The NCIS: Los Angeles series finale left fans with a sense of closure for some characters, but several storylines remained unresolved, sparking speculation about what could have happened if the show had continued. Executive producer R. Scott Gemmill reflected on these open-ended narratives and shared insights into the plans that were left on the table.
- The Kessler Storyline: Kessler (Frank Military), who posed a serious threat to Kensi (Daniela Ruah), was never fully dealt with, leaving a lingering sense of danger. Gemmill hinted that, had there been another season, they would have likely brought Kessler to justice, offering a potential resolution to this unresolved threat.
- Kilbride’s Backstory: A major missed opportunity was an arc involving Kilbride (Gerald McRaney) and his son (Christopher Gorham). Gemmill noted that the storyline had been set in motion but lacked the time for proper development in the final season. This subplot could have offered fans a deeper look into Kilbride’s personal life, which Gemmill regretted not being able to fully explore.
- The Body Stitchers Case: One of the most disturbing and chilling cases in NCIS: LA was the Body Stitchers, with a member of the FBI involved in a gruesome series of crimes. Gemmill acknowledged that this storyline, which was never fully resolved, was one of the darkest and most intriguing. While Gemmill wasn’t sure how they would have wrapped it up, he expressed that it would have likely been left in Frank Military’s “deranged hands,” implying it would have continued in a similarly dark direction.
- Deeks’ Mom and Arkady’s Romance: Another storyline Gemmill had hoped to pursue involved the humorous pairing of Deeks’ (Eric Christian Olsen) mother (Pamela Reed) and Arkady (Vyto Ruginis). Deeks’ reactions to the relationship would have been a source of comedic gold, and Gemmill suggested that, had the show continued, this pairing would have been explored further.
- Hetty’s Absence and Syria: The mystery of why Hetty (Linda Hunt) was overseas in Syria was another unresolved plot. In the finale, Hetty’s fate seemed to shift toward Morocco, but Gemmill expressed a desire to explore her storyline more thoroughly, which ultimately was left unfinished due to time constraints.
- Potential Changes for the Team: Gemmill also teased potential shifts in the team’s structure. He speculated that Sam (LL Cool J) and Callen (Chris O’Donnell) might move into the private sector, while Kensi could stay with NCIS and Deeks might take on the role of a stay-at-home dad. With the addition of younger agents like Fatima (Medalion Rahimi) and Rountree (Caleb Castille), Gemmill saw them stepping up into more prominent roles, potentially replacing some of the original characters over time.
- The Impact of the Younger Agents: The addition of newer, younger agents to the team provided a refreshing dynamic, giving the seasoned veterans a chance to mentor and guide them. Gemmill saw the younger agents as a way to reflect on what the team might have been like in their earlier years, offering a glimpse into the evolution of the NCIS team.
Despite these unresolved plotlines and opportunities, Gemmill acknowledged the bittersweet reality of the show’s conclusion and expressed gratitude for the incredible cast and stories they were able to tell throughout the show’s 14-season run.
