Daniela Ruah, who is widely recognized for her portrayal of the tough and dedicated Kensi Blye on NCIS: Los Angeles, is making an exciting return to the NCIS universe, but this time she will be stepping behind the camera. After NCIS: Los Angeles wrapped up its 14-season run in 2023, Ruah is shifting gears from acting to directing, marking a significant milestone in her career. She will direct an episode of the flagship NCIS series, which is slated to air in March 2024. In addition, Ruah will helm an episode of NCIS: Hawai’i, which is set to begin filming in February and is expected to air in April 2024. For Ruah, this return to the NCIS franchise is not just a career achievement, but a deeply personal one as well. In a statement to Deadline, Ruah shared how meaningful it is for her to come back to the world where it all started: “Kensi was born as a character on NCIS, 15 years ago, so now to be able to step onto that set again, as a director, with that incredible cast and crew, is an absolute honor.” She added that she feels like she’s “coming home” as she reunites with old friends and colleagues. “So many familiar faces and people I love and they’ve welcomed me with open arms,” Ruah expressed, highlighting the warmth and camaraderie of the NCIS family, which has remained constant even as the show has evolved.
Ruah’s transition to directing is not a complete departure from her past behind the scenes. While many fans are familiar with her as an actress, she has already proven her directing chops with an episode of NCIS: Los Angeles, showing that her talent extends beyond acting. Her directorial debut was well-received, and it was clear that her experience as an actor gave her a unique perspective in guiding others through a story. Her upcoming episodes of NCIS and NCIS: Hawai’i will allow her to bring that experience to a new level, working with a new set of actors and fresh challenges, while still maintaining the strong ties that have shaped her career.
One lingering question fans have is whether Kensi Blye, the character that made Ruah a household name, will make a brief cameo appearance in either of the upcoming episodes she’s directing. Kensi’s exit from NCIS: Los Angeles left fans with a sense of uncertainty, especially with her character revealing that she was pregnant in the series finale. Many are hoping to see the return of Kensi, even if just for a brief appearance or to bring closure to her storyline. While no official confirmation has been made about Kensi’s return in these upcoming episodes, the idea of seeing her again, even in a small capacity, would undoubtedly delight fans who have followed her journey from the very beginning.
Ruah’s return to the NCIS universe as a director is part of a larger wave of exciting developments within the franchise. Her shift from actress to director reflects not only her growing skill set but also the way the NCIS franchise has evolved over the years, incorporating new talent and fresh ideas while honoring the rich legacy of the shows. Meanwhile, NCIS continues to grow, with other big names like Mark Harmon, who played Leroy Jethro Gibbs for 20 years, also making waves. Despite previously saying that he wouldn’t return to the franchise, Harmon recently confirmed his involvement in NCIS: Origins, a new spin-off that will explore the early years of Gibbs’ life, focusing on his character’s formative experiences. This new chapter promises to reveal new layers to the beloved character, with Harmon’s son, Sean, stepping into a producer role alongside his father. The connections between past and present, as seen through Ruah’s return and Harmon’s new venture, continue to shape the future of the NCIS franchise. With Ruah’s directing debut and the upcoming NCIS: Origins spin-off, it’s clear that the legacy of NCIS will continue to evolve, keeping long-time fans engaged while introducing fresh perspectives for years to come
