NCIS: Los Angeles season 12 will premiere next month on CBS. The first look of the upcoming episodes has been released, teasing what's coming next to most of the characters. Operations Manager Hetty Lange (Linda Hunt), in particular, will have a surprising new role moving forward.
Previously, the first batch of behind the scenes pictures of NCIS: Los Angeles season 12 have been released. Some of these teased that Hetty would have a different role this time around. Hunt's character has been a mainstay in the series since season 2, but she usually takes a backseat to the action.
Hetty acts at the team's Q, advising them about their upcoming missions and providing what they might need. However, she hasn't appeared in the previous installment since the episode "Fortune Favors the Brave. Now, it looks like the new season is set to make up for her limited role in season 11.
The new photos, released exclusively from ET Online, teased Hetty's pivotal role in action scenes. Some of the images showed Hunt's character being directed at a safe distance. This is one of the ways to comply with the safety protocols amidst the current global health crisis.
Hetty can be seen ditching her iconic sharp suits, and now wearing a bulletproof vest and an army camouflage. Reportedly, the scene in the photos is part of the premiere of NCIS: Los Angeles season 12. They are preparing for close quarter combat in an operating base, which is near an area of conflict.
The title of the first episode is "The Bear." According to the synopsis, Callen (Chris O'Donnell) and Sam Hanna (LL Cool J) will track down a missing Russian bomber. Hetty, on the other hand, gives Nell (Renee Felice Smith) a "cryptic assignment".
Also, the early episodes of NCIS: Los Angeles season 12 is expected to be a holdover to the shortened season 11. However, it's yet to be seen in which order they will air. Showrunner R. Scott Gemmill confirmed Argento (Juan Riedinger) is coming back following his escape from his prison sentence.
The situation could get worse due to the arrival of this new adversary. It may lead Hetty to decide a rare slice of the action in the premiere. This is a chance to see the character taking on something new and exciting. Perhaps, she could show some of her skills that weren't seen before.
NCIS: Los Angeles season 12 starts dropping its new episodes starting on Sunday, Nov. 8, on CBS.
