Daniela Ruah is making waves as she returns to the NCIS franchise—not just as a director but also as one of its stars! The beloved actress reprises her role as Special Agent Kensi Blye in the highly anticipated 1000th episode, which airs tonight, April 15.
In a special cameo, Daniela’s Kensi appears via an MTAC video conference call, creating a nostalgic connection to fans of NCIS: Los Angeles, where she made her mark over 14 seasons. In addition to her on-screen return, she took on directing duties for the franchise’s 1001st episode, NCIS: Hawai’i, which will air immediately after the milestone installment.
A Unique Return
Reflecting on her comeback, Daniela expressed her excitement during an interview with TVLine, highlighting the honor of being part of such a significant episode. “To be invited to be a part of the 1000th episode was such an honor. It’s too big of a deal,” she said.
Interestingly, she filmed her cameo while directing in Hawaii. “They were like, ‘Can we fit this into your schedule?’ and we were like, ‘Well, we can’t make it look like I’m in Hawaii,’” she explained. This required the team to reference images of Kensi’s car to ensure authenticity for the scene.
Directorial Debut in Hawai’i
In NCIS: Hawai’i, Daniela directed the episode titled The Next Thousand, described as “crazy intense.” The plot centers around a U.S. Army SERE (Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape) training exercise that spirals out of control. Daniela noted that having all three showrunners—Jan Nash, Matt Bosack, and Chris Silber—contribute to the script added an element of unpredictability and excitement.
“This right there tells you that there’s probably going to be a little more craziness, or it’ll be more out-of-the-box,” she remarked, hinting at the episode’s ambitious storytelling.
Emotional Depth and Collaboration
Daniela also shared insights into the emotional depth of the episode, particularly in relation to lead character Jane Tennant, played by Vanessa Lachey. “I cannot begin to tell you how incredible the entire cast was; specifically Vanessa, because she had all that digging within her to go into, and she was such a ball player,” she praised.
The episode explores darker themes that the franchise has not tackled before, showcasing a willingness to push boundaries. “We went into a really dark place in terms of the case itself, and the show has never dealt with this before,” Daniela added.
Continuous Growth as a Director
As she reflects on her journey in directing, Daniela emphasized the importance of learning with each new project. “Every time I direct something, even if it was still on NCIS: LA, you’re always learning new things,” she said. Working with a new crew and a different director of photography offers fresh perspectives and insights, enriching her directorial experience.
Conclusion
With the milestone 1000th episode of NCIS and her directorial debut on NCIS: Hawai’i, Daniela Ruah is fully immersing herself back into the franchise that has shaped her career. Her return not only delights fans but also showcases her growth as both an actress and a director, ensuring that her impact on the beloved series will be felt for years to come.
