What Yasmine Al-Bustami Wants to Explore With Lucy & Kate if She Appears on ‘NCIS’

When we think of shows that have been canceled too soon, NCIS: Hawai’i has to be at the top of the list — and not just because it left off on a major cliffhanger. It had great characters, great writing, and one of the franchise’s best relationships in Lucy Tara (Yasmine Al-Bustami) and Kate Whistler (Tori Anderson). That’s not to say it didn’t have its ups and downs, and in fact, it’s because it did that Al-Bustami pointed to it as something she’d like to explore should she guest star on NCIS when asked by NCIS: Partners & Probies podcast hosts in the latest episode.

“I think everyone would agree it’s the relationship, that personal relationship that I had with Tori,” Al-Bustami shared. “Because we were building up to a really beautiful story. We had so many ups and downs. So, finally, towards the end of … Season 3, we were just kind of a stable relationship. We had a really nice relationship. So, yeah, I want to see that play out, the conversations that we were having. And also my family because I talk a lot about my family, and that’d be fun to meet my family, too.”

Lucy and Kate’s relationship was the first LGBTQ+ romance on an NCIS series as well as one of the few without a tragic ending; romantic partners are often killed off on procedurals. “It was just nice to see that kind of a relationship,” Al-Bustami said.

NCIS star and podcast co-host Brian Dietzen also pointed out that NCIS: Hawai’i showed the couple working on their relationship.

“Like a real relationship,” Al-Bustami agreed. “It wasn’t perfect. It was super messy. We had the conversations I think people should have in relationships. We communicated. So yeah, it was nice to see that, again, because it was so messy at the start, to see where it went and how they worked together and worked on their relationship and thankfully into a nice positive direction.”

Lucy and Kate’s romance wasn’t left up in the air at the end of the series, which ended after three seasons, in 2024. They were together, solid, and we were at least left with the sense that they’d stay that way. However, the series did end on a cliffhanger, with Jane’s (Vanessa Lachey) former mentor, Maggie (Julie White), waiting in her house. “You’re probably going to need a drink for what’s coming next,” she said.

Al-Bustami shared that not only is she interested in playing Lucy Tara on the mothership, but she also thinks the whole Hawai’i cast would be interested in appearing. “Invite all of us,” she said. We’d love to see that — especially in a reunion or crossover!

NCIS, Season 24 Premiere, Tuesday, October 6, 8/7c, CBS