Former Liaison Officer Marty Deeks (played by Eric Christian Olsen) was finally made an official NCIS agent years after his debut on NCIS: Los Angeles. Fans were overjoyed as the latest episode rolled out on CBS, though some of the excitement was cut short by a last minute twist.
The new instalment started off on a worrying note, as Deeks was sent home from NCIS training.
Meanwhile, Callen (Chris O’Donnell) had fans on the edge of their seats as he once again worked up the courage to propose to his girlfriend, Anna Kolcheck (Bar Paly).
Halfway through the spin-off’s delayed 12th season, episode nine proved to be a pivotal episode as it aired just before the CBS series takes yet another midseason break.
NCIS LA: Hetty Lange dropped in to deliver the news (Image: CBS)
Thankfully, fans had at least some cause to celebrate as Deeks was able to reunite with his wife Kensi Blye (Daniela Ruah) after their separation in last week’s episode.
Operations Manager Hetty Lange (Linda Hunt) then caught Deeks off-guard when she beamed in via video call to deliver the good news; he was finally an official member of the NCIS team.
His promotion has certainly been a long time coming, as he began the series as a Liaison Officer for the LAPD, before his job was cut by the department’s reshuffling.
Now, after 12 seasons, Deeks is finally a permanent member of the team, and will most likely join Kensi and the other agents on their next mission.
NCIS LA: Anna disappeared when Callen was about to propose (Image: CBS)
NCIS LA: Will Sam Hanna save his daughter in time? (Image: CBS)
As the episode aired, thrilled fans took to social media to celebrate Deeks’ passing with flying colours.
One fan summed up the good news: “Hetty always knew this day would come which is why she wanted to give Deeks his badge making him an official NCIS Special Agent at long last.
“It was 12 years in the making, but may I just say… It’s About Time.”
Another excited viewer said: “Get the hell of out here! Deekster is a NCIS Agent?! Hell to the yes! In front of Hetty!!”
Unfortunately, the celebrations didn’t last for very long as episode nine dropped some devastating twists in the closing minutes.
Firstly, Callen’s plans to propose to Anna were once again scuppered when he realised she hadn’t been staying at the motel she told him she would be.
Their future together could be in turmoil as fans are predicting the Russian agent could be lying about a covert mission to be revealed in a later episode.
Finally, the latest episode concluded on a heart-stopping cliffhanger as Kam Hanna (Kayla Smith) was grabbed at the last second by an unknown kidnapper.
When the series continues, Agent Sam Hanna (LL Cool J) will have to do whatever it takes to return his daughter to safety.
Reactions to the new episodes were largely positive, though many fans admitted frustration at yet another delay following this week’s game-changing cliffhangers.
One fan joked: “Hang on. Sam’s son’s school is taken hostage. Now Kam is kidnapped. Apparently this is a rite of passage if you are any member of the Hanna family.”
The series may be retreading some familiar territory, but millions of fans will undoubtedly tune in when season 12 returns to see how Deeks fares during his first day on the team.
