NCIS: Hawai’i 2×17 “Money Honey” brings back Joe Milius and yes, the chemistry between Vanessa Lachey and Enver Gjokaj is still very much there. The episode also gives Kai a chance at a connection –if not a romance, while it follows through on the Alex storyline in the most wholesome and real way possible.
The romantic connections for both Tennant and Kai underscore how patient the show has been when it comes to setting up couples on this show. Jesse is already married — though look… if we don’t get to see more of his family life, I’m going to start doubting everything he ever says — and Lucy and Kate are the clear rock-solid OTP of this show, but with Season 3 on the horizon, NCIS: Hawai’i can start exploring new possibilities for characters like Tennant, and Kai.
Well, new or old possibilities, because the return of Joe Milius is a reminder that there was a point in Season 1 where we thought the show was going there with Tennant, and going there for real. Pulling back was probably the right choice for her as a character, and Vanessa Lachey has chemistry with almost any man you put her in a room with, so it’s not like we haven’t felt sparks between her and others (hello, Charlie 1), but there’s still something special about her chemistry with Enver Gjokaj, something that could grow if the show allowed it to.
Sometimes the narrative surrounding female characters, especially ones in charge, like Jane Tennant, revolves around them not needing romance. They can have happy and fulfilling lives without it, and Tennant has her family — and her work family. All of that is true. But she wouldn’t be any less of a badass if she were to fall in love again, and if she were allowed to explore that. A romance doesn’t take away from Jane Tennant, just like it doesn’t take away from Lucy Tara or Kate Whistler.
Ironically, the other side of this no-romance decision NCIS: Hawai’i clearly made in order to establish the character and the team dynamics first — something which has worked to the show’s advantage — is that Alex Tarrant hasn’t gotten nearly enough chances to display the charm he pulls out this episode or the earnestness. There’s something in Kai that has always been a little lost, a little lonely, and wanting him to find a partner isn’t a bad thing.
NCIS: Hawai’i has proven, time and time again, that it’s not afraid to explore normal character dynamics. And a romance for Tennant and/or Kai would be pretty normal at this point. And it doesn’t even take away from Kacy — not that anything could — because Kacy will remain the show’s main ship. They’re the only two series regulars involved with each other, and the only two that ever could be …unless Commander Chase gets promoted to regular, or something.
Sometimes people just want to focus on their families. Sometimes they want to focus on their new job, and settle back home. But those people can also, at some point, want more. And that’s not just absolutely normal, it’s the kind of storyline the show has proven it can handle.
Things I think I think:
- Co-parenting! I mean, considering how common it is, it’s refreshing how little drama the show creates around it.
- But I don’t have to like Daniel, right?
- Look, Milius, I also look at Jane Tennant like she hung the moon, but maybe dial it back while in the office? Everyone can see, there aren’t real walls.
- Ah, so HE wrote Alex’s recommendation.
- Yes, it did get awkward really fast.
- “Where’s the other one?” The other one?!
- The way Jesse and Kai jumped to correct him in unison, though.
- You think dinner is enough, Milius?
- Every time Jesse mentions his wife I remember we really need more backstory on Jesse.
- She didn’t actually buy that dress she walked out with.
- Ha, Whistler and Ernie.
- Kai would know the best mani-pedi place. He’s a local. Plus, he looks like the guy who’d take care of his nails.
- It was a good apology, Milius. I’ll give you that.
- Did he really say “the burdens some of us must carry?” Jesse, I love you.
- Awkward dinner convos, my favorite.
- We’re supposed to laugh at Kate’s boss, right? Right?
- I like this side of Kai.
- Action Jane!
- Kai cleans up well. And the dress Adriana has? Wooow.
- This wasn’t to be, but I wouldn’t be opposed to some romance for Kai.
- Captain America, lol.
- Winter would be number one on my list of concerns too.
Agree? Disagree? What did you think of NCIS: Hawai’i 2×17 “Money Honey”? Share with us in the comments below!
NCIS: Hawai’i airs Monday on CBS.
