On the final day of filming for NCIS: LA, the cast’s emotions were running high. The cast of the final season of the CBS procedural reflected on what it was like to say goodbye to the show, their characters, and each other after 14 seasons on Wednesday.
“When we say 14 years, it doesn’t seem real because it feels like we just started, and saying goodbye is emotional.” “When we shut it down two nights ago, it was more emotional than I expected,” NCIS LA star Chris O’Donnell told ET on the red carpet for the series wrap party on Friday. “‘It’s a series wrap on Chris,’ they said.” I couldn’t — I was having difficulty communicating with our crew. You want to be articulate and say something meaningful.
But the truth is that there was a lot of emotion and love in the room. It was an incredible run. I’m truly grateful. “I’m grateful for the opportunity, the success, the viewers tuning in, and the friends I’ve made along the way.”
“There were many emotions.” “People were definitely feeling it,” co-star LL Cool J said of their “bittersweet” final day, comparing it to a “graduation.” “There was a lot of gratitude at the same time.” Because we know how much effort we put in. We know that we created a body of work, a body of art that people will be able to watch and enjoy for many, many years.” Reaching that final day, he said, felt like the culmination of his “full, complete contribution” to the show.
“At some point, you have to go if you want to level up, do something different, or move into different stages in your life,” the actor-rapper said. “There’s a level of melancholy because… you’re not going to be working closely with them on a daily basis.” But it’s all for the better. “I am confident that the best is yet to come.”
On that final day, tears flowed for co-star Eric Christian Olsen as well. “I cried,” he confessed, adding that he ended up giving a “impromptu speech.” “What I meant was the fulfillment of dreams, and the reason we chose this business was to come out here and tell stories, and we got to do that.” We were able to tell 324 stories. My parents refer to it as ‘coming home on Sundays,’ as in ‘Eric’s coming home on Sundays,’ and they get an hour to watch it. It comes in waves of gratitude, sadness, and joy.”
Co-star Daniela Ruah shared details from LL Cool J’s post-production speech to the cast and crew, promising a life-long bond. “When LL finished, he gave a fantastic speech. ‘Look, just because this is over doesn’t mean we’re no longer friends,’ he said. That doesn’t mean we don’t communicate with one another. “It doesn’t mean you have to come to me with an idea if you don’t have one,” the actress explained. “It’s like that 14-year bond.” You can’t just call it quits when you hear the words, ‘That’s a wrap.'”
“Emotions were running very high [on the final day],” said Medalion Rahimi, who plays NCIS Special Agent Fatima Namazi. I think I cried five times… But it was fun and exciting because it had a ‘last day of school’ vibe, but it was also heavy at the same time. It was a lot, but it was fantastic.”
Of course, the cast took important mementos from set to serve as priceless reminders of their time on NCIS: LA. LL Cool J admitted to taking several of Sam Hanna’s bulletproof vests and items from the boat shed, while Olsen wore one of his character’s jackets on the red carpet for the wrap party and obtained a set of dumbbells. Meanwhile, O’Donnell revealed that he took some clothing and his chair, while co-star Caleb Castille, who plays NCIS Special Agent Devin Roundtree, kept all of his character’s chair backs and Ruah has some of Kensi’s signature outfits and badge in her closet.
When it comes to the series finale, which will air on May 21, the cast promises surprises and a satisfying ending.
“I think the writers did a very good job of wrapping this show up,” Kilbride, Gerald McRaney, said of the series’ final episode. “They’ve always been good, but a lot of the shows I’ve seen here recently just stop when they come to an end.” This one has an ending, and it’s a lovely one.”
“There’s a lot we’re going to reveal,” Castille teased, adding that “our fans can expect the usual recipe with a little bit extra sprinkled in.” He claims that the ending will leave viewers “very satisfied.” “I’m pleased as well. I’m grateful that our writers and producers completely crushed it in the time they had to write all of this, squeeze it in, and get everything wrapped up.”
Rahimi hinted that the series finale serves as a definitive end to the story, despite the possibility of one or two minor loose ends. “I don’t believe there are any untied loose ends.” “My character’s ending is a little open-ended, but I think it gives the audience a chance to make up their own story about what happens to her,” she explained.
“I believe the fans will be pleased,” O’Donnell predicted. “There is some resolution, some explanation.” There are some answers as well as some pleasant surprises. They’re in for a surprise.”
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