‘NCIS Hawai'i’ Fans Are Worried About Lucy Tara’s Future — Is Yasmine Al-Bustami Leaving?

Spoiler alert: This article contains spoilers for NCIS: Hawai'i Season 2.

One of CBS’s hit shows within the NCIS universe, NCIS: Hawai'i, is in its second season. The crime-fighting drama is one of the newer in the franchise, but it has garnered quite an audience, and it's always evolving. Since it began, the show has sent off several central cast members and introduced some new ones.

In 2021, NCIS: Hawai'i shook things up again by adding actress Yasmine Al-Bustami as Lucy Tara. Lucy joined the NCIS team as a Special Agent and immediately shined with her story arc. However, fans are wondering if she has a future on the show, given that she's been MIA for a bit.

So, is Yasmine Al-Bustami leaving NCIS: Hawai'i? Find out what we know about the actress’s future on the show.

During Season 2 of NCIS, fans watched Lucy struggle with her and her girlfriend Kate’s (Tori Anderson) relationship. The couple broke up in earlier episodes, which forced Lucy to apply for the NCIS Agent afloat position, a job that requires her to be away from Hawaii for four months.

In Episode 7, “Vanishing Act,” Lucy discovered she got the afloat job. The only problem? She and Kate are back together now. The reunion made Lucy question if she should still take the job or stay and continue working on their relationship. However, a heart-to-heart with Kate on the beach convinced Lucy to take the opportunity.

Unfortunately, fans won't be pleased to know that there is no telling when Lucy will make her return to NCIS: Hawai'i. Since Lucy's departure, showrunners haven't give any signs or hints for when she and Kate will be able to reunite.

Not to mention, Lucy's job assignment is for four months, so it could be some time before we see her again. After all, the time frame has to be reflected in the storyline.

However, there's no need to panic about Lucy's return. Sure, it sucks that viewers won't be able to see Lucy and Kate's relationship blossom on-screen, but we do know that Lucy won't leave the NCIS: Hawai'i universe forever.

Hello Magazine reports that Yasmine and fellow actress Vanessa Lachey had an impromptu Instagram Live session in October 2022, where the actresses answered fan questions and discussed all things NCIS: Hawai'i.

Yasmine confirmed that Lucy will appear in the upcoming three-way crossover between NCIS, NCIS: Hawai'i, and NCIS: Los Angeles. In fact, Yasmine shared some intel about the crossover taking a week to film in L.A., with the actors having to endure 10-hour shooting days.

So, while it remains unclear when Lucy will make her grand return to NCIS: Hawai'i, fans can breathe a sign of relief — for now. Season 1 of the series featured 22 episodes and if showrunners follow suit, there is more than enough time for Lucy to be reunited with Kate.

Catch new episodes NCIS: Hawaii Mondays at 10 p.m. EST on CBS.