Fans of NCIS: Los Angeles have long hoped for a return of Henrietta “Hetty” Lange, played by Linda Hunt, especially after the show’s conclusion without a proper send-off for her character. Recent developments in the NCIS franchise suggest that Hetty might make an appearance, albeit in a different context than expected.
With the launch of the new prequel series NCIS: Origins, which focuses on Gibbs’ early days as an agent in the ’90s, there’s potential for younger versions of beloved characters to be introduced. Co-showrunners David North and Gina Monreal hinted that characters from previous spin-offs, including Hetty, could be featured, although nothing is confirmed yet. The show’s creative team expressed openness to exploring various possibilities, keeping the door ajar for cameos.
While Hetty’s involvement might be complicated, especially given her established history in the franchise, there’s a chance that her storyline could intertwine with Callen’s, providing a glimpse into her past during formative years in the agency.
Additionally, the possibility of Dwayne Pride from NCIS: New Orleans making an appearance adds to the excitement, as he has shared a history with Gibbs that could enrich the narrative. Although fans might not get the reunion they envisioned, any return of Hetty—whether in a flashback or a supporting role—would satisfy the desire to see her character further explored.
As NCIS: Origins develops, it will be interesting to see how the show balances introducing new storylines while paying homage to the rich history of characters that fans cherish. Stay tuned for updates as the prequel series unfolds!
