Pride just doesn't listen to anybody or anything, including his own body.

Even when he was supposed to be taking it easy, Pride still got in all kinds of trouble on NCIS: New Orleans Season 5 Episode 2.

It's not Pride's fault. Trouble just seems to follow him around.

That's a major part of his charm.

But we did get a glimpse of a different side of Pride. Almost dying can change a man. (No, that wasn't actual dialogue, which was surprising.)

Physically, Pride was nowhere near 100 percent. Of course, he was already pushing himself too hard, although Laurel was doing her best to temper his worst impulses. She stayed in New Orleans because doing that is a full-time job.

Related: NCIS: New Orleans Season 5 Episode 1 Review: See You Soon

It's not just the physical with which Pride had to deal. It was the mental as well.

The merc Walker was undoubtedly correct when he suggested that Pride was suffering from PTSD. Being shot three times in your own home would certainly qualify as a traumatic event.

But Pride can't do his job if he's shaky, lightheaded and short of breath. It may be what he loves, but he's currently in no condition to do so.

You would think this would be an ideal opportunity for the powers that be to get rid of their loose cannon with the bad optics in the Big Easy by suggesting retirement caused by a disability. Circumstances handed that to them on a silver platter.

But no. They wanted to promote Pride, making him Regional Special Agent in Charge to fill a vacancy that had conveniently appeared.

There is a certain perverse logic in that. No agent could come up with some situational bending of the rules that Pride hadn't already done so that no one could put anything over on him.

Related: Watch NCIS: New Orleans Online: Season 5 Episode 1

It would provide an opportunity for Pride to heal, both physically and mentally, while perhaps instituting some new ways of doing things.

Let's not fool ourselves into thinking Pride as SAC will be a permanent thing. He's not a dress-shirt-and-tie kind of guy. But it will be great fun to watch him put some noses of bureaucrats out of joint. He'll also likely do his share of micromanaging his old office, and as he'd call it, pitching in.

If Pride were just out of medical leave, LaSalle would have been a perfectly adequate interim boss. He's done that job already when Pride got himself in trouble with his bosses or the law. Christopher is a solid second in command.

But he's also the de facto chief of an Alabama oil company, one that's in trouble with the IRS. He's going to need some time off to deal with that, assuming that storyline hasn't gone dry.

Sanchez must have been pretty sure Pride would take the SAC job since he brought in Pride's replacement with absolutely no fanfare or warning.

I like Hannah already. Of course, after a season of suffering through Mosley on NCIS: Los Angeles, a little civility goes a long way.

Related: Former NCIS: New Orleans Boss Fired

Based on what she showed in this episode, Hannah seems to be flexible with the regulations. Do not use the rulebook as a coaster like Pride, but realistic anyway.

It did seem odd that a global troubleshooter would opt for an assignment such as director in New Orleans. But Hannah looking for a place to settle down was viable.

Is that the only reason for her change? It's doubtful. They all have a back story of some kind. Could some of the trouble she dealt with follow her here? Certainly. Cases with an international flavor would be a nice change of pace. 

In the span of one case, Hannah seems to have won over Pride's team, to the point that he's willing to try something else.

Does anyone expect these changes to stick? No. Pride will come home, and Hannah, enchanted by her new city, will take the spot left by Percy. I thought the position would go to Sydney, but she could instead become one of Pride's off-the-books Irregulars, for those special projects.

Related: Get CBS All Access via Amazon Channels for Hit Shows, Exclusive Originals & Live TV!

Now on to the incidental case of the week. So this team of international mercenaries decided the easiest way to access this top-secret military intelligence data was to break in through the NCIS office in New Orleans. That seems unlikely, but OK.

The best I could tell, the points of the case of the week was two-fold: To introduce Hannah and to make Pride realize that he needs to take a step back since he can't even do paperwork without beatings and explosions. Mission accomplished. 

To follow Pride's progress, watch NCIS: New Orleans online.

What do you think of Hannah? Should Pride take the SAC job? How will this change the unit's dynamic? 

Comment below.

Dale McGarrigle is a staff writer for TV Fanatic. Follow him on X.