Hetty: The Littlest Agent With the Biggest Secrets - Where Did She Disappear in NCIS: Los Angeles?
Ah, Hetty Lange. The enigmatic enigma, the shrimp with the iron fist (well, a very firm handshake), the bane of procrastinating agents everywhere. For twelve seasons, Linda Hunt graced NCIS: Los Angeles as the whip-smart and mysterious Operations Manager, leaving us with more questions than answers about her past and her penchant for cryptic messages. But then, poof! Hetty vanished faster than a rogue mole in a dead drop. So, what happened? Buckle up, conspiracy theorists, because we're about to dive into the rabbit hole of Hetty's vanishing act.
The Great Faking Out:
Let's rewind a bit. Remember that whole "body double" fiasco in Season 12? The one where they found a dead body with Hetty's ID, sending chills down Callen's spine (and ours)? Turns out, it was just another classic Hetty maneuver - a fakeout so elaborate, even Houdini would tip his hat. The little powerhouse was alive and kicking, most likely off on some clandestine mission that would make James Bond blush.
Then Came COVID: The Invisible Enemy
Just when we thought Hetty was back in action, the world got hit with a doozy - the COVID-19 pandemic. Filming restrictions and safety concerns for the 77-year-old Linda Hunt meant her appearances had to be limited. This is where things get a little murky. Some folks whisper that COVID wasn't the whole story, that maybe Hetty decided to finally retire and enjoy a well-deserved vacation on a secluded beach somewhere (sipping margaritas with a parrot, no doubt).
The Farewell (Kind Of):
Season 13 saw a reduced role for Hetty, with her character mostly off on a long-term mission in Syria. She even sent in her old pal Hollace Kilbride (cue dramatic music) to take the reins at NCIS: Los Angeles. The series finale was supposed to be Hetty's big return, but scheduling conflicts (or maybe she got kidnapped by rogue ninjas, anything is possible with Hetty) meant we only got a heartfelt voiceover message.
Did She Really Leave?
So, the big question remains: Did Linda Hunt, the phenomenal actress who brought Hetty to life, officially leave NCIS: Los Angeles? The answer is a resounding "maybe." There haven't been any official announcements, leaving the door open for a future return (because let's face it, NCIS: Los Angeles just isn't the same without Hetty's dry wit and mischievous twinkle).
In Conclusion:
Hetty Lange's exit from NCIS: Los Angeles is shrouded in as much secrecy as one of her top-classified missions. Was it COVID, a well-deserved retirement, or something more? Only Hetty knows, and she's not exactly spilling the beans (or the tea, as she might say). But one thing's for sure: the legacy of the diminutive powerhouse with the biggest personality in NCIS: Los Angeles lives on. Here's hoping for a future where Hetty graces our screens once again, leaving us bewildered, entertained, and maybe a little bit scared (but mostly entertained).
