NCIS will be back for season 22 but could Agent Sam Hanna be brought in as Agent Jessica Knight’s replacement?
In the season 21 finale on CBS, Jessica Knight (played by Katrina Law) accepted a promotion to become the new REACT chief training officer at Camp Pendleton.
This would ultimately take Jessica to the other side of the country, away from the team and, most importantly, away from her other half Jimmy Palmer (Brian Dietzen).
The pair are likely to try long distance in the beginning as she settles in and decides whether or not this new life is for her but in the meantime, someone needs to fill in Jess’ role.
And given how NCIS: Hawaii has just been cancelled after three seasons, NCIS legend Agent Sam Hanna (LL Cool J) could be up for the job.
Sam is among the most popular of NCIS veterans, given that he was a staple in NCIS: Los Angeles for all 14 seasons.
The fact he was easily able to fit into life on NCIS: Hawaii following the show being axed as well proves that Cool J can adjust to other series within the franchise.
The rapper-turned-actor also hasn’t got anything else lined up work-wise, according to his IMDb profile, so he might be the perfect replacement for Jessica for the time being at least.
However, one issue with this is that it would break the show’s tradition of introducing a new female lead into the role.
When NCIS first began, it was Caitlin “Kate” Todd (Sasha Alexander) who was the team’s strong female lead, until she was murdered in season two.
Agent Ziva David (Cote de Pablo) was introduced as her replacement and remained in the police procedural for the majority of its seasons, before making her departure in series 11.
The spot was then filled by Agent Ellie Bishop (Emily Wickersham) and since season 19, it has been Agent Jessica Knight.
It has been suggested though that Sam’s presence could be justified if he wasn’t the only one to be brought over from NCIS: Hawaii.
Agent Jane Tennant (Vanessa Lachey) could join NCIS as its team leader temporarily, given that Agent Alden Parker (Gary Cole) suffered a leg injury in the series 21 finale.
He also began hallucinating so he may need some time off to get back on his feet, which would make way for an experienced leader like Jane to be brought in.
That way, a strong female presence wouldn’t be missing from the show if Sam was to replace Jessica.
So could two of NCIS: Hawaii’s beloved characters be able to live on through NCIS?
