It’s the year of living Hetty—yes, a playful nod to Linda Hunt’s Oscar-winning legacy! Fans of NCIS: Los Angeles can breathe a sigh of relief as Hetty Lange is set to make her much-anticipated return this season.
Despite her absence in the season 14 premiere, which left viewers speculating about Hetty’s fate following a discovery in Syria, executive producer R. Scott Gemmill has confirmed that the resilient agent is alive and will be back in action. Last we heard from Hetty, she was presumed to be in danger, with a body found bearing her ID—only for it to be revealed as that of a child, suggesting that Hetty had cleverly faked her own demise. Classic Hetty!
Since the series debuted in 2009, Hunt has brought depth to her character, a pivotal figure in the NCIS team who has played a maternal role for characters like G. Callen, portrayed by Chris O’Donnell. Over the years, Hetty has taken in orphaned children, nurturing them into skilled agents for the U.S. government. However, as COVID-19 restrictions affected production, Hunt’s role was scaled back in season 13, leaving fans longing for her return.
With Callen preparing to marry Anastasia “Anna” Kolcheck, it would be unthinkable for Hetty to miss such a significant event in his life. Yet, true to her enigmatic nature, Hetty’s current circumstances in Syria remain shrouded in mystery.
Gemmill elaborated on Hetty’s importance to the storyline, emphasizing, “Hetty has been an integral force within the agency and an especially important part of Callen’s past. As he thinks about his upcoming wedding, he would want Hetty there.” The plan is in motion to rescue her and uncover what she’s been up to, with the aim of making it happen this season.
Fans can look forward to Hetty’s return, bringing her unique blend of wisdom, wit, and unpredictability back to the heart of NCIS: Los Angeles. Stay tuned for more updates as the season unfolds!
