‘NCIS: Hawai’i’ 2×16 Review: “Family Ties”

NCIS: Hawai’i 2×16 “Family Ties” is the kind of episode this show does to perfection, a more casual and heartwarming hour that doesn’t really focus on the team, but that still provides enough info on some of the regulars that at the end of the hour, you feel like you know them better. That’s true of both Kate Whistler and Jane Tennant, but also, by extension of Lucy Tara and Alex Tennant.

We’ve gone through the ups and downs of Jane Tenant’s relationship with her older son Alex, and to see the episode end with Alex getting into the U.S Naval Academy, knowing that’s his first choice, is incredibly heartwarming. Because Alex didn’t just choose Annapolis in a vacuum. Instead, he chose it because of his mom. Special Agent in Charge Jane Tennant. Badass Jane Tennant. But also, the kind of character that has always been more than her title, more than her job. Is it any wonder a kid would want to be more like her?

Or that Kate Whistler would find her the perfect person to come to for advice?

The Kate Whistler part of the episode is especially interesting because it’s nothing really surprising, but still new information about a character we are always happy to learn more about. The Kate Whistler who was alone, the one that needed to be in control because she didn’t think anyone could love the version of her that wasn’t …that Kate Whistler has grown. She’s evolved. She now knows she’s got people, and by people, I don’t just mean Lucy — although it was great to see her girlfriend being her main sounding board, because that’s what being in a relationship is like.

It’s been a gradual and welcome change for the show, one that has never detracted from what is the main romantic storyline of NCIS: Hawai’i. Good ships always work better when shows take the time to develop both characters involved in it, and this show has done a great job at doing that — while also doing something a lot of shows fail to do when it comes to LGBTQ+ relationships, which is … normalizing them.

Because they are normal. They’re not all about drama, or big, sweeping storylines. TV fails at this in general when it comes to relationships, but it especially fails at treating LGTBQ+ relationships the way this show treats Lucy and Kate’s relationship, which is to say, as just another relationship. In NCIS: Hawai’i 2×16 “Family Ties” the storyline that involves both of them has nothing to do with their relationship. Instead, it’s just about Kate’s work issues and how Lucy can support her through them.

We’ve all been there. And it’s normal that Kate would be, just as it was normal to see Lucy struggling with the agent afloat position, and Kate with missing her while she was gone. The biggest drama in Kacy land these days was about Lucy’s not-really-a-surprise welcome home party. And honestly, that’s the way we want it. NCIS: Hawai’i seems to be taking a page from how NCIS: Los Angeles developed Densi, and it works just as well here. Especially because it’s not something we usually get when it’s two women involved.

Things I think I think:

• Don’t tell your pregnant wife she’s weird. Ever.
• I always love the juxtaposition of Kate in a suit and heels next to the beach.
• So this is about …stolen tires?
• Boom Boom is back! And he’s rightfully upset about it.
• “Maybe talk less.” LOL
• You will never see me complain about Kate coming to her girlfriend for reassurance.
• I’ll take a weird case like this one every once in a while.
• This look at Kate Whistler’s Type A control issues is perfection because it really illustrates why she and Lucy work so well together.
• Bam Bam and Boom Boom? Now the episode is complete!
• The plane getaway is kinda …awesome.
• PUPPY!!
• Kate asking Tennant for advice might be my favorite thing in this episode, not gonna lie.
• Other than the puppy.
• But also, how do Lucy and Kate sleep with so many pillows?

Agree? Disagree? What did you think of NCIS: Hawai’i 2×16 “Family Ties”? Share with us in the comments below!

NCIS: Hawai’i airs Mondays at 10/9c on CBS.