In Sunday’s NCIS: Los Angeles opening sequence, an exciting Top Gun-type F-35 Navy coaching train turns right into a nail-biter as a aircraft will get in hassle and the pilot ejects. Turns out it’s Special Agent Sam Hanna’s (LL Cool J) son!
Aiden (Tye White) survives, a lot to the reduction of his dad and grandfather, Raymond (Richard Gant). But “he gets his bell rung pretty hard,” says the drama’s govt producer R. Scott Gemmill. And the crash may very well be a career-ender: All indicators level to pilot error. “Aiden has a reputation as a hot dog,” Gemmill provides. “He’s been reprimanded for his flight behavior.”
With the NCIS crew put within the awkward place of investigating the incident, Sam is barred from taking part. Meanwhile, the trio of powerful army Hannas grapple with what occurred.
“It’s a lot of stubbornness in one room,” Gemmill says. “There’s [Sam and his dad] going through the initial shock and worry, but also trying to help Aiden remember what’s going on.”
Sonja Flemming/CBS
His fuzzy recollection of occasions, plus Raymond’s ongoing reminiscence loss (presumably the results of traumatic mind harm throughout his stint within the Marines), will get Sam reflecting on the long-term injury attributable to their careers.
“Will there be a time when he needs to be looked after? These guys would rather eat a bullet than be a burden on their families,” the EP says.
Meanwhile, the crew goes all out for Sam’s sake: “They investigate mechanical error, the ground crew, something within the new technology of the jets that somebody hasn’t been honest about,” Gemmill says. “Hopefully, one exonerates Aiden.”
NCIS: Los Angeles, Sundays, 10/9c, CBS