‘NCIS: LA’: Daniela Ruah on Being Independent From Hetty & Densi Parenting a Teen

As NCIS: Los Angeles continues to captivate audiences with its thrilling action sequences and intricate storylines, one relationship that has remained at the heart of the show is the evolving dynamic between Kensi Blye (Daniela Ruah) and Marty Deeks (Eric Christian Olsen). Over the years, fans have witnessed Kensi grow from a tough, independent agent into a loving wife and mother. In an exclusive interview, Daniela Ruah opens up about Kensi’s increased independence from Hetty Lange and how she and Deeks are navigating the challenges of parenting a teenager.

Let’s dive deeper into Kensi’s journey, Ruah’s reflections on her character’s growth, and what’s in store for the beloved Densi couple in the upcoming episodes.

Kensi’s Evolution: Independence from Hetty

Breaking Free from Hetty’s Influence

For many seasons, Kensi has been shaped by the strong-willed and enigmatic Hetty Lange, played by Linda Hunt. Hetty’s mentorship played a significant role in Kensi’s development as an NCIS agent. However, in the latest seasons, viewers have seen Kensi forge her own path, demonstrating her ability to make decisions independently without Hetty’s constant guidance.

Daniela Ruah discusses how this shift in Kensi’s character has been an important part of her growth. She notes that Kensi has always been fiercely independent, but her reliance on Hetty was a crucial part of her character’s journey. As the series progressed, Kensi’s role within the NCIS team expanded, and her personal life began to take center stage.

For Ruah, the change in Kensi’s relationship with Hetty represents a natural progression for the character. She explained that Kensi’s independence from Hetty doesn’t mean a lack of respect or love for her mentor. Instead, it marks a turning point where Kensi is fully capable of standing on her own and making her own decisions, both professionally and personally.

Kensi’s Leadership Role

As Kensi grows more independent, she is also stepping into a leadership role within the team. Ruah revealed that Kensi’s leadership style is one of collaboration, compassion, and strength, and she often relies on the support of her colleagues, including Deeks, to lead effectively. This shift has made Kensi a more well-rounded character and has allowed her to take on new challenges while still remaining true to her roots.

With the increased responsibility, Kensi is also learning how to balance the demands of her job with her personal life, including her evolving relationship with Deeks and their child. As the show moves forward, Kensi’s independence will continue to be tested, but Ruah is excited to see her character take on more significant challenges while maintaining her sense of self.

Densi Parenting a Teen: The New Frontier

Adjusting to Parenthood

When Kensi and Deeks welcomed their child, it marked a significant chapter in their relationship. But as their child grows, they are faced with new parenting challenges—particularly as they now navigate the complexities of raising a teenager.

In her interview, Daniela Ruah shared that Kensi and Deeks’ journey into parenthood has not been an easy one. The couple has had to learn how to adjust their parenting style as their child begins to navigate adolescence, which comes with a set of new challenges, including increased independence, questioning authority, and emotional complexity.

While Kensi and Deeks are both dedicated to being good parents, Ruah pointed out that parenting a teen isn’t as straightforward as they had initially expected. Kensi, in particular, has always been able to handle high-stress situations, but this new phase of parenthood brings a different kind of pressure. It’s not about diffusing a dangerous situation anymore—it’s about understanding the emotional needs of their child and providing support in a way that promotes healthy growth.

Balancing Parenthood with Their Careers

Ruah also discussed the constant struggle Kensi and Deeks face when it comes to balancing their demanding careers with their responsibilities as parents. The dynamic duo continues to work in high-pressure situations as part of the NCIS team, and while they share a strong bond and commitment to their family, they often find themselves torn between duty and family life.

This balancing act has become an increasingly important part of the narrative in the later seasons of NCIS: LA, as both Kensi and Deeks strive to maintain their roles as agents while also being present and active parents. Ruah acknowledged that it’s a challenge many viewers can relate to, and she praised how the show handles this delicate subject.

“We see Kensi and Deeks as real people, facing real-life struggles with a very intense job and a growing family. It’s not always easy, but that’s what makes it so relatable,” Ruah said. The couple’s journey as parents is grounded in real-life experiences, which allows viewers to connect on a deeper emotional level.

The Impact of Parenthood on Densi’s Relationship

A Stronger Bond

Parenthood has undoubtedly strengthened Kensi and Deeks’ bond. Ruah believes that their love and commitment to one another have only deepened as they work together to raise their child. However, raising a teenager comes with its own set of challenges, and as Kensi and Deeks continue to navigate this new phase of life, they will face new emotional hurdles together.

Ruah teased that viewers will see Kensi and Deeks grow even closer as they face these challenges as a team. While their love has been tested before, the experience of raising a teenager adds a new layer of complexity to their relationship. Kensi and Deeks must now lean on each other more than ever, and their trust and communication will be key to successfully navigating this stage of their lives.

As parents, Kensi and Deeks will make mistakes, just like any other couple. However, the heart of their journey is that they are always there for each other, no matter what. The show will continue to explore their relationship and the ways in which they handle the challenges of parenthood and family life.

What’s Next for Kensi and Deeks?

Looking Ahead

As NCIS: LA continues to unfold, fans are eagerly awaiting what’s next for Kensi and Deeks. With their evolving roles as parents and Kensi’s increasing independence, there’s no doubt that their journey will remain central to the show’s heart. Fans can expect to see more tender moments between the couple as they navigate the trials of parenthood, while also continuing to be fierce agents for justice.

Ruah hints that there are still many exciting developments ahead for Kensi and Deeks in the upcoming episodes, especially as they deal with new cases that push them to their limits. As their family dynamic continues to evolve, so will their commitment to one another and their team.

Conclusion: A New Chapter for Kensi and Deeks

Daniela Ruah’s reflections on Kensi’s journey reveal how far the character has come since her early days on NCIS: LA. With newfound independence from Hetty and the growing responsibility of parenting a teenager, Kensi and Deeks are facing new challenges. But as always, their unwavering bond and mutual respect will continue to drive them forward.

As the series progresses, fans will get a closer look at the parenting struggles and emotional moments that will shape the future of the beloved couple. Kensi and Deeks’ journey is far from over, and their story will continue to captivate audiences for seasons to come.