The finale of NCIS: Hawai’i might not have been intended as the series’ last episode, but it serves as a fitting farewell for Vanessa Lachey’s Jane Tennant. “Divided We Conquer” picks up seamlessly from the previous episode’s cliffhanger, maintaining viewer engagement despite a reduction in action. Nonetheless, the show’s cancellation casts a shadow over the episode.
Continuing the team’s pursuit of Compound X, the episode makes the mission personal for one member while involving the entire squad. It strikes a balance between excitement and staying true to the series’ core elements.
The prior episode set up the threat of Compound X, significantly raising the stakes for the finale. Many shows falter at delivering on such high expectations, either by overcomplicating the plot or underdelivering on the resolution. “Divided We Conquer” skillfully avoids these pitfalls by focusing on the NCIS team’s unique perspective on the crisis.