NCIS: Hawai’i 3×10 Review: “Divided We Conquer”

NCIS: Hawai’i 3×10 “Divided We Conquer” is the farewell to a show that proves, in its very last episode, that it had so much more to give. The hour, much more focused on the team we love than on strangers we never got to know properly, is all about saving Sam and the world. And to no one’s surprise, this ohana always comes through.

As a season finale, NCIS: Hawai’i 3×10 “Divided We Conquer” is a very effective episode, that closes off the Elite storyline as best as possible, integrates Sam into the team and also sets up a new season with the return of Maggie Shaw. As a series finale, however, there’s a sense of dissapointment that is hard to get over as we consider what we didn’t get.

We never got to learn more about Jane Tennant’s backstory, or revisit why it was her mother she saw in the woods a few episodes ago. We also never got to see Tennant in a real romantic relationship, one that lasted — while trying to navigate what that would mean for her kids, for her team and even for a woman in her position.

Also, we didn’t get to meet Heather Boone or spend any significant time with Jesse’s family. We didn’t really get to examine Kai’s romantic life, either, or delve even more into his complicated family life. And we absolutely missed out on the Jesse and Kai dynamic, which went from downright frosty to a real bond of brotherhood in three seasons.

We didn’t get to see Ernie and Chase possibly fall in love, and there were hints there that the show would have gone there at some point. The two character’s backstories was also mostly unexplored, and though we feel like we know who they are, we don’t really know why they are who they are.

Plus, also didn’t get to meet Lucy’s parents, or anyone in Kate’s family, much less attempt to unpack the issues either of them had with them — and that’s without even going into their relationship and how it would be recieved. We got a tease at a wedding that we will now never get to experience, and that’s just one of the big milestones on the list of things we will miss out with Kacy, things CBS has given us time and time again with other coupels in countless other procedurals.

And these things are pretty much standard for a show that’s been cancelled. We always miss out on so much. There are always so many unanswered questions. It’s always unfair. But at least, sometimes, it makes sense. Not a big enough name. The ratings weren’t there. No one actually cared. Neither of those are true for NCIS: Hawai’i, a show with a big fandom, part of a big franchise, and with good ratings.

So this one hurts. And it’s going to hurt for a while. It’s going to feel unfair for a while. And we’re probably going to hold on tight and refuse to let go for just a little bit longer. This is our family, after all.

Things I think I think:

• Trying to break a steel door with sheer will does sound like Sam.
• Other Jess not letting him come in was real.
• But he’s sick anway?!
• See, taking Chase was a good idea!
• I live for any little bit of Kacy, in this the last episode.
• “Stay safe, Jess.”
• But, did anyone call Sam’s family?
• Taking on Jane Tennant in hand-to-hand combat? Really?
• Okay, so Sam gives you the go ahead to make more and you …call his family now, right? Right?
• See, this side of Jane Tennant is something I would have loved to see explored.
• You’re leaving a note for your team, Sam? What about your children? Am I the only one who remembers this man has kids? Kids with no mother?!
• “Your suffering was very authentic.” Ah, my babies flirting. I needed 15 more seasons of them. I needed them to get every thing Densi got. I hated when NCISLA got cancelled, but I at least got 14 seasons. This? Just 3? This is brutal.
• But how did Sam open the door?!
• Honestly, I almost wish they’d cut the last scene.

Agree? Disagree? What did you think of NCIS: Hawai’i 3×10 “Divided We Conquer”? Are you mad at CBS? Do you have a petition you want to share? Drop it in the comments below!

NCIS: Hawai’i aired on Mondays on CBS.