The romance between Kensi Blye (Daniela Ruah) and Marty Deeks (Eric Christian Olsen) is undeniably the emotional core of NCIS: Los Angeles, serving as one of the most compelling and beloved storylines throughout the series. Their journey from colleagues to partners and eventually parents is filled with emotional milestones, each marking a significant step in their evolving relationship. Known affectionately by fans as “Densi,” their chemistry and the ups and downs they face together make them the heartbeat of the show, transcending their roles as NCIS agents. Below are some of the most memorable and pivotal moments in their journey:
10. “Hand-to-Hand” (Season 1, Episode 19) – The First Meeting
Deeks and Kensi’s relationship kicks off in season 1, episode 19, “Hand-to-Hand”, when they first meet during an undercover operation. Deeks, working with the LAPD, is already undercover in a MMA gym, and Kensi is sent in as part of the OSP team. There’s instant chemistry between them, but both are playing their roles, unaware that this first interaction will lay the groundwork for a relationship that will span the entire series. Their playful banter over attire and undercover personas gives viewers their first glimpse of the connection between them.
9. “Neighborhood Watch” (Season 3, Episode 22) – Going Undercover as a Married Couple
In “Neighborhood Watch,” Deeks and Kensi are sent undercover as a married couple to expose a spy ring in an affluent LA neighborhood. This assignment marks the first time they share a kiss, albeit still in character. The chemistry between them is undeniable, and while the kiss is staged, the way they reminisce about their first meeting signals a deeper connection, hinting at the growing feelings between the two.
8. “Descent” (Season 4, Episode 24) – The First Real Kiss
Descent (Season 4, Episode 24) is a defining moment for “Densi,” as it marks the first time Kensi and Deeks share a non-undercover, real kiss. After a season of tension and denied feelings, the two agents are forced to confront their emotions. After Kensi accuses Deeks of not being open about his feelings, he answers her with a kiss, signaling the beginning of their official romantic relationship.
7. “Impact” (Season 5, Episode 2) – Kensi Supports Deeks Through PTSD
After Deeks experiences torture at the hands of a terrorist in the previous season, “Impact” shows Kensi stepping up to care for him as he struggles with PTSD. She watches over him, offering comfort, and in a tender moment, Deeks falls asleep in her arms. His simple, heartfelt reply, “A love story,” when asked what comes next, encapsulates the hopeful trajectory of their relationship. Kensi’s silent expression reveals her growing affection and curiosity about what lies ahead for them.
6. “The Frozen Lake” (Season 5, Episode 10) – The Morning After Their First Night Together
In “The Frozen Lake,” Deeks and Kensi take their relationship to the next level, sharing their first night together. The episode is charged with emotional tension as their feelings for each other complicate their professional roles. As they navigate this new dynamic, the morning after highlights the awkwardness that comes with blending their personal and professional lives, yet it’s clear that their bond has only deepened. Kensi is soon called away to Afghanistan, which complicates their relationship, but their connection remains strong.
5. “Humbug” (Season 6, Episode 11) – Deeks and Kensi Officially Start Dating
In “Humbug,” the Christmas episode of season 6, Kensi and Deeks finally put an official label on their relationship. After a season of will-they-won’t-they moments, including their first kiss and their shared night together, Deeks and Kensi sit down to have a serious conversation about their feelings. They decide to go “all in” and publicly declare their relationship to the rest of the team, marking the beginning of the next chapter in their romance.
4. “Unleashed” (Season 8, Episode 24) – Kensi Proposes to Deeks
In an emotional and intense season 8 finale, “Unleashed,” Kensi defies the traditional roles and takes the bold step of proposing to Deeks. After facing personal and professional challenges, including Kensi’s struggles with grief and the loss of a loved one, Kensi summons the courage to drop to one knee and ask Deeks to marry her. Surrounded by the chaos of a crime scene, Deeks, overwhelmed by her love and bravery, accepts. This moment signifies Kensi’s strength and the deep, unwavering connection between them.
3. “The Silo” (Season 9, Episode 7) – Kensi’s Heartfelt Confession
In “The Silo,” Kensi risks her life to disarm nuclear weapons, forcing her to confront her past and call Deeks in what she believes might be a final goodbye. In a heart-wrenching moment, she confesses her love to him, saying, “I’ll love you ’til the end of time and back.” This emotional declaration showcases the depth of Kensi’s feelings and sets the stage for their eventual reunion. Their emotional reunion at the end of the episode is one of the most poignant moments in the “Densi” storyline.
2. “Till Death Do Us Part” (Season 10, Episode 17) – Kensi and Deeks Get Married
Kensi and Deeks finally tie the knot in “Till Death Do Us Part,” the highly anticipated wedding episode of season 10. However, their wedding day is anything but smooth. Russian mobsters and other complications threaten their big day, leading to a thrilling sequence of events. Despite these obstacles, the couple’s love prevails, and Kensi is walked down the aisle by Sam and G. After years of trials and tribulations, Deeks and Kensi’s wedding marks the culmination of their romantic journey.
1. “New Beginnings Part 1 & 2” (Season 14, Episodes 20 & 21) – A New Chapter: Parenthood
In the emotional two-part season finale of NCIS: Los Angeles, “New Beginnings,” Kensi and Deeks are shown to have come full circle. The couple, now happily married, faces financial struggles that impact their plans to expand their family. After months of trying to conceive, Kensi receives the joyous news that they’re expecting a baby. The couple, having just sold their bar to afford a home, are now ready to start a family and enter this exciting new chapter of their lives. This moment provides the perfect conclusion to their relationship arc, as the pair finally get the happiness and stability they’ve been working toward throughout the series.
These key moments reflect the depth of Deeks and Kensi’s relationship, which has remained at the heart of NCIS: Los Angeles from start to finish. Their journey, full of challenges, milestones, and emotional growth, not only provides a powerful romantic storyline but also highlights the importance of love, teamwork, and resilience, making them one of television’s most beloved couples.
