Daniela Ruah on How Eric Christian Olsen Changed Kensi’s Character in NCIS: Los Angeles
NCIS: Los Angeles has been one of the most beloved spin-offs of the NCIS franchise, with fans drawn to its complex characters, action-packed storylines, and heart-pounding drama. One of the standout characters in the series is Kensi Blye, portrayed by Daniela Ruah. Over the years, Kensi has evolved from a sharp, tough-as-nails agent to a more nuanced and emotionally layered character. But what exactly triggered this transformation? According to Ruah, a major shift in Kensi’s character came when Eric Christian Olsen joined the cast as Marty Deeks. In a recent interview, Ruah opened up about how Olsen’s arrival on the show played a pivotal role in reshaping her character’s journey.
In this article, we’ll dive deep into how Kensi’s evolution was influenced by Olsen’s portrayal of Deeks, and what this means for the dynamic between the two characters, as well as for the overall storyline of NCIS: Los Angeles.
1. Kensi Blye’s Transformation: A Look at Her Early Character Arc
When we first meet Kensi Blye, she is introduced as a tough, skilled NCIS agent with a no-nonsense attitude. Her stoic demeanor and professional approach to every mission made her an immediate fan favorite. However, as with most well-developed characters, there was more to Kensi than met the eye. She harbored emotional baggage stemming from her father’s death and had a complicated relationship with her role in the team.
In the early seasons, Kensi’s backstory and personal life were kept relatively vague. She was defined by her work and relied heavily on her colleagues, especially Callen and Sam, for support. However, Kensi’s development was already hinted at with subtle moments of vulnerability, which laid the groundwork for the transformative arc that would unfold.
2. Enter Eric Christian Olsen as Marty Deeks: A Game-Changer for Kensi
The introduction of Eric Christian Olsen as Marty Deeks in season 1 was a game-changer for the show and, in many ways, for Kensi. From the start, Deeks’ character was a bit of a wildcard—charming, funny, and full of surprises. His humor and lightheartedness stood in stark contrast to Kensi’s more serious nature. As a result, their dynamic immediately sparked chemistry, creating a tension that intrigued viewers.
Olsen’s portrayal of Deeks brought a unique energy to the show. While Kensi had always been the serious, tough agent, Deeks was the foil—offering levity in the darkest of situations. This was the beginning of a shift that would ultimately change how Kensi evolved as a character.
3. Daniela Ruah Opens Up: How Deeks Changed Kensi’s Journey
In an exclusive interview, Daniela Ruah explained how Olsen’s arrival affected her portrayal of Kensi. “Eric brought something so different to the show,” she said. “He had a sense of humor, a level of playfulness, and a level of emotional openness that Kensi wasn’t used to. It challenged her in ways that forced her to grow.”
Ruah admitted that, initially, Kensi’s character was more closed off, focusing primarily on her work and pushing people away emotionally. However, Deeks’ vulnerability and openness pushed Kensi to confront her own emotional walls. This created an interesting dynamic that evolved from their playful banter to a more deep and meaningful relationship. The contrast between Deeks’ lightheartedness and Kensi’s more reserved nature allowed Ruah to explore new facets of Kensi’s character.
4. From Partners to Lovers: The Deeks and Kensi Relationship
The professional chemistry between Kensi and Deeks was undeniable, but it didn’t take long for their partnership to turn personal. Their relationship gradually deepened, with the two sharing intimate moments and navigating the complexities of their feelings for each other. While Kensi struggled to let her guard down, Deeks’ patience and support provided the perfect balance.
The show’s writers cleverly allowed their romance to unfold at a natural pace, with Kensi slowly learning to trust Deeks, both in work and in her personal life. The transition from partners to lovers wasn’t just about the romantic element—it also marked a significant shift in Kensi’s emotional arc. She had to learn to open herself up to vulnerability, something that wasn’t easy for a character so used to holding everything in.
5. The Impact on Kensi’s Character: Emotional Growth and Vulnerability
Kensi’s growth as a character over the seasons is largely due to her relationship with Deeks. As Kensi learned to trust and love him, she also began to confront her own past trauma. This included dealing with the grief of losing her father, her struggles with PTSD, and her fears of losing those she loves.
Deeks, often a source of emotional support, helped Kensi navigate these challenges. His unwavering belief in her, even when she doubted herself, played a crucial role in her development. Kensi was no longer just a tough, emotionally distant agent—she became a woman learning to balance her strength with vulnerability.
6. Behind the Scenes: The Chemistry Between Daniela Ruah and Eric Christian Olsen
It wasn’t just Kensi and Deeks’ on-screen chemistry that made their relationship so compelling—it was also the undeniable bond between Daniela Ruah and Eric Christian Olsen off-screen. Ruah has often praised Olsen for his professionalism, humor, and ability to bring out the best in her as an actor. “Eric’s a very giving actor,” Ruah remarked. “He makes it easy for me to react emotionally because he’s so present in every scene. We’ve built a friendship over the years, and I think that translates into the trust Kensi and Deeks share on-screen.”
This off-screen friendship helped shape the dynamic between their characters, making their relationship feel authentic and real to viewers. Fans have often commented on how natural their chemistry feels, and much of that can be attributed to the bond that Ruah and Olsen share in real life.
7. The Future of Kensi and Deeks: What’s Next for the Couple?
As NCIS: Los Angeles heads into its final seasons, fans are eager to know what’s next for Kensi and Deeks. Will their relationship continue to grow, or will they face new challenges that threaten their bond? Ruah and Olsen have both teased that their characters will face more obstacles in the coming episodes, but they are hopeful that Kensi and Deeks’ relationship will remain strong.
What’s certain is that the emotional journey between Kensi and Deeks will remain a central focus of the show, and their evolving partnership will continue to impact the direction of the series. Whether they’re facing life-or-death situations or navigating the ups and downs of married life, Kensi and Deeks’ bond will always be a focal point.
Conclusion: The Lasting Impact of Eric Christian Olsen on Kensi’s Evolution
Eric Christian Olsen’s arrival in NCIS: Los Angeles significantly impacted the trajectory of Kensi’s character. From their playful banter to their deep emotional connection, Deeks played a pivotal role in Kensi’s transformation from a tough, emotionally closed-off agent to a more open, vulnerable woman. Olsen’s portrayal of Deeks helped Ruah’s Kensi evolve in ways that made her one of the most dynamic and relatable characters on the show. Their on-screen chemistry and off-screen friendship contributed to an unforgettable relationship that has captivated fans for years. As the show nears its conclusion, Kensi and Deeks’ journey will undoubtedly remain one of the most beloved elements of NCIS: Los Angeles.
FAQs
1. How did Eric Christian Olsen’s character impact Kensi on NCIS: Los Angeles?
Eric Christian Olsen’s character, Marty Deeks, played a major role in helping Kensi evolve emotionally. His openness, humor, and patience challenged Kensi to confront her own emotional walls, resulting in significant growth for her character.
2. What was the dynamic between Kensi and Deeks like on NCIS: Los Angeles?
The dynamic between Kensi and Deeks was one of the show’s most compelling aspects. Initially, their relationship was built on a professional partnership, but it soon developed into a deep romantic connection that showcased their emotional vulnerability and trust in each other.
3. How did Daniela Ruah feel about working with Eric Christian Olsen?
Daniela Ruah has praised Eric Christian Olsen for his professionalism and ability to bring out the best in her as an actor. Their off-screen friendship helped strengthen their on-screen chemistry, which made their relationship as Kensi and Deeks feel authentic and real.
4. Will Kensi and Deeks face new challenges in the final seasons of NCIS: Los Angeles?
Yes, Kensi and Deeks will face more challenges as the series progresses. However, their strong bond and mutual support will continue to play a central role in
