In a recent episode of NCIS: Case Closed, the official aftershow for NCIS, Daniela Ruah shared her thoughts on her exciting return to the NCIS universe — this time behind the camera. Ruah, who is best known for her portrayal of Kensi Blye on NCIS: Los Angeles, directed the latest episode of NCIS Season 21, Episode 4, titled “Left Unsaid.” While fans had hoped for a Kensi appearance, Ruah made it clear that her passion for the craft was the main driver behind her directorial debut on the NCIS mothership. “It was the first time I was directing on ‘the mothership,’ as we lovingly call it,” Ruah explained. “It almost didn’t matter what came my way in terms of storyline, I just wanted to be part of it and work with the crew and cast of NCIS. I was received with open arms — like a wonderful, warm hug.” Ruah’s excitement for the opportunity was palpable, and she brought her own flair to this classic case-of-the-week, where the team investigates the murder of a petty officer and uncovers some unexpected twists. The episode also featured a humorous subplot about Torres (Wilmer Valderrama) trying to hide his fitness failures from his temporary roommate, boss Alden Parker (Gary Cole). Ruah’s appreciation for Valderrama’s comedic timing was evident, noting, “Wilmer’s a funny guy. He brings comedic timing. My job is just to capture it. Maybe I throw in a possible improv.”
Fans of NCIS: LA will undoubtedly wonder about Kensi’s future, especially after her emotional finale in May 2023, where she and her husband Deeks (Eric Christian Olsen) discovered they were expecting their first child. Ruah, always loyal to the character she played for 14 seasons, revealed that she still thinks about Kensi often. “I calculated Kensi’s due date,” Ruah shared with a laugh. “Do we now have an episode with Kensi fighting with a baby in her arms? I wouldn’t put it past her. Or is she out of the game for a couple of months?” Despite her deep affection for Kensi, Ruah seemed content with the character’s conclusion, acknowledging that Kensi’s life stage would likely evolve with motherhood, something fans continue to wonder about.
Ruah also shared her thoughts on the upcoming NCIS spinoff centered around the beloved NCIS characters Tony (Michael Weatherly) and Ziva (Cote de Pablo), which is being dubbed NCIS: Europe. As a fan of the couple herself, Ruah expressed her excitement for their return. “I think it’s the best thing ever,” Ruah exclaimed. “They had time to go off and do other things. These roles are so establishing for us who have been cast members on the show. For them to pick up these two characters that people fell so madly in love with — even I was shipping ‘Tiva’ — it’s a wonderful idea, and I’m so excited to watch it.”
When asked about the possibility of a Kensi and Deeks spinoff, Ruah was candid. “I don’t know that I could see one in the near future,” she admitted. “Eric’s really busy doing what he’s doing and loving that. I’m loving this. I would never say never, but in the near future, that’s probably not on the table. It’s important for us to go and find ourselves in other things. The show was important and special to us, but it’s like leaving the nest.” Ruah’s comments reflect both her gratitude for her time on NCIS: LA and her willingness to explore new creative opportunities.
Ruah’s future in the NCIS universe is far from over. Fans will get another chance to experience her direction when an episode of NCIS: Hawai’i, which she directed, airs in April 2024. Although she does not appear on-screen in the episode, Ruah teased that the story would be a darker, more intense installment for the series. “I think it’s the darkest episode they’ve ever had. The crime that’s committed and what we find out over the course of the episode…it’s not a pleasant story,” she said. It’s clear that Ruah is not only passionate about her directorial work but also about pushing the boundaries of what NCIS and its spinoffs can explore.
Looking ahead, Ruah remains open to the idea of returning as Kensi in a future NCIS crossover. “I am not opposed at all to showing up as Kensi in one of the NCIS shows,” she said, leaving the door open for future appearances. As she continues to thrive in her new behind-the-scenes role, fans will no doubt be eagerly awaiting her next creative venture, whether as a director or as Kensi herself.
