As soon as <em>NCIS: New York</em> was announced, attention turned to connections to the past. With LL Cool J back in the lead, many speculated about the potential return of NCIS: Los Angeles characters, particularly the much-anticipated return of Chris O’Donnell’s G. Callen teaming up with Sam, even if just for an episode.
The last time Sam and Callen were together was in the closing moments of the NCIS: Los Angeles series finale, where they learned that Nell had formed a team to go into Syria to save Hetty. This storyline was left completely open when the series concluded, with everyone understanding that Sam and Callen would stay in Los Angeles while Nell’s team went out to search for her.
However, things changed when Sam appeared in NCIS: Hawaii during its final season, with an entirely new team. This raised numerous questions about Callen’s status. Fans needed to know if he was still leading the Los Angeles team. Yet, he wasn’t mentioned, and even now that Sam is in New York, there hasn’t been a clear reference to his friendship with Callen. While O’Donnell is currently busy with 9-1-1: Nashville, it doesn’t mean a mention can’t occur.
The NCIS: New York series premiere has helped set the stage for Callen’s return to the story. Now, all that is needed is for schedules to align and a storyline that makes Callen’s physical return meaningful. The only acceptable return is one where Callen is in New York assisting Sam.
Jimmy Palmer’s NCIS: New York Cameo Sets A Precedent For Callen’s Return
When Palmer appeared in the NCIS: New York series premiere, it set the stage for future cameo moments. Sam still works closely with people from his past and will turn to them when he needs extra support. Thanks to his kindness and compassion, he has built a network of friends and colleagues who will step in and find answers for him.
One person from his past who will be more than happy to step in when needed is Callen. The two were best friends throughout NCIS: Los Angeles, constantly bouncing ideas off each other and confiding in one another. With Palmer’s return, who has been more of a protégé to Sam, it opens the door for Callen’s return and adds an equal-partnership layer.
Even when they didn’t necessarily agree on each other’s approach, it led them to become better investigators. During NCIS: Los Angeles season 5, Sam’s gut instinct approach didn’t align with Callen’s need for evidence, leading Callen to challenge Sam to consider the raw facts. When Callen went rogue during the season 7 premiere, Sam was hurt by the lack of trust, prompting Callen to rethink his own approach.
Why Callen Would Still Need To Physically Appear In NCIS: New York
However, NCIS: New York cannot rely on a cameo via video call. This has been how the NCIS universe has handled a few cameos over the years. Ernie from NCIS: Hawaii and Kensi from NCIS: Los Angeles have appeared on video calls to assist the MCRT in the mothership. Only Sam has regularly appeared in person, and while this works considering time differences and location, it feels like a cop-out for such an iconic cameo.
The last time we saw Callen and Sam together was during the NCIS: Los Angeles series finale. They both went off in their separate directions, and there hasn’t even been a mention of Callen since then. It’s shortsighted considering their friendship and how often Sam has appeared in the universe.
Callen needs to physically assist Sam with a case, whether that means being beside him in a gunfight or riding shotgun during a car chase. This would allow them both to catch up on everything that has happened, including how Callen is adjusting as a married man and how Hetty is faring now that she is back. Sam made it clear that Hetty had been saved, and out of the two of them, Callen would have far more details to share, potentially being involved in whatever secret mission she has set up.
Callen’s Delayed NCIS Return Is Great For Sam’s New York Spinoff
With O’Donnell as the lead on 9-1-1: Nashville, managing schedules isn’t easy. He films in Nashville while LL Cool J is in New York for the NCIS series, making it take time for a Callen appearance—a beneficial delay for the spinoff.
This allows Sam and Nick more time to bond as partners in NCIS: New York, which the show has begun promisingly. Currently, both characters are still getting acquainted with each other’s leadership styles while learning about each other’s pasts. Sam has shared some about his time before moving to Los Angeles and what it’s like feeling like an outsider there while Nick discusses changes he’s witnessed firsthand.
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This also provides more time to solidify Sam within his new team while audiences observe how Wyatt and Addy adapt to working with him. Writers gain more opportunity to explore supporting characters’ backstories rather than launching NCIS: New York incorrectly. Overloading with cameos related to Sam could detract from regular characters’ connections, leading viewers not caring when they are injured or face danger.
The New York-based spinoff needs time to establish itself independently. Delaying significant cameos like Callen’s will give the team ample opportunity to solve cases and demonstrate individual talents. After all, an episode featuring Callen would mean he and Sam take charge of the case—now isn’t the right moment for NCIS: New York to resemble an episode of NCIS: Los Angeles.
