NCIS Season 22, Episode 18 ‘After the Storm’ brings back LL Cool J’s Sam Hanna in an episode that is mostly about him, but that remembers to tie into the larger NCISverse in a way that makes it feel like there are still more stories to be told—even from the properties we’ve said goodbye to. And though we don’t know when or where, it does seem like we might be getting that Hetty closure NCIS: Los Angeles fans have been waiting for.
How exactly that’s going to happen if Chris O’Donnell is busy doing 9-1-1: Nashville is something they’re going to have to figure out.
But the episode isn’t all about looking back, it’s also about looking forward for Sam, a character who has made quite a few changes since NCIS: Los Angeles ended. And yet, in the end, this episode proves that Sam is still Sam, and you can always count on him to have your six whenever you need.
NCIS UNIVERSE
NCIS Season 22, Episode 18 ‘After the Storm’ has a couple of G. Callen mentions—he and Anna are having a baby!—and ties into the Hetty of it all that NCIS: Los Angeles left hanging when it was cancelled. But it also uses Sam to mention Jane Tennant, and to sort of remind us that the NCISverse is bigger than just this show, and just the one spinoff that is still ongoing (since NCIS: Origins is happening in the past, and NCIS: Tony & Ziva has yet to premiere).
It’s a good reminder not just for nostalgia’s sake, but because there are so many good characters this show can draw upon when it needs to that it hasn’t really utilized. From Jane Tennant, to Kensi Blye and Marty Deeks (who must have had a kid by now, we need an update please), there are multiple ways NCIS can do what it did this episode to further the universe. And hey, just as there was a blink and you’ll miss it 5-way-crossover this season, next season, we can get an actual NCIS/NCIS: Sydney crossover. There’s enough time to plan it out now.
Plus, it would be a crime not to find a way to bring Tony and Ziva back somehow next season, now that the two characters will be back for their own show. The NCISverse feels like it’s more alive than ever these days, and it’s the best time for this particular show to capitalize.
ABSOLUTELY CERTAIN
NCIS Season 22, Episode 18 ‘After the Storm’ continues with the LaRoche business in a way that makes it seem we are not actually done with it this season. Torres, Knight, and even Parker are, of course, on McGee’s side, even if they don’t really seem to believe there’s anything there. It’s a little bit like when you’re humoring a friend. Like, you’re gonna have their back, of course, but you think they’re being a little ridiculous. He isn’t, and he’s going to get to say he told them so, and I hope he actually does.
But this episode escalates it to Vance, who basically tells McGee they’re all going to be in trouble if he’s wrong, so he’s gotta be absolutely sure. It’s an ominous warning, particularly one coming from the Director of NCIS. Why would they all be in trouble if McGee is wrong? McGee certainly, but Vance? What is going on with LaRoche, and if someone knew before, how did he even get the Deputy Director position? Whatever it is, can the show tell us this season? We’re a little tired of asking question after question and getting no closer to the answers.
Things I think I think:
- Okay, so we’re going to get more on this LaRoche thing this season, right? Right? At this point there’s no way we’re dropping it until next season.
- “I am the fort”?
- What do you mean Sam is no longer an agent? Insert Jennifer Lawrence gif.
- “I never touch carbs after 1 PM” sounds about right.
- “Sam, Victoria, and I have a standing weekend karaoke date.” Whaaaaat, Jimmy? The lore drop.
- Ha, the inside joke about Sam singing.
- “I didn’t hang it up. Just a little course correction.” This feels wildly OOC for Sam, not gonna lie.
- Did I get emotional thinking about Callen as a dad? I got 14 seasons of backstory as my reasoning.
- Now I just need information on Kensi and Deeks. WILL THEY HAVE PLAYDATES?
- Sam saving Parker’s ass, lol.
- Vance giving Sam a pep talk was good. Man, I miss Hetty.
- Yippee Ki‐Yay?
- Did you really call Tennant to ask for that recipe?
- Tell us more about these things you gotta take care of, Sam.
- WHERE ARE YOU, HENRIETTA LANGE?
- Spotted on the wrong side of the DMC?
- Please, give us closure. I’m begging here.
Agree? Disagree? What did you think of NCIS Season 22, Episode 18 ‘After the Storm’? Please share with us in the comments below! And if you have any thoughts about the show, leave a review/rating of your own in our NCIS hub!
NCIS airs Mondays at 9/8c on CBS.
Here are our last 5 NCIS reviews:
1 word:
1, super long, YES!!!!!!!
The Queen is still alive despite literally everything of the last 2 years, and it feels so good!!! (and this is definitely a good set up to explore this next Season because come on, this is a HUGE crumb to just drop before the finale!)