Fiery explosions, murder, and a few missing fingers may not be synonymous with love and heartbreak but, if there's anything that gives NCIS: Hawai'i an edge over its predecessors, it's the addictive on-off romance between Special Agents Lucy Tara (played by Yasmine Al-bustami) and Kate Whistler (played by Tori Anderson). While the now-cancelled NCIS: New Orleans also featured a queer relationship, this latest installment in the franchise offers something much more than a quick kiss and an untimely separation. The involvement of one of its core characters, as well as the pair's delightfully tumultuous nature, is a strong indicator that -- unlike the show's many victims -- this love story is anything but dead.
While it may not perfectly capture the popular 'hate-to-love' dynamic ever-present in snarky romcoms, sitcoms, and fanfiction, the romance between Lucy and Whistler makes its complex nature known from the onset. From the "Pilot," an obvious romantic history is front, center, and creating a fascinating dynamic. This serves to not only entice viewers but, to break new ground regarding LGBTQ+ representation. Gone are the days of throw-away lines, off-screen dates, and relegation to 'side couple' status; Lucy and Whistler's passionate kiss mid-episode, and their instantaneous resolve to avoid repeat patterns, is a clear bit of foreshadowing that whatever happened in the past won't stay there.
Though the show currently consists of only 13 episodes, the contrasting personalities of both characters is thoroughly well-established in that time. Lucy Tara deeply values her career and her team. She has an uncompromising compassion for the assets she's meant to protect, and is not above admitting her own shortcomings -- even boldly mocking them at times.
Kate Whistler, however, is highly guarded. She values her job above all-else, rarely divulges information about her personal life, and seems to embody the architype of the hard-nosed, all-business law official. She strives to project an image of perfection at all times. Only when that image falters -- such as when Lucy's safety is at risk -- do viewers catch a glimpse of the tender and caring nature underneath.
These obvious differences help to not only establish their relationship at the start of the show but, to help move it forward -- and subsequently backward -- throughout. Where sharing and emotional intimacy come naturally to Lucy, she finds herself at odds with how to approach Kate. Before the two begin formally dating, there is an obvious 'push back,' further reinforced by Whistler's naturally guarded persona.
As the two begin seeing each other, Lucy finds herself consistently hurt by Whistler's refusal to prioritize anything but work, even going so far as to assume Kate is embarrassed by her. As viewers are privy to more and more intimate moments between the two, they see Lucy begin to chip away at Kate's gruff exterior -- albeit at an agonizingly slow pace.
Such a longstanding will-they-won't-they dynamic is not out of place in many other tv shows. Though romance has never been at the forefront of the NCIS franchise, the series serves to explore new frontiers: not only prioritizing a romantic relationship but, prioritizing a romantic relationship between two women.
Unfortunately, Kate's aversion to openness and honesty leads the pair to a devastating end. In the show's 11th episode, entitled "The Game," Kate fails to formally end a previous relationship, leading to a painful and awkward clash, and culminating in Lucy ending things with her. While fans are heartbroken, many believe that this a necessary catalyst to Kate's eventual change. Many look forward to the continued slow-burn, and haven't given up hope that reconciliation is in the couple's future.