Daniela Ruah stepped behind the camera for the hard-hitting NCIS: Los Angeles episode “Flesh & Blood,” an hour that confronts domestic abuse with honesty and restraint. Although directors are assigned before scripts are done, the timing felt right — the story naturally benefited from a woman’s perspective.
Ruah told Parade that sensitivity in storytelling isn’t about gender, but about perspective: “It’s important to tell some stories through a woman’s lens — but I also deeply respect my male colleagues. They would handle this topic with care too.”
The episode centers on Deeks (Eric Christian Olsen), who notices bruises on a female suspect and gently draws out her story. In an emotionally charged moment, he shares painful truths about his own family history, creating one of the episode’s most powerful scenes. Ruah credits Olsen and guest star Marnee Carpenter for grounding the moment with raw, authentic performances.
“As a director, sometimes your job is simply to step back,” Ruah said. “When actors are that connected, you let the moment breathe and capture it honestly.”
“Flesh & Blood” also brings back Deeks’ mother, Roberta, adding humor and heart as the storyline explores cycles of trauma, healing, and family.
With its mix of emotional depth and stellar performances, the episode stands out as one of the season’s most affecting — and a testament to Ruah’s growing voice behind the camera.
