When NCIS: Los Angeles first aired in 2009, Kensi Blye was introduced as a tough, no-nonsense special agent who could hold her own in any situation. Played by Daniela Ruah, Kensi was smart, strong, and professional, but it wasn’t always easy to see the more human, lighter side of her character. That all changed, however, when Eric Christian Olsen joined the cast as Marty Deeks, Kensi’s eventual partner and love interest. According to Ruah, Olsen’s comedic energy and improvisational style played a crucial role in softening Kensi’s tough exterior and allowed her to become a more rounded character—both at work and in her personal life.
A Transformation in Kensi’s Character
In a conversation with former NCIS stars Michael Weatherly and Cote de Pablo on their podcast Off Duty: An NCIS Rewatch, Daniela Ruah opened up about how her portrayal of Kensi evolved, particularly in her interactions with Deeks. Initially, when Kensi was first introduced, the show’s writers emphasized that she should be a strong, competent, and serious agent. Ruah admits she initially interpreted this as a need to play Kensi as rigid and humorless.
“I thought I had to act with a stick up my ass,” Ruah confessed. “If she’s strong and smart, she can’t be funny, she can’t goof around, she’s got to have a straight back.”
At the time, Ruah believed that toughness and intelligence meant that Kensi needed to be serious at all times, which affected her delivery and body language. However, the arrival of Eric Christian Olsen as Deeks changed all of that.
Deeks’ Impact on Kensi’s Personality
When Olsen was introduced at the end of NCIS: LA Season 1 as a recurring character, he brought with him a lighthearted and comedic energy. Deeks, a laid-back, funny character, was very different from Kensi, and their dynamic immediately became one of the show’s most compelling aspects. According to Ruah, Deeks’ improvisational style often broke the tension on set, as Olsen would try to make her laugh with jokes and off-the-cuff lines. At first, Ruah was reluctant to engage in this lighter dynamic, sticking to her portrayal of Kensi as the serious agent.
That’s when the show’s creator, Shane Brennan, stepped in and offered some valuable direction.
Shane Brennan’s Influence
Brennan recognized that the chemistry between Kensi and Deeks was key to the series’ success, and he encouraged Ruah to loosen up and allow Kensi to show more warmth and humor—especially in her interactions with Deeks. He explained that Kensi’s reactions to Deeks would shape how the audience viewed him and their budding relationship.
“Shane Brennan pulled me aside, and he said, ‘The audience likes Kensi because she’s been on the show for a year now. If you react the way you’re reacting to Deeks, the audience is not going to like him, and you’re kind of an asshole.’”
Brennan suggested that even if Kensi didn’t warm up to Deeks in front of him, she could still show a softer side when he wasn’t around. A small smile or a subtle reaction could shift the audience’s perception and create the chemistry that would eventually lead to Densi (Deeks and Kensi). Ruah, who describes herself as a natural “goofball,” said it was a challenge at first to keep her character more restrained, but over time, she embraced the change.
The Result: The Birth of Densi
This adjustment to Kensi’s character allowed for the development of her relationship with Deeks. While Kensi remained a strong, capable agent, her interactions with Deeks revealed a lighter, more playful side of her. Over the seasons, this transformation made Densi one of the most beloved couples in the NCIS universe. Kensi’s character became more relatable, and her evolving dynamic with Deeks added emotional depth to the series, making their relationship one of the most integral storylines of NCIS: Los Angeles.
Ruah’s portrayal of Kensi also made her a fan favorite, and her chemistry with Deeks, along with their eventual marriage and family storylines, became key pillars of the show.
A Personal Connection Beyond the Screen
Interestingly, Daniela Ruah’s connection with Eric Christian Olsen extends beyond their professional collaboration. Ruah later married Olsen’s brother, David Paul Olsen, who also worked as a stunt double on the show. This real-life connection added another layer of authenticity to their on-screen chemistry, making the Densi relationship feel even more natural and heartfelt.
Reflection on Kensi’s Character Evolution
Looking back, Ruah expressed gratitude for the direction her character took, acknowledging that Shane Brennan’s decision to allow Kensi to soften and show more personality helped make her more complex and multidimensional. Without this shift, the dynamic between Kensi and Deeks might not have been as compelling, and it’s possible that Deeks would have remained a supporting character rather than becoming a key part of the series.
As NCIS: Los Angeles concluded its 14-season run, fans were able to witness the full arc of Kensi Blye, from the stoic, tough agent to the more approachable and emotionally open woman she became, particularly in her relationship with Deeks. Their wedding and the later revelation of Kensi’s pregnancy in the series finale were powerful milestones that resonated deeply with viewers, solidifying Densi as one of the most enduring couples in the NCIS franchise.
Conclusion
It’s clear that the decision to soften Kensi’s character and allow her to develop a genuine connection with Deeks played a pivotal role in NCIS: Los Angeles‘ success. Thanks to Eric Christian Olsen’s influence and Shane Brennan’s creative guidance, Kensi became not just a tough agent, but a fully realized character whose journey and relationship with Deeks captivated fans for over a decade. With NCIS: LA finished, it’s rewarding to look back at the transformation of Kensi and the impact that Densi had on the series and its loyal audience.
