Eric Christian Olsen didn’t just join NCIS: Los Angeles — he changed it.
Before his arrival, Kensi Blye was written and played as strictly serious. Daniela Ruah later revealed she believed toughness meant emotional restraint, which made early Kensi feel stiff.
Olsen’s Deeks brought humor and chaos, forcing a shift. Showrunner Shane Brennan encouraged Ruah to soften Kensi’s reactions so audiences wouldn’t reject Deeks. That adjustment sparked instant chemistry.
The result was one of the franchise’s most popular couples. Kensi evolved, Densi thrived, and NCIS: LA found its emotional balance.