NCIS: LA Fans Outraged as Key Characters Mysteriously Absent Ahead of Finale—Will They Return?

A Shocking Lead-Up to the End

As NCIS: Los Angeles speeds toward its highly anticipated series finale, fans expected a grand send-off packed with familiar faces, emotional reunions, and satisfying closure.

However, recent episode previews have left audiences in shock—several key characters appear to be completely missing from the next installment.

With only a few episodes left, the absence of these fan-favorites has sparked outrage, confusion, and intense speculation.

Why are they missing? Will they return in the finale? Or is this an unfortunate misstep in the show’s final moments?

Let’s break down who’s absent, why it matters, and whether there’s still hope for a last-minute comeback.

Where Are These Key Characters?

CBS has been tight-lipped about upcoming plotlines, but official cast lists and promotional materials reveal that several beloved characters are notably missing.

🔹 Hetty Lange (Linda Hunt) – The Missing Matriarch

Hetty Lange, the heart and soul of NCIS: LA, has been absent for most of Season 14, making only sporadic mentions and brief appearances.

Fans were banking on her dramatic return before the finale—but as of now, there’s no sign of Hetty in the next episode.

Will she make a last-minute comeback, or is NCIS: LA really ending without its most legendary character?

🔹 Nell Jones (Renée Felice Smith) – A Promised Return That Never Happened?

After leaving the team in Season 12, Nell’s storyline was left open-ended, fueling rumors of her eventual return.

Yet, as the finale approaches, there’s still no sign of her in the cast lineup.

Fans are questioning: was she ever meant to return at all?

🔹 Eric Beale (Barrett Foa) – The Ghost of the Tech Genius

Once a core member of the team, Eric exited the show alongside Nell—but viewers hoped for one final appearance.

However, sources suggest his character won’t be included in the last few episodes.

Could CBS be keeping his return under wraps for a shocking surprise?

🔹 Owen Granger (Miguel Ferrer) – No Tribute for a Legend?

Although actor Miguel Ferrer passed away in 2017, fans expected the final season to pay tribute to Owen Granger’s legacy.

With no mention of a tribute episode, viewers are outraged that such an iconic character might be overlooked.

🔹 Dominic Vail (Adam Jamal Craig) – A Longshot Fan Theory Crushed?

Dominic Vail, an original team member, was presumed dead early in the series—but conspiracy theories have long suggested he might still be alive.

Many fans hoped the finale would finally address his fate, but there’s been no indication that he’ll return.

Why Fans Are Furious

The absence of these characters isn’t just disappointing—it’s downright infuriating for longtime viewers who have invested years into these storylines.

❌ No Proper Closure for Beloved Characters

Fans expected NCIS: LA to wrap up every major character’s arc before the finale.

Instead, some of the show’s most important figures are being ignored in its final moments.

Many are calling this an “incomplete farewell” and demanding better closure.

❌ A Sloppy Finale Build-Up

A series finale should feel like a reunion, not a fragmented goodbye.

Without these missing characters, the final episodes feel rushed and disjointed.

The absence of major players makes the lead-up to the end feel less like a celebration and more like a missed opportunity.
 

❌ A Betrayal of Loyal Viewers?

For over a decade, fans have supported NCIS: LA and its rich character-driven storytelling.

Now, many feel that CBS is disregarding their dedication by not bringing back key figures for the show’s last hurrah.

Social media is ablaze with complaints, with some even calling for a last-minute rewrite.

Is There Still Hope? Could CBS Be Hiding Something?

While things look bleak, NCIS: LA has surprised fans before.

 Here are some possible ways these missing characters could still return:

⭐ A Last-Minute Hetty Comeback?

Hetty’s storyline has been left deliberately vague, which could mean a surprise return in the final episode.

Fans are hoping for a dramatic last-minute rescue mission or a heartfelt team reunion.
 

⭐ Secret Cameos from Nell & Eric?

CBS has kept a tight lid on spoilers, which means there’s a possibility of unexpected cameo appearances.

Could Nell and Eric pop up in a surprise Zoom call or last-minute team mission?

⭐ A Tribute Episode for Granger?

Even if Granger can’t return physically, there’s still time for a touching tribute.

A heartfelt flashback or team conversation about his impact would be a fitting send-off.

⭐ The Ultimate CBS Shock: A Spin-Off?

With the NCIS franchise expanding (NCIS: Sydney and NCIS: Hawai’i), some fans believe CBS could be planning a spin-off featuring the missing characters.

Could Hetty’s absence mean she’s being saved for a new show?

Will CBS Redeem Itself Before It’s Too Late?

With only a short time left before NCIS: LA officially ends, fans are desperately hoping CBS will fix these glaring absences before it’s too late.

🔹 Will the final episode reunite the entire team for a legendary farewell?
🔹 Or will NCIS: LA end with a whimper instead of a bang?

One thing is certain—if CBS doesn’t bring back these characters, fans will never let them forget it.