The End of an Era: ‘NCIS: Los Angeles’ Stars Eric Christian Olsen and Daniela Ruah Reflect on Season 14 Finale
After a remarkable 14-season run, NCIS: Los Angeles concluded its beloved saga with a two-part series finale in May 2023. For fans who had followed the thrilling exploits of the Office of Special Projects (OSP) team for over a decade, saying goodbye was a bittersweet experience. And for the stars who brought these characters to life, particularly Eric Christian Olsen (Marty Deeks) and Daniela Ruah (Kensi Blye), the conclusion of Season 14 marked a profound turning point. As the final episodes aired and the cast officially “signed off,” Olsen and Ruah shared emotional updates, reflecting on their incredible journey, the enduring impact of “Densi,” and their gratitude for the show’s loyal fanbase.
The cancellation of NCIS: Los Angeles, announced in January 2023, came as a surprise to many, including some of the cast and crew, especially given its consistent ratings and dedicated following. However, the network’s decision allowed the showrunners to craft a satisfying conclusion, providing closure for beloved characters and tying up many long-running storylines. The final episodes of Season 14 aimed to deliver a “beautiful ending,” a sentiment echoed by the cast.
Daniela Ruah’s Emotional Tribute: “An Absolute Dream”
Daniela Ruah, who portrayed the fierce and resilient Kensi Blye since the show’s inception, took to Instagram to share a deeply personal and emotional farewell. Her message resonated with fans, highlighting the profound impact the show had on her life.
“From season 1 to season 14, from 24 yrs old to 39, it has been an absolute dream,” Ruah wrote, reflecting on the significant portion of her adult life dedicated to the series. This statement underscores the immense commitment and personal growth that can occur when an actor inhabits a character for over a decade. Kensi Blye became synonymous with Daniela Ruah, and her journey on screen mirrored, in some ways, Ruah’s own maturation.
She continued, “So many feelings to process and too many words to say. I will save them for a later date I’m so so grateful to have been a part of this NCISLA family. The show lasted this long because of all of you ♥️.” Ruah’s acknowledgment of the “NCISLA family” — encompassing not just the cast and crew but also the millions of fans who tuned in weekly — speaks to the strong community fostered by the show. Her gratitude to the fans for their unwavering support highlights the symbiotic relationship between a long-running series and its dedicated audience. Her post also included a visual montage of her journey, showcasing photos from early seasons alongside more recent ones, visually emphasizing her personal and professional evolution on the show.
Eric Christian Olsen’s Heartfelt Farewell: “What a Spectacular Journey”
Eric Christian Olsen, who joined the series in Season 2 and quickly became a fan favorite as Marty Deeks, shared a more succinct but equally heartfelt message on his Instagram. Accompanying a photo of his character walking through a tunnel, he simply captioned, “What a spectacular journey we all shared.”
Olsen’s message, while brief, encapsulates the immense scope of NCIS: LA‘s run and the shared experience of being a part of something so successful and long-lasting. His choice of image – Deeks moving towards a light – could be interpreted as a symbolic nod to new beginnings, both for the character and for Olsen himself after more than a decade in the role. Olsen has also spoken about the emotional impact of the final day of filming, admitting to crying and giving an impromptu speech, reflecting on the privilege of telling “324 stories.” This speaks to the deep emotional investment he had in the show and his character.
The on-screen chemistry between Olsen and Ruah, famously known as “Densi,” was a cornerstone of NCIS: LA‘s success. Their characters’ evolution from reluctant partners to a married couple and foster parents provided much of the show’s heart and emotional anchor. Their final shared moments in Season 14, including the revelation of Kensi’s pregnancy, brought a satisfying, full-circle conclusion to their beloved storyline, allowing them to “sign off” not just as agents, but as a family.
The Impact of “Densi”: A Fan Favorite Relationship
The relationship between Kensi Blye and Marty Deeks, affectionately dubbed “Densi” by fans, was one of the most compelling and enduring romances in network television. Their journey from playful banter and unspoken tension to a deep, committed partnership was a masterclass in slow-burn storytelling.
Throughout Season 14, their relationship continued to evolve, culminating in the joyous news of their pregnancy in the series finale. This development was a huge moment for fans who had invested years in their story, watching them overcome personal traumas, professional dangers, and the complexities of working together as a couple. The finale provided a sense of a truly “new beginning” for them, moving beyond the daily grind of NCIS cases to embrace a future as parents. This emotional payoff was a key part of what made the Season 14 finale feel so “beautiful” and satisfying for many viewers.
Both Olsen and Ruah often acknowledged the unique connection they shared on screen and the genuine friendship that developed off-screen, contributing to the undeniable chemistry that made Densi so believable and beloved. Ruah even directed several episodes of NCIS: LA, including one in Season 14, further highlighting her deep involvement in the show’s creative process.
The Farewell to a “Family”: Cast Reactions to Cancellation
The news of the show’s cancellation was met with mixed emotions from the wider cast and crew. While there was sadness, there was also an overwhelming sense of gratitude for the show’s longevity and the bonds formed over 14 years.
LL Cool J (Sam Hanna) expressed that it was the “perfect time” to end NCIS: LA “on top,” especially after the successful crossover event earlier in the season. Chris O’Donnell (G. Callen) echoed the sentiment of it being “tough to leave because everyone just loved working with each other,” even revealing that the cast had pitched a TV movie to CBS to wrap up loose ends, a testament to their desire to continue the story. Caleb Castille (Devin Rountree), a newer addition to the team, expressed sadness but acknowledged the “amazing accomplishment” of 14 seasons.
The final days on set were filled with emotional goodbyes, speeches, and reflections on the immense amount of work and passion poured into the series. The cast and crew truly felt like a family, and the messages from Olsen and Ruah powerfully convey this sense of shared experience and heartfelt parting.
Looking Ahead: New Chapters for the Stars
As NCIS: Los Angeles officially “signed off” with Season 14, its stars have embarked on new professional and personal chapters. Eric Christian Olsen has moved into an executive producer role for the upcoming CBS series Matlock and is preparing to welcome his fourth child with Sarah Wright Olsen. Daniela Ruah has been exploring new acting roles and continuing her work as a director.
The “signing off” messages from Eric Christian Olsen and Daniela Ruah serve as a poignant reminder of the end of a significant era in television. Yet, they also highlight the enduring gratitude for the opportunities, the friendships, and the loyal fanbase that made NCIS: Los Angeles a true phenomenon.
Conclusion: A Grateful Farewell to a Beloved Era
The “signing off” messages from NCIS: LA stars Eric Christian Olsen and Daniela Ruah on the conclusion of Season 14 provide a heartfelt glimpse into the emotions surrounding the end of a remarkable television run. Their reflections underscore the personal and professional journeys they undertook, the profound bond they shared as “Densi,” and their immense gratitude to the fans who made it all possible. While the final curtain has fallen on NCIS: Los Angeles, the legacy of its compelling characters, thrilling stories, and the enduring connection between its cast and audience will undoubtedly live on for years to come.
