Fans of NCIS: Los Angeles have witnessed their share of dramatic moments, particularly involving Special Agent Kensi Blye, played by Daniela Ruah. Kensi’s resilience in the face of danger has always been a hallmark of the character. However, there was a proposed storyline in Season 8 that would have had a profound impact on Kensi—and on the show itself.
During a 2017 panel discussion, Daniela Ruah revealed a significant plotline that was initially considered but ultimately altered. The storyline in question would have seen Kensi suffer a life-changing injury. Ruah shared, “Kensi becomes debilitated for a short while, and then eventually recovers. Originally, the storyline is that she was going to actually lose a limb. And I remember when our showrunner was like, ‘What do you think of this?’ I was almost so devastated for Kensi because it’s kind of difficult to emotionally distance myself from her when it comes to her happiness or her sadness, whatever it is.”
This dramatic twist would have marked a major departure from Kensi’s established character arc. Ruah’s emotional reaction underscores how deeply she connects with her role and how challenging it would have been to portray such a profound transformation.
Potential Scenarios for the Injury
In Season 8, there were two particular instances where Kensi’s injury was notably severe:
- Helicopter Crash: In one scenario, Kensi’s helicopter is shot down while on a mission in the desert. She becomes pinned under debris, leading to a spinal cord injury that temporarily paralyzes her left hand and leg, and causes a loss of feeling in her right leg. This would have required months of physical therapy for recovery.
- Kidnapping Plot: In the episode “Payback,” Kensi is kidnapped by a man she knew from her physical therapy sessions. The kidnapper threatens to amputate her leg, but this grim fate does not come to pass as Kensi is rescued by her fellow agents before he can act on his threat.
These plotlines illustrate the intensity and stakes involved in the series, but the decision to not follow through with the amputation plot was likely a relief to fans and to Ruah herself. The alternative, where Kensi recovers from severe but non-permanent injuries, allowed the character to continue her role in the series without such a drastic change.
The Impact on the Show
Had Kensi lost a limb, it would have significantly altered the character’s trajectory and the dynamics of the show. The decision to avoid this storyline preserved the essence of Kensi as a resilient yet capable agent, allowing her to continue contributing to the team’s missions without being physically diminished.
As NCIS: Los Angeles moves forward, fans can be grateful that Kensi Blye’s adventures continue without the severe injury that was once considered. The series has always managed to blend high-stakes drama with compelling character development, and Kensi’s journey remains a key part of its appeal
