Daniela Ruah on Serial Killers’ Return, Kessler’s Threat, and Her Directorial Journey on NCIS: LA

For fourteen seasons, Daniela Ruah was the beating heart of NCIS: Los Angeles as Special Agent Kensi Blye, a character who faced countless threats, both personal and professional. As the show progressed into its later seasons and ultimately concluded, Ruah seamlessly transitioned into a powerful role behind the camera, directing several episodes. In candid interviews, she offered fascinating insights into tackling some of the show’s darkest storylines, including the return of terrifying serial killers and the lingering menace of David Kessler, all while navigating her blossoming directorial career.

The Haunting Return of “The Monster” Serial Killers

One of the most chilling storylines in NCIS: Los Angeles history involved the network of serial killers known as “The Monster,” first introduced in Season 9. These perpetrators engaged in a gruesome practice of dismembering bodies and reassembling them in a twisted, artistic fashion. The case left a lasting impression on viewers due to its sheer horror and open-ended nature.

Daniela Ruah, who directed Season 14, Episode 5, “Flesh & Blood,” spoke about the decision to revisit this terrifying arc. While her directed episode primarily focused on Deeks’ past, she later discussed other dark elements from Season 14, confirming the return of “The Monster” serial killers.

Delving into the Darkness

• Unresolved Horrors: Ruah acknowledged the unsettling nature of the original “Monster” episode and the lingering questions it left. Bringing these serial killers back meant delving once more into a very dark corner of the NCIS: LA universe, pushing the team, and particularly Kensi, to confront pure evil.
• The Writers’ Vision: She credited writers like Frank Military (who also famously played Kessler) and Adam George Key for daring to revisit such a terrifying premise. Ruah highlighted how the new episode, like its predecessor, concluded with an “open ending,” making the new insights into the killers even more “terrifying” without necessarily providing full closure. This approach often leaves a greater psychological impact on the audience.
• A Unique Challenge: Directing episodes that delve into such macabre territory requires a delicate balance of suspense, horror, and character reaction. Ruah’s ability to navigate these elements while maintaining the show’s core identity showcased her growing skill as a director.

The Lingering Threat of David Kessler

Perhaps no villain haunted Kensi Blye – and by extension, Daniela Ruah – more personally than David Kessler. Introduced as a sociopathic arms dealer obsessed with Kensi, Kessler’s threat was intensely personal, vowing to make her life a living hell. His release from prison, a result of his insidious blackmail, left Kensi and her family in constant peril.

Ruah frequently spoke about the pervasive nature of Kessler’s threat, even when he wasn’t actively on screen. This off-screen menace created a constant undercurrent of tension for Kensi and her loved ones, particularly her husband Deeks and their adopted daughter, Rosa.

The Personal Stakes for Kensi

• A “Ticking Time Bomb”: Ruah famously described Kessler’s threat as a “ticking time bomb,” a seed planted that would “blow up in your face when you least expect it.” This perfectly captured the psychological strain Kensi endured, knowing that Kessler was out there, somewhere, plotting.
• Protecting Her Family: The threat of Kessler underscored Kensi’s fierce protective instincts towards her family. While the show had many external threats, Kessler represented a malevolent force specifically targeting her and those she loved, elevating the emotional stakes.
• The Actor Behind the Villain: Ruah noted the interesting dynamic of Kessler being played by Frank Military, one of the show’s writers. She praised Military’s brilliant portrayal, highlighting the contrast between his kind personality and the disturbing character he created. Despite the terror he inflicted, Ruah expressed a hope that Kessler would return, appreciating the compelling dynamic he brought to Kensi’s story.

Throughout NCIS: LA‘s final seasons, Kessler’s presence was a dark cloud, a constant reminder of the dangers Kensi faced, even in moments of domestic bliss. While the show ended without Kessler being definitively dealt with, his threat lingered as one of Kensi’s greatest personal challenges.

Daniela Ruah: A Director in Demand

Beyond navigating intense storylines as an actress, Daniela Ruah’s journey into directing became a significant part of her legacy on NCIS: LA and beyond. She directed multiple episodes of the show, earning praise for her insightful approach to character and narrative.

From Actor to Auteur

• Learning the Craft: Ruah has openly shared her passion for directing, describing how it grew exponentially during her time on NCIS: LA. She emphasized her “obsessiveness with the details” and her commitment to learning and improving with each episode.
• Empathetic Directing: Having been an actor for so long, Ruah brings a unique empathy to her directorial style. She often spoke about knowing when to step in with specific directions and when to step back and allow her fellow actors to “do their magic.” This collaborative approach fosters trust and strong performances.
• Tackling Complex Themes: Her directorial episodes often tackled profound emotional themes, such as domestic violence in “Flesh & Blood” (Season 14, Episode 5). Ruah’s sensitivity in handling such heavy subjects, ensuring they were portrayed with realism and impact, further solidified her reputation as a capable director.
• Post-NCIS: LA Directorial Success: Even after NCIS: LA concluded, Ruah has continued to direct within the broader NCIS universe, helming episodes for the flagship NCIS and NCIS: Hawai’i. This continued demand for her directorial talents speaks volumes about her skill and the respect she has earned within the industry.

The Interplay of Roles: Kensi’s Journey and Ruah’s Vision

The unique position of Daniela Ruah, starring in and directing NCIS: LA, created a fascinating synergy. Her intimate knowledge of Kensi’s character undoubtedly informed her directorial choices, particularly when Kensi was at the center of a storyline involving threats like Kessler or the return of the serial killers.

As Kensi Blye, Ruah portrayed resilience, vulnerability, and unwavering strength in the face of unimaginable danger. As a director, she was able to shape how these threats were presented, enhancing their psychological impact and ensuring that Kensi’s reactions felt authentic and earned. This dual role allowed her to contribute to the show’s narrative depth in an unparalleled way.

Conclusion: A Legacy of Fear and Fortitude

Daniela Ruah’s insights into the return of NCIS: LA‘s most terrifying serial killers and the omnipresent threat of David Kessler underscore the show’s willingness to delve into truly dark territory. Yet, her discussions also highlight the strength of the characters, particularly Kensi, in confronting such evil.

Her parallel journey as a director, from learning the ropes on set to helming complex and emotionally charged episodes, is a testament to her versatility and artistic ambition. Ruah not only brought Kensi Blye to life with unparalleled ferocity but also helped shape the very fabric of the NCIS: LA universe from behind the camera. Her enduring legacy is defined not just by Kensi’s iconic status, but also by her profound contributions to the storytelling that kept millions of fans enthralled for over a decade.