Fans of NCIS: Los Angeles were left disappointed after the latest episode, “Sleeping Dogs,” aired without two of the show’s beloved characters, Kensi Blye (played by Daniela Ruah) and Marty Deeks (Eric Christian Olsen). The episode, which aired on March 26, 2023, focused on Callen (Chris O’Donnell) and Sam (LL Cool J) investigating a series of murders and cryptic warnings linked to Hetty’s (Linda Hunt) last known location. However, Kensi and Deeks were notably absent, with the show offering an explanation that the couple had gone to visit the aunt of foster child Rosa (played by Natalia Del Riego).
Despite the explanation, many viewers took to social media to express their frustration. One fan, Leo Schwartzer, tweeted, “So, Kensi & Deeks are outta town visiting Rosa’s aunt. Yet another excuse the writers came up with for us not to see them together. This show’s really gone off the rails.” Others echoed similar sentiments, criticizing the lack of Densi (the ship name for Kensi and Deeks) and questioning the consistency of the cast’s appearances in the final season.
This episode follows a trend in NCIS: LA‘s final season, where several core cast members have been absent from key episodes. Fans have already seen Callen’s absence in a previous installment, and the missing presence of Kensi and Deeks in the latest episode further added to the disappointment. Some viewers took to Twitter to argue that the absence of the show’s most beloved couple undermines the emotional core of the show as it nears its end. One user wrote, “It’s your last season, give us everyone in these last episodes!”
To add to the frustration, CBS announced that NCIS: LA will be off the air for three weeks, with the next episode (Season 14, Episode 17) not scheduled to air until April 16, 2023. Fans will be hoping that the next episode will bring back the entire OSP team, including Kensi and Deeks, for the remaining episodes of the series.
With the show heading toward its conclusion, fans are hoping that the remaining episodes will feature the full ensemble cast and deliver the action-packed, emotionally satisfying fare that made NCIS: Los Angeles a fan favorite.
