The Transformation of Kensi and Deeks: How NCIS: LA Created a Beloved Duo
The NCIS franchise has produced many memorable “ships,” and one of the most beloved is Kensi Blye and Marty Deeks from NCIS: Los Angeles. Their relationship, affectionately dubbed “Densi,” captured fans’ hearts from the start, thanks to the chemistry between Daniela Ruah and Eric Christian Olsen.
The Evolution of Kensi Blye
Initially, Kensi Blye was portrayed as a no-nonsense, tough special agent. Daniela Ruah, speaking on the Off Duty: An NCIS Rewatch podcast with NCIS alums Michael Weatherly and Cote de Pablo, explained how her portrayal was very rigid at first. She believed being strong and smart meant being serious and stern. This affected her delivery and body language, making her character quite stiff.
Enter Eric Christian Olsen
Eric Christian Olsen joined the show at the end of Season 1 and became a regular in Season 2. His character, Deeks, was the funny, improvisational LAPD liaison who brought a lighter, more humorous dynamic to the series. Showrunner Shane Brennan saw the potential in this contrast and advised Ruah to allow Kensi to show more personality and react positively to Deeks’ humor. Brennan pointed out that the audience already liked Kensi, and showing her softer side would help them warm up to Deeks as well (TV Insider) (TV Fanatic).
The Birth of “Densi”
Following Brennan’s advice, Ruah began to allow Kensi to crack a smile and show more personality, especially in scenes with Deeks. This transformation was crucial in developing the beloved dynamic between the two characters. Their relationship evolved naturally, and fans quickly became invested in their journey. The pair’s wedding episode was particularly well-received, cementing their status as an endgame couple (TV Insider) (TV Fanatic).
Behind-the-Scenes Chemistry
Interestingly, Daniela Ruah’s connection with the Olsen family extended off-screen as well. She married Eric Christian Olsen’s brother and stunt double, David Paul Olsen. This real-life connection added another layer to the on-screen chemistry fans loved so much.
The Legacy of Kensi and Deeks
NCIS: Los Angeles concluded with many memorable moments centered around Densi, including Kensi’s pregnancy reveal in the series finale. The impact of their relationship on the show is undeniable, and it’s intriguing to think about how different the series might have been if Kensi had remained the stoic character she was initially. The changes made to Kensi’s character helped create one of the most beloved relationships in the NCIS universe.
The Future of NCIS: LA Cast
Although NCIS: Los Angeles has ended, its cast members continue to appear within the franchise. LL Cool J joined NCIS: Hawai’i, and Daniela Ruah appeared on NCIS for the 1,000th episode and directed episodes for both shows. Fans eagerly await to see if more familiar faces from LA will appear in future NCIS episodes.
For more on the evolution of Kensi and Deeks and other NCIS ships, stay tuned to the NCIS franchise as it continues to deliver captivating stories and beloved characters.
