What does Hetty’s resignation have to do with Callen’s history? A whole lot, as we’re about to learn in tonight’s “NCIS: LA” season finale (9/8c). Executive producer Shane Brennan explained how Hetty’s sudden disappearance is tied to information she possesses about Callen’s identity, and discussed how next season will delve deeper into each character’s backstory.

Take us inside your approach to the finale, and what you wanted to accomplish.
The finale turns the focus back on Callen and the many unanswered questions he has about his identity. Hetty is central to the finale and, as fans have come to realize, knows more about Callen than she’s prepared to admit.

Did anything disappoint you about this season? Anything you wish you could have done, but didn’t have the time, forethought or resources?
There were a couple of stories that I intended to tell this season that will now have to wait until season three. That’s not a bad thing. It means that as we’ve explored the characters this season – in particular Deeks and Sam – we’ve found there are more stories to tell, more to reveal about them.

What should fans look forward to next season? And if you haven’t gotten that far yet…what would your dream season be?
We’re well into preparing for next season – and it’s already shaping up to be the best season to date! It’s all about building the mythology of the series. We’re at a point now where we know a little about all of our regular characters’ back stories…but we want to know more. Season three will build on that, digging deeper into who they are and what makes them tick. The series arc is an exploration of identity, focusing on Callen discovering the truth about who he is… But as we journey with him, we also get to learn more about Sam, Kensi, Deeks, Hetty, Eric and Nell. And as for the dream season? That’ll be the last season of the series, when we take all of these character and story strands and draw them together…

What were the high points of the season?
So many high points this season. Kensi and Deeks’ blossoming relationship; the powerful conclusion of the Sam-Mo storyline; Callen finding more pieces of his ‘Who am I?’ jigsaw; and absolutely everything that involved Hetty!

Do you have a favorite episode, line, or scene from this season? If so – what?
I’d have to say the opening sequence of the first episode of the season. A breathtaking, compelling chase that in many respects epitomizes what this series is about – Callen trying to find out who he really is…

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