Kensi wasn’t just another federal agent in a procedural. From the first time she appeared in Season 6 of NCIS and later became a lead in NCIS: LA, she stood out. She was layered, from a tragic backstory in relation to the death of her father, to years of perseverance and hardship, to the toughness it takes to survive on the streets. That kind of grit put her at a tremendous advantage, and contrasted wonderfully with her intelligence and undercover skills.
She also had something NCIS: Hawai’i leaned on from the start: crossover appeal. Kensi had already been on Hawaii Five-0 years before. So she had already demonstrated she could click in those circumstances. She had international experience and could pull off high-level missions as easily as she could banter with the team. Throwing her in the Pearl Harbor office would’ve felt like the most logical and reasonable next step.
And let’s be honest: While NCIS: Hawai’i made history with Vanessa Lachey leading the series, critics were mixed about the execution. The show stuck close to the NCIS formula, and Tennant’s credibility as a hardened investigator didn’t fully land in the early episodes. Kensi, on the other hand, already had years of proven storylines showing she could take command in the field and handle the heat. She could’ve made a strong right hand, or even a leading lady if it ever came to it.
When fans think about the NCIS universe, Kensi Blye immediately stands out as one of the strongest, most complex, and relatable female agents. Played brilliantly by Daniela Ruah on NCIS: Los Angeles, Kensi wasn’t just another special agent—she was a character layered with grit, vulnerability, and loyalty. But what if her story didn’t end in Los Angeles? What if Kensi had crossed over to NCIS: Hawai’i? Let’s dive into why Kensi Blye could’ve been a game-changing addition to NCIS: Hawai’i and why fans still imagine what could have been.
Who Is Kensi Blye? A Quick Recap
Before exploring the “what if,” let’s remind ourselves why Kensi was so unforgettable.
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Strong Background: Kensi came from a troubled past, shaping her into a fiercely independent agent.
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Elite Skill Set: She excelled in undercover work, combat, and marksmanship.
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Emotional Depth: Beyond the tough exterior, she struggled with vulnerability, relationships, and balancing personal life with duty.
These traits made her one of the most human characters in the franchise.
Why Kensi Blye Belonged on NCIS: Hawai’i
Hawai’i’s Unique Vibe
NCIS: Hawai’i brought a fresh tone compared to its predecessors. The island setting offered a blend of high-stakes cases with cultural richness and breathtaking landscapes. Kensi, who thrived in intense and emotionally complex missions, would’ve added a deeper edge to that dynamic.
A Natural Mentor Role
As one of the most experienced agents in the NCIS universe, Kensi could’ve easily stepped into a mentor role for Jane Tennant’s team. Her experience would’ve complemented Jane’s leadership style, creating compelling mentor-mentee dynamics.
Undercover Expertise
Many NCIS: Hawai’i episodes leaned into criminal organizations, smuggling, and covert missions. That’s Kensi’s bread and butter. Her ability to transform into different personas would have made episodes more gripping.
Kensi and Jane Tennant: The Duo We Needed
Imagine the powerhouse dynamic between Kensi Blye and Jane Tennant (played by Vanessa Lachey).
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Two Strong Women, Different Paths: Jane led as the first female Special Agent in Charge in the franchise, while Kensi worked her way up from field agent with hard-earned scars.
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Balancing Strength and Compassion: Together, they would’ve represented resilience, strategy, and humanity in a way audiences crave.
Their scenes could’ve redefined female partnerships in procedural dramas.
Crossovers That Almost Happened
The NCIS franchise has a history of crossovers:
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NCIS characters crossed into NCIS: New Orleans.
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NCIS: Los Angeles and Hawai’i hinted at connections.
So why not Kensi? Even a short arc could’ve been the kind of crossover fans dream about—an unforgettable TV moment.
Kensi’s Emotional Depth in the Hawai’i Setting
Kensi’s personal battles—grief, trauma, and resilience—would’ve added emotional weight to Hawai’i’s lighter tone. Picture this: Kensi finding solace in the islands while still confronting her demons. It could’ve brought more balance to the series.
How Deeks Would Fit Into the Story
Of course, fans would ask: What about Deeks?
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If Marty Deeks (her husband) joined her, we’d have one of TV’s most beloved partnerships transplanted into paradise.
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Even if Deeks stayed behind, the distance could’ve created fascinating emotional storylines about long-distance marriage in the face of duty.
Why Fans Still Talk About It
NCIS fans never let go of “what ifs.” Kensi on NCIS: Hawai’i is one of the biggest. Why? Because:
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She had unfinished potential.
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She embodied strength and vulnerability that fit perfectly into the island-based show.
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She could’ve attracted new viewers while rewarding longtime fans.
Kensi’s Skills That Could’ve Elevated Hawai’i
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Sniper Precision – Imagine her taking down threats from the cliffs of Oahu.
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Undercover Work – From infiltrating cartels to smuggling rings, she’d shine.
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Survival Instincts – Kensi’s military-honed toughness fit right into Hawai’i’s field missions.
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Team Chemistry – Her ability to bond (and clash) would’ve created natural drama.
NCIS: Hawai’i’s Cancellation and Missed Opportunities
Sadly, NCIS: Hawai’i was canceled too soon. A crossover with Kensi could’ve given the show more visibility and fan loyalty. It’s one of those “if only” TV moments fans will talk about for years.
The Fan Perspective: Why We Craved It
Fans love continuity across shows, and Kensi was a beloved thread. Seeing her on Hawai’i would’ve felt like a gift, keeping the franchise interconnected while giving closure to her arc.
Could Kensi Return in Another Spinoff?
Never say never. The NCIS universe keeps expanding. With spin-offs like NCIS: Sydney making waves, who’s to say Kensi won’t return someday?
The Legacy of Kensi Blye
Even without appearing on NCIS: Hawai’i, Kensi’s impact remains huge:
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She broke stereotypes as a female agent who was both strong and emotionally layered.
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She built one of the most iconic love stories in the franchise with Deeks.
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She inspired viewers by showing strength through vulnerability.
Conclusion
Kensi Blye on NCIS: Hawai’i could’ve been the ultimate crossover. She had the skills, the emotional depth, and the fan support to thrive in the island setting. While it never happened, imagining the possibilities reminds us why she’s still one of the most beloved characters in the NCIS world.
