In the emotional and heartwarming series finale of NCIS: Los Angeles, showrunner R. Scott Gemmill sought to provide fans with the kind of closure that reflected the long journey of the characters over 14 seasons. Rather than focusing on the final case, Gemmill emphasized the importance of ensuring each character was in a positive place as the show came to a close.
- Character-Centered Finale: While the final case, involving a deep-cover ATF agent and an arms-dealing ring, was an important plot, it took a backseat to the emotional arcs of the characters. Gemmill wanted to ensure that every major character ended the series with a hopeful and satisfying resolution. For Callen (Chris O’Donnell) and Anna (Bar Paly), this meant a quiet courthouse wedding instead of a big, stressful celebration. Kensi (Daniela Ruah) and Deeks (Eric Christian Olsen) received the joyful news that they were expecting a baby, while Rountree (Caleb Castille) got a life-changing settlement from his lawsuit against the LAPD. Sam (LL Cool J) also got promising news about his father’s medical trial.
- A “Happily Ever After” Approach: Gemmill shared that, as a fan himself, he preferred endings that left viewers with a sense of closure and contentment. He described his approach as wanting to leave fans with “hope,” avoiding overly complex or flashy twists. Instead, the focus was on giving the characters what they deserved after years of hardship and growth. The wedding, baby news, and hopeful updates for Sam and Rountree were all part of ensuring the characters would move forward with optimism.
- Final Scene in Morocco: The finale ended not with the wedding, but with Callen and Sam traveling to Morocco to search for Hetty (Linda Hunt), leading to a reunion with former team members like Nell (Renée Felice Smith), Nate (Peter Cambor), and Sabatino (Erik Palladino). This scene suggested that the team would continue their adventures, leaving room for imagination about what would come next.
- Emotional Set and Crew Experience: Filming the last scenes was particularly emotional for the cast and crew, many of whom had been together for over a decade. The bond between the actors and crew was evident, with Gemmill noting the difficulty of saying goodbye to people who had become like family. The show’s long run, with a consistent core group, was a testament to how well they all worked together, and the final day on set was filled with bittersweet emotions.
- Behind-the-Scenes Moments: Gemmill reflected on the production challenges, especially the uncertainty around whether the series would get a proper conclusion. COVID-19 had impacted plans, including a previous version of the finale where Anna was supposed to be killed off, but she survived, leading to the eventual wedding. The decision to have a joyful ending came from a desire to reward long-time fans with a satisfying conclusion for characters who had been through so much.
- Looking Back on the Show’s Legacy: Gemmill expressed gratitude for the show’s success and the lasting impact it had on both the cast and the audience. His parting thoughts emphasized the deep emotional connection that developed over 14 seasons, with many cast members experiencing significant life events, such as marriages and children, during their time on the show. Although the show’s end was tough, Gemmill found comfort in the memories of the relationships built both on and off-screen.
- Thoughts on the Writers’ Strike and the Future: Gemmill also touched on the ongoing writers’ strike, highlighting the threat AI poses to the entertainment industry and the need for writers to secure fair compensation and protections for the future.
In the end, Gemmill’s primary goal was clear: to leave the NCIS: LA family in a place of hope and positivity, offering fans the sense of closure they deserved after so many years invested in the characters’ lives.
