In a thrilling conclusion to Season 12 of NCIS: Los Angeles, titled “A Tale of Two Igors,” fans were treated to the much-anticipated return of Hetty Lange (Linda Hunt), along with significant developments for several key characters.
As the episode unfolds, Hetty’s absence is felt deeply by the team, especially with Nell Jones (Renée Felice Smith) stepping up in her role. However, Admiral Hollace Kilbride (Gerald McRaney) is ready to move on, packing up Hetty’s belongings and urging Nell to officially take her place, presenting her with a tough ultimatum: “sign or resign.” Amid this tension, Callen (Chris O’Donnell) grapples with the possibility that Hetty might not be returning, while Kilbride openly critiques her unconventional methods, saying, “Hetty helped me when I was young,” contrasting it with Callen’s view of her guidance.
Meanwhile, Nell faces a pivotal choice about her future. Eric Beale (Barrett Foa) approaches her with an enticing job offer to run a new office in Tokyo. Torn between her loyalty to the team and the opportunity for growth, Nell ultimately decides to leave, marking a bittersweet goodbye. In a heartfelt moment, Hetty appears to wish her well and gifts her a brooch, leaving viewers curious about Hetty’s own mysterious circumstances.
As the plot thickens, Investigator Marty Deeks (Eric Christian Olsen) finds himself embroiled in a bizarre kidnapping scenario. Abducted by two men named Igor—one of whom is set to inherit a crime syndicate from the late Anatoli Kirkin—Deeks navigates a convoluted web of organized crime that humorously connects back to a shooting incident involving a militarized dolphin. This absurdity culminates in a mission at an aquarium where the team strives to recover stolen weapons, leading to a dramatic, yet comedic, resolution.
The episode wraps up with uplifting moments for the team. Fatima (Medalion Rahimi) opens up about her past, leading to a poignant character development. Meanwhile, Sam (LL Cool J) shares a heartfelt conversation with Callen about fatherhood while they watch Sam’s son’s flight test. Finally, Kensi (Daniela Ruah) and Deeks enjoy a peaceful picnic at the beach, providing a perfect conclusion to a season filled with challenges and triumphs.
As the season closes, the mix of humor, emotion, and unexpected twists showcases why NCIS: Los Angeles continues to captivate its audience. Fans are left eagerly anticipating what the next season will bring for their favorite characters!
