After nearly a decade of will-they-won’t-they tension, Kensi Blye (Daniela Ruah) and Marty Deeks (Eric Christian Olsen) are finally tying the knot in a special episode of NCIS: Los Angeles, titled “Till Death Do Us Part.” This pivotal moment in the series has been a long time coming, and for Ruah, it’s an emotional culmination of years of storytelling. Reflecting on the journey, Ruah admits that she never truly believed Kensi and Deeks would end up together. “When we started the show, we had no idea how long it would run,” she says. “And as the seasons went on, it became clear that if we wanted to build a relationship, it had to evolve organically.”
From their early days as unlikely partners to the deep connection they share now, the chemistry between Kensi and Deeks has been a cornerstone of the series. Despite Kensi’s troubled history with men — where many either leave or meet tragic ends — Deeks’ humor, intelligence, and patience have helped her break down the emotional walls she’s built up over the years. “Deeks isn’t just about what Kensi needs,” Ruah explains. “He’s also about what he needs from this relationship. It’s about mutual support, listening, and giving each other the freedom to process their individual challenges.”
However, true to NCIS: LA style, their wedding doesn’t come without drama. The day is interrupted by a surprise visit from Anatoli Kirkin (Ravil Isyanov), bringing a new twist to the joyous occasion. Ruah notes that while it’s a celebration of their love, the episode still includes the usual action-packed moments.
Ruah also shared her excitement for a personal touch in the episode, revealing that she asked the show’s producers for a fight scene during her wedding. “I wanted to fight in my dress,” she laughs. “It was something I felt was missing, and Scott Gemmill, our showrunner, made it happen.” To make sure the dress would work for an action sequence, it had to be both practical and affordable. “I found the dress image, and it was exactly what I envisioned: elegant, but with enough movement for a fight scene. The wardrobe team did an amazing job making it fit perfectly.”
The wedding is full of emotional moments, including personalized vows that reflect the depth of their relationship. But there’s one moment that stands out as particularly poignant: a letter Kensi wrote to Deeks that ties back to a storyline from earlier in the show. “That letter, and the emotion behind it, was incredibly moving. To me, it felt more like a vow than the ceremony itself,” Ruah confides.
Fans can also expect a first look at Kensi’s friends during the wedding, as the episode marks the debut of her close-knit group of girlfriends. And while the honeymoon doesn’t quite go as planned, the couple’s chemistry and commitment to each other remain strong. “Even though they didn’t go to South America as they originally planned, their love for each other shines through,” says Ruah. “And just like in real life, the best parts of their marriage will be about growing together and navigating what’s next.”
In a final note, Ruah reassures fans that Hetty (Linda Hunt) will be returning soon, adding that the cast can’t wait to have her back. “She’s the heart of the team,” Ruah says. “We all miss her, and we’re excited for Hetty’s return when the time is right.”
