With NCIS: Los Angeles star Daniela Ruah due to give birth this winter, fans might expect her pregnancy to affect the character of Kensi Blye. However, showrunner Shane Brennan assures viewers that Kensi’s storyline will continue without interruption. Despite Ruah’s growing pregnancy bump, “You will see Kensi in every episode,” Brennan promises, thanks to clever editing and creative storytelling techniques that allow the character to remain a central part of the show.
One of the ways Kensi’s storyline is being adapted involves her sudden reassignment to a top-secret mission in Afghanistan. In a strategic move, Kensi is sent to a cold climate where she has to “rug up,” ensuring that her absence from Deeks and the rest of the team is explained in a natural, believable way. This mission, which takes Kensi away from her blossoming romance with Deeks, has become a key part of the plot. “It’s turned into a great arc for the second half of the season,” Brennan reveals. The mystery surrounding Kensi’s role in Afghanistan, along with her investigation into the enigmatic “White Ghost,” adds an exciting element to the season. Furthermore, this arc gives Kensi the chance to team up with Granger, which proves to be an intriguing dynamic.
Brennan acknowledges that Kensi’s sudden reassignment — orchestrated by Hetty — was a significant challenge, especially since it had the potential to upset fans who were rooting for Kensi and Deeks to finally take their relationship to the next level. However, the decision was made organically, and the writers carefully crafted a storyline that would allow Kensi to remain relevant in the episodes. “We didn’t want to just send her off and have her disappear for several episodes,” Brennan explains. “We thought very carefully about how we could do it, and the solution, from a production point of view, was very challenging. We basically had to write eight or so episodes ahead.”
Through it all, Ruah has been described as nothing short of “remarkable” by Brennan, working hard to keep Kensi in the show as long as possible before her delivery date. The challenge of balancing Ruah’s pregnancy with the needs of the show has been a delicate one, but with a combination of creative solutions and stellar performances, NCIS: Los Angeles has managed to keep Kensi’s presence felt. “Now we’re just waiting for the blessed event!” Brennan adds with excitement, acknowledging the joy and anticipation surrounding Ruah’s upcoming arrival while ensuring fans that Kensi’s journey will remain a compelling one.
