The NCIS universe just got a whole lot more complicated, and fans are officially losing it. Following the latest high-octane episode of the flagship CBS series, social media is buzzing with one major question: Is forensic scientist Kasie Hines packing her bags for New York?
During the Tuesday, April episode titled “Bad Impressions,” viewers watched as Kasie (played by Diona Reasonover) went on the run with none other than Special Agent Sam Hanna (LL Cool J). While the duo was busy clearing Kasie’s name after her software, EDNA, was sabotaged by a DOD mole, the emotional stakes proved to be just as high as the legal ones.
A Blast From The Past
The episode took a deeply personal turn when Sam drove Kasie to New York to find the one person who could help: her ex-girlfriend, Joanna (Briana Venskus). The reunion wasn’t exactly warm and fuzzy at first, with Joanna calling out Kasie for prioritizing work over their past relationship.
However, the raw vulnerability between the two women struck a chord with fans online. On X (formerly Twitter), viewers praised the chemistry, with one fan writing, “Seeing Kasie this vulnerable broke me. We need more of her and Joanna ASAP!” Another added, “LL Cool J acting as a wingman/bodyguard for Kasie was the duo I never knew I needed.”
Diona Reasonover Is Ready For The Move
It turns out that fans aren’t the only ones itching for a trip to the Empire State. Speaking exclusively with Us Weekly, Diona Reasonover revealed she is “begging” producers for a spot on the upcoming spinoff, NCIS: New York, which premieres this fall.
“I’m begging them. I want that so badly,” Reasonover, , shared regarding the potential to reunite with LL Cool J on his new home turf. “Joanna’s in New York too. So I think it will work out. Hopefully.”
The actress also opened up about her real-life history with Venskus, revealing that their onscreen spark is backed by years of friendship. The pair actually performed a scene together in an acting class years before being cast on NCIS.
“We had our own little secret language on set,” Reasonover explained, noting that they would whisper “I burned dinner” — a reference to the play Angels in America — to each other before emotional takes.
The Sam Hanna Effect
While Kasie’s love life took center stage, the “cool” factor was provided by LL Cool J. The legendary actor transitioned his NCIS: Los Angeles character into the flagship series for a two-part cameo, and his co-stars are still raving about his presence.
Brian Dietzen, who plays medical examiner Dr. Jimmy Palmer, described the rapper-turned-actor as an “assassin” on set, saying, “He just comes and gets the job done.”
By the end of the episode, Sam reminded Kasie that her friendships and work are her “legacy,” before heading off toward his next adventure — which fans know will be the focus of the New York-based spinoff.
What Is Next For Kasie?
For years, Kasie Hines has been the quirky, reliable heart of the lab, but Reasonover is excited to finally “peel back the layers” of a character she describes as a “closed book.”
“Kasie has kind of an aversion to vulnerability,” the actress noted. “The book is still sealed. The publisher has some wrap around it. Kasie needs to open up a little bit.”
With NCIS: New York joining the Tuesday night lineup this fall, the stage is perfectly set for Kasie to take her newfound vulnerability on the road. Whether she’s solving a crime or fixing her broken heart, one thing is certain: the fans will be watching.
NCIS airs on CBS Tuesdays at p.m. ET.
