NCIS: Los Angeles showrunner R. Scott Gemmill provided insights into the unexpected twists and turns in the series’ final episode. In contrast to typical cases involving arms dealers, the farewell episode aimed to provide a sense of calm for characters like G. Callen, Sam Hanna, and Anna Kolcheck. It featured the reunion of G. Callen and Sam Hanna with old co-workers Nell, Nate, and Sabatino as they searched for Hetty in Morocco.
Gemmill explained that the finale focused on individual characters, considering their past experiences, what they deserved, and envisioning their future. The goal was to create a hopeful version of their future storylines and do justice to each character’s journey.
When asked about how much notice the NCIS: LA team had before the show’s cancellation became public, Gemmill revealed that they had limited time and were uncertain about the number of episodes. Originally planned as a single finale episode, they later received approval for two episodes, requiring them to adapt their plans quickly.
Since the show follows a weekly storytelling format, the writing team had to adjust their usual approach to create a satisfying conclusion. Gemmill noted that writing a series finale is one of the most challenging tasks, and their primary aim was to leave fans in a positive and contented place. They focused on providing a “happily ever after” conclusion for each character, acknowledging the investment fans make in a show and their desire for a satisfying conclusion that offers hope for the future.