawai‘i‘s final episode. But the fact that Tennant is safe, her children are okay, and she’s baking for those she loves offers real emotional relief. It suggests that whatever happened in that final moment wasn’t tragic — or at least, it didn’t end in permanent harm.
Some fans speculate that Julie may have simply been taken somewhere safe by Maggie, possibly to shield her from an unfolding threat. Others believe the scene was more about setting up a plot that now will never play out. Either way, the recent update gives us a much-needed sense of peace.
Could Tennant Return to NCIS?
The door for Tennant’s return remains open. With LL Cool J’s Sam Hanna now a recurring guest star, there’s a clear precedent for bringing back beloved characters from canceled spinoffs. Tennant has strong ties to the main NCIS team, especially after her role in the three-show crossover event. In fact, she recently supported McGee’s children’s fundraiser — another offhanded mention that proves she’s still part of the larger NCIS universe.
There’s even speculation that she could return in a more personal storyline. Tennant and Nick Torres shared intriguing chemistry during past crossovers, and with Torres’ current relationship on shaky ground, there’s room to explore that dynamic further. A return rooted in both professional and emotional connection would be the perfect way to reintroduce Tennant in a meaningful way.
While the end of NCIS: Hawai‘i left a void for fans, the latest update in NCIS Season 22 reminds us that not all endings are final. Jane Tennant’s story may still be unfolding — and for now, it’s enough to know that she’s safe, loved, and still very much a part of the NCIS legacy.
