A Decade in the Making: Daniela Ruah Reflects on Kensi Blye’s Journey and a Lingering “What If?”
For fourteen seasons, Daniela Ruah embodied the fierce, intelligent, and deeply loyal Special Agent Kensi Blye on NCIS: Los Angeles, a character who became an integral part of the show’s enduring appeal. As Kensi navigated perilous missions, forged unbreakable bonds, and found lasting love with Marty Deeks (Eric Christian Olsen), Ruah brought a captivating blend of strength and vulnerability to the role. Now, in reflective interviews following the series’ conclusion, Ruah has openly admitted to one significant change she consistently wished she could have made to Kensi Blye’s character arc, a “what if?” that lingered throughout her decade-plus portraying the beloved agent.
While expressing immense gratitude for her time on the show and the evolution Kensi underwent, Ruah has revealed a yearning for a deeper exploration of Kensi’s past and the formative experiences that shaped her into the complex woman she became. Specifically, Ruah wished for more opportunities to delve into the long-held mystery surrounding Kensi’s father, a Marine who was murdered when she was a child. This pivotal event served as a foundational element of Kensi’s backstory, influencing her career path, her guarded nature, and her unwavering pursuit of justice. However, Ruah felt that this crucial aspect of Kensi’s life remained somewhat underexplored on screen.
The Lingering Shadow of a Father’s Death: A Core Element Left Untapped?
From early in the series, Kensi’s father, Donald Blye, was established as a significant figure in her life, his tragic death serving as a catalyst for her joining NCIS and her dedication to seeking justice for victims. While occasional references were made to his memory and the impact of his loss on Kensi, the show never fully delved into the specifics of his murder, the investigation surrounding it, or the long-term emotional ramifications for Kensi beyond her initial motivations.
Ruah has expressed a desire to have seen Kensi actively pursue answers about her father’s death, potentially uncovering long-held secrets or confronting the individuals responsible. She believed that this journey would have provided rich character development and offered viewers a deeper understanding of Kensi’s inner world and the driving forces behind her actions.
A Missed Opportunity for Deeper Character Exploration?
Ruah felt that exploring the mystery of Kensi’s father’s murder could have added another layer of complexity to her character, allowing for storylines that delved into her past vulnerabilities and her relentless pursuit of closure. This could have also provided opportunities for Kensi to connect with other characters on a more profound emotional level, particularly with Deeks, as she shared this deeply personal aspect of her life.
While Kensi’s resilience and strength were consistently portrayed, Ruah believed that confronting the unresolved trauma of her father’s death could have offered a more nuanced and multifaceted portrayal of her character’s journey. It could have explored themes of grief, forgiveness, and the enduring impact of childhood loss on adult life.
Fan Theories and Longing for Answers: A Shared Desire
Interestingly, Daniela Ruah’s wish for a deeper exploration of Kensi’s father’s storyline aligns with many fan theories and long-held desires within the NCIS: Los Angeles fandom. Over the years, viewers have often speculated about the details surrounding Donald Blye’s murder and expressed a longing for Kensi to finally uncover the complete truth.
The fact that Ruah herself shared this desire resonates with the audience and validates their own yearning for this particular aspect of Kensi’s backstory to be more fully explored. It suggests a shared understanding of the character’s potential and the narrative avenues that could have been pursued.
A Legacy of Strength, But a Road Not Fully Traveled
Despite this lingering “what if?”, Daniela Ruah’s portrayal of Kensi Blye remains a beloved and iconic part of the NCIS franchise. She brought strength, intelligence, and unwavering loyalty to the character, creating a role model for many viewers. While the deeper exploration of her father’s murder might have been a road not fully traveled, Kensi’s journey throughout the fourteen seasons was nonetheless compelling and impactful.
Ruah’s admission of this wish doesn’t diminish her appreciation for her time on the show or the character she so brilliantly brought to life. Instead, it offers a fascinating insight into the creative process and the lingering thoughts that actors sometimes have about the characters they inhabit for so long. It highlights the depth of her connection to Kensi and her thoughtful consideration of the character’s inner world.
Conclusion: A Fond Farewell with a Lingering Question of the Past
Daniela Ruah’s admission of wishing for a deeper exploration of Kensi Blye’s father’s murder adds a poignant layer to her reflections on her time on NCIS: Los Angeles. This “what if?” scenario highlights a significant aspect of Kensi’s backstory that Ruah felt held untapped potential for character development and emotional resonance. While Kensi’s journey throughout the series was undoubtedly captivating, Ruah’s candid wish resonates with many fans who also longed for a more thorough exploration of this formative event in Kensi’s life. It serves as a reminder of the rich complexities of beloved characters and the enduring questions that can linger even after their stories have seemingly concluded.
