Eric Christian Olsen, known for his role as Marty Deeks on NCIS: Los Angeles, recently addressed the possibility of reprising his character in the upcoming NCIS Season 22. After an impressive 14-season run with over 300 episodes, the LA spin-off concluded, partly due to high production costs. However, several former cast members from the show have since made their way back into the NCIS franchise in various capacities.
Olsen Reflects on His Time as Deeks
In a conversation with TVLine, Olsen, who now serves as an executive producer for the reboot of Matlock, joked about the idea of making an appearance alongside Kathy Bates. However, when it comes to Marty Deeks, his feelings are more complicated. “I actively miss Todd [LL Cool J], and I was texting with Renee [Felice Smith] this morning. I see Daniela [Ruah] all the time,” he shared, highlighting the strong bonds he formed with his co-stars.
When pressed about his enthusiasm for returning as Deeks, Olsen candidly replied, “Not so much,” indicating that he’s not currently eager to step back into the role.
The Current State of the NCIS Franchise
The NCIS franchise is navigating a transitional phase. While the main series continues its successful run into Season 22, which premieres on October 14 at 8 PM ET, all spin-offs have been canceled in favor of new projects. NCIS: Origins and NCIS: Tony & Ziva, slated for Paramount+, are part of this shift.
Ruah has made her return to the franchise by directing episodes, while LL Cool J reprised his role as Sam Hanna in the canceled NCIS: Hawai’i. This evolving landscape may lessen the urgency to bring back characters like Kensi and Deeks for guest appearances.
Closure and Future Possibilities
Despite the sudden end of NCIS: Los Angeles, the series finale provided a satisfying closure for its characters. The storyline wrapped up with personal developments, such as Kensi and Deeks preparing for parenthood and Callen and Anna opting for a small wedding ceremony.
The finale left enough room for potential future appearances, with hints that the characters’ lives continue beyond what viewers see.
Our Take on Olsen’s Return as Marty Deeks
With Kensi and Deeks expecting a baby, there’s an opportunity to revisit this beloved couple and explore how they navigate this new chapter. Although a return might not happen in the immediate future, NCIS has a history of bringing back familiar faces after significant absences. Fans can remain hopeful for future milestones for the fan-favorite duo.
