The NCIS franchise is expanding this fall with the debut of NCIS: Hawaii, but that doesn’t take away from the success of NCIS: LA. Season 13 of the highly successful spin-off will be premiering this October, so here’s what we know so far about Season 13.
What Is the Story Going into NCIS: LA Season 13?
In a somewhat unexpected move for any NCIS show, NCIS: LA’s Season 12 finale ended on a high note without a cliffhanger. After a particularly odd case involving dolphins and more Russian involvement, the show concluded with a happy montage. Fatima has a heart-to-heart with Roundtree and admits why she’s been in a bad mood all day as she tries to cope with the anniversary of her best friend’s death. Sam goes to watch his son’s flight test, and Kensi and Deeks have a picnic on the beach.
The only disappointing part of the Season 12 finale was the news that Eric Beale and Nell Jones, the team’s technical operator and intelligence analyst, would not be returning for another season. In-universe, they are moving to Tokyo, Japan to expand Eric’s cybersecurity company. With the departure of these two characters, there is the return of another. The finale also saw the brief return of Hetty from her unknown mission. That was much to the disappointment of Kilbride, who had been trying to get Nell to officially take over the role of Operational Manager. Because of Season 12’s happy and no strings attached finale, there isn’t much to go on for Season 13’s plot, but there are a few hints. First, and most obviously, the writers need to provide an in-universe reason for Hetty’s absence. This isn’t the first time that she’s gone missing, but it’s always been for good reason.
The Synoposis for Season 13: Episode 1 “Subject 17″ reads: “While Callen suspects Hetty of keeping secrets about his past and Joelle surfaces in her quest to capture Katya, NCIS must track down an informant whose life is in danger. Also, Kensi and Deeks work to expand their family.” So, on top of Hetty explaining where she has been, she is also going to have to answer to Callen about whatever secrets he uncovered in the Season 12 finale. Additionally, the synopsis points to Kensi and Deek’s family life. Last season adoption was on the table, so maybe they will have moved forward with that process as the new season opens. All the while, normal NCIS stuff is happening and the team has to track down an informant who is somehow in danger. All of that to say, it seems like the “Subject 17” will start the season off fast.
Who Is in NCIS: LA Season 13’s Cast?
Most of NCIS: LA‘s stars will return for Season 13. Chris O’Donnell returns as Grisha “G” Callen, the Lead Senior Field Agent of the NCIS Office of Special Projects. Callen will have his partner back because LL Cool J will also be returning as Sam Hanna. The show will also feature Daniela Ruah and Eric Christian Olsen, playing married couple Kensi Blye and Marty Deeks, respectively.
Amid some speculation, Linda Hunt will return as Henrietta “Hetty” Lange as the character returns from her mission and reclaims her position as Operational Manager. The OSP team will also retain its two newest special agents. Medalion Rahim will once again portray Fatima Namazi, and Caleb Castille will again be Devin Roundtree.
However, there are some changes coming to NCIS: LA’s cast in Season 13. Season 12’s finale saw longtime OSP members Eric Beale and Nell Jones ride off into the sunset as they left for their new jobs in Japan. The two characters are exiting the show because Barrett Foa and Renée Felice Smith want to dedicate more time to other projects. To help fill the void, NCIS: LA is promoting Gerald McRaney, who plays retired Admiral Hollace Kilbride, to series regular.
NCIS: LA Season 13 Promo
CBS recently released a promo for NCIS:LA’s Season 13 first episode “Subject 17.” It’s a short promo, but it teases big happenings. Former Admiral Kilbride talks about something being on the level of an international incident, to which, Hana responds that the team is already in the middle of it. There are explosions, and Callen and Deeks jump off the side of a building. So, stay tuned because the action is just around the corner.
What Is NCIS: LA Season 13’s Release Date?
