Nell (Renee Felice Smith) and Eric (Barrett Foa) are set to heat up the screen when the CBS procedural drama "NCIS: Los Angeles" returns for its seventh season.
TV Line reports that the pair will be cozying up on the crime-fighting series, just like their co-workers Kensi (Daniela Ruah) and Deeks (Eric Christian Olsen). Showrunner Shane Brennan hinted that Nell and Eric's relationship will grow in season 7, and it will be more than platonic friendship.
"We certainly see more of that relationship. It's obviously not as developed as Kensi and Deeks' relationship, but there's definitely more fun to be had there," told Matt Mitovich of TV Line.
During the recent PaleyFest Fall TV Preview panel, producer R. Scott Gemmill also hinted that the new season will see the development of the Eric–Nell connection. The pair will apparently take their relationship to the next level as they are headed to a Renaissance Faire. Foa seconded the producer's remarks, saying that Nell's social life will be "a little kinky."
Meanwhile, The Hollywood Reporter reveals that season 7 will also see Eric undergoing some weapon training with Sam Hanna (LL Cool J). Brennan joked that just like any other firearm drill session in the series, Eric's will also be "fraught with danger" for everyone.
As for Sam, he and his family are also slated to take more of the spotlight. According to Gemmill, the upcoming installment will be "fun," as every character will be featured in "really challenging episodes" at some point. Just like the rest, Sam will reportedly have his share of excitement.
"We think of this season as a lot of tentpoles, in terms of characters getting their day in the sun," Gemmill shared.
The showrunner also confirmed that Michael Weatherly's Tony DiNozzo from "NCIS" will drop by in the spin-off show during one of the episodes, calling it the "the funniest part of the series yet."
"NCIS: Los Angeles" season 7 will premiere on Monday, Sept. 21, at 10 p.m. on CBS.
