In the final episode of “NCIS: Los Angeles,” the team wrapped up one last case, but the real focus was on providing a satisfying conclusion for the characters who have been part of viewers’ lives for 14 seasons and 323 episodes.
Showrunner R. Scott Gemmill explained that the central aim of the series finale, “New Beginnings, Part 2,” was to ensure a fulfilling end for the characters. Rather than focusing on the case—a mission involving an ATF agent and an arms-dealing ring—the finale concentrated on personal resolutions. Callen (Chris O’Donnell) and Anna (Bar Paly) opted for a low-key courthouse wedding, Kensi (Daniela Ruah) and Deeks (Eric Christian Olsen) discovered they were expecting a baby, Rountree (Caleb Castille) received a life-changing legal settlement, and Sam (LL Cool J) learned about a promising medical trial for his father (Richard Gant).
“It was all about giving each character a hopeful and satisfying conclusion,” Gemmill told The Hollywood Reporter. “We wanted to make sure that, even though the series is ending, the characters’ futures look bright and hopeful.”
The finale’s closing scenes shifted the focus to a new adventure as Callen and Sam traveled to Morocco to find Hetty (Linda Hunt). This final scene, which also featured appearances from former colleagues Nell (Renee Felice Smith), Nate (Peter Cambor), and Sabatino (Erik Palladino), set the stage for a new journey for the team. Nell’s final words, “Are you ready for your next adventure?” encapsulated the spirit of the series’ concluding moments.
Gemmill and his team faced the challenge of rethinking their approach when CBS extended the finale into a two-part episode. Initially, the plan was for a single finale, but the extra episode provided more space to wrap up the characters’ stories properly.
Reflecting on the finale’s writing process, Gemmill said, “It was about evaluating what each character has been through and what they deserve. We aimed to deliver a sense of hope and a positive outlook for their futures.”
While the case in the finale was secondary to the character arcs, Gemmill wanted to honor the show’s history by including familiar faces and nods to past storylines. The final scene, set in Morocco, allowed for a reunion with beloved characters and hinted at future adventures.
The emotional final day of filming was marked by a bittersweet atmosphere. Gemmill noted, “It was incredibly emotional. Seeing the cast and crew, who had become a family over 14 years, saying goodbye was tough. It’s not just about ending a show; it’s about parting ways with people you’ve worked closely with for over a decade.”
As for his final thoughts on the series, Gemmill expressed his gratitude for the show’s long run. “It was a great experience, and while it’s sad to see it end, we’re proud of what we accomplished. The emotional reactions from the cast showed we did something right.”
Looking forward, Gemmill hopes the industry addresses emerging issues like the impact of AI on creative professions, reflecting on how such changes could shape the future of storytelling.
While he didn’t take home any physical memorabilia from the set, Gemmill cherished the memories of his time on “NCIS: Los Angeles,” leaving with a sense of accomplishment and fondness for the journey.
