Spoiler alert for NCIS: Origins season 1, episode 6, “Incognito”CBS devastated NCIS: Hawaii fans when it canceled the series in 2024, and the network only made things worse five months later. NCIS: HawaiiCancellation before season 4 shocked fans and cast membersas it showed no signs of slowing down, especially with its high ratings. There are many reasons why NCIS: HawaiiCBS’s cancellation was a mistake, but despite calls for the network to backtrack on its decision to pull the plug, CBS stood by its choice.
The cast of NCIS: Hawaii comprised incredible diversity, which is one of the reasons why its cancellation was a huge loss for the franchise. Although many CBS shows feature a diverse cast NCIS: Hawaii brought diversity to a television universe where representation has not been great, as it focused on United States military and government operations. Cutting Vanessa Lachey’s Jane Tennant story as special agent in charge is even more devastating with developments in the newest NCIS spin-off of the franchise.
NCIS: Origins takes on NCIS: Hawaii timeslot
NCIS: Origins Time Slot Is Controversial
NCIS: HawaiiCancellation before season 4 was preceded by the development of another offshoot – NCIS: Origins. The first prequel story in the franchise debuted in September 2024 and explores Leroy Jethro Gibbs’ history at the agency. Although the programs have very little overlap NCIS: Origins assuming NCIS: Hawaiithe old time slot created some commotionespecially among fans who weren’t thrilled with the cancellation. The new prequel series will air after the original NCIS on Monday nights when Hawaii used to show new episodes.
Ironically, NCIS: Origins Season 1, Episode 6, “Incógnito”, highlighted the importance of strong female representation in NCIS franchise.
NCIS: Origins taking over for NCIS: Hawaii on CBS’ programming slate made the cancellation worse. Critics of the decision point out that, although NCIS: Origins is based on the existing tradition within the NCIS franchise, NCIS: Hawaii it was more progressive, bringing more to the table regarding representation and diversity. Ironically, NCIS: Origins Season 1, Episode 6, “Incognito,” highlighted the importance of strong female representation in the franchise. Unfortunately, the series replaced the franchise’s most valuable asset with this representation.
NCIS: Origins Episode 6 addresses Lala’s struggles to stand out as a woman on Mike Franks’ team
Mike Franks is historically sexist on NCIS
“Incognito” focuses on Lala Dominguez (Mariel Molino), Gibbs’ muse NCIS: Origins history. In his voiceover as the older Gibbs, Mark Harmon discusses how she felt like she was in a box, with episode 6 exploring how Lala struggles to stand out as a woman on Mike Franks’ NIS team. The previous episode highlighted how the leader ignored Vera Strickland (Diany Rodriguez), despite having already worked together. After being called, Mike eventually helps his ex-partner in the endeavor. Unfortunately, he was able to secure funding after Vera failed, further highlighting the unique challenges of women at NIS.
The growing tension between Mike Franks and the women he works with is no surprise considering the character’s introduction to NCIS franchise. Gibbs’ mentor first appeared in NCIS season 3, episode 24, “Hiatus Part II”, one of the best episodes of NCIS. NCIS director Jenny Shepard (Lauren Holly) called Franks to help restore Gibbs’ memory, and he was necessarily rude. Upon learning that Jenny is the director, he comments negatively, in disbelief regarding her gender. That’s why, NCIS revealed decades ago that Franks was sexist. As NCIS: Origins deals with this, exposes an existing problem within the franchise.
NCIS: Origins shows how important Jane Tennant’s story is in NCIS: Hawaii
Lala’s fight highlights the need for NCIS: Hawaii
Honing in on how women have been underrepresented on NCIS, NCIS: Origins exacerbates the demand for a strong female protagonist like Jane Tennant. Lachey’s character was the first woman to lead a NCIS showand she lost the spotlight when NCIS: Origins came onto the scene. Lachey was also the first Asian-American to lead an installment of the franchise. She brought her intersectional experience to her character, which deeply enriched the series. As a diverse character, Jane Tennant’s unfinished stories make NCIS: HawaiiCancellation is even worse. Now, your suspenseful narrative will probably never be resolved.
Lachey’s character was just one aspect of what NCIS: Hawaii offered, which sets it apart from other series in the franchise. The Island-based spinoff also showcased rich experiences within the LGBTQ+ community, prominently featuring an intimate and loving relationship between two female NCIS agents. The romance between Lucy Tara (Yasmine Al-Bustami) and Kate Whistler (Tori Anderson) highlighted the rich diversity that NCIS: Hawaii he brought. The new NCIS: Origins spinoff underscores the need for more female representation, as women in positions of power like Jane Tennant, exacerbate the loss of NCIS: Hawaii.