A Wedding Wouldn’t Be Complete Without Her: The ‘NCIS: LA’ Family Welcomes Back Hetty for Kensi and Deeks
For fans of NCIS: Los Angeles, the wedding of Special Agent Kensi Blye (Daniela Ruah) and LAPD Liaison-turned-NCIS Investigator Marty Deeks (Eric Christian Olsen) was a long-awaited and deeply cherished moment. The culmination of years of “will they/won’t they” tension and unwavering devotion, the “Densi” wedding was a celebration of their enduring love. However, the joyous occasion was made even more special by the unexpected and dramatic return of their beloved Operations Manager, Henrietta “Hetty” Lange (Linda Hunt), after an extended absence that had left both the team and the audience yearning for her presence.
Hetty’s absence throughout much of Season 10 was explained within the show as her dealing with a mysterious off-screen mission. While updates on her well-being were occasionally provided, her physical absence left a void in the heart of the OSP team. Therefore, her surprise appearance at Kensi and Deeks’ wedding was not just a welcome return of a fan-favorite character, but an emotionally resonant moment for the entire cast, who had genuinely missed Linda Hunt’s presence on set.
Daniela Ruah’s Tears and Heartfelt Reunion with Linda Hunt
Daniela Ruah, who portrays Kensi, has openly spoken about the profound emotional impact of Linda Hunt’s return for the wedding episode. In a post-episode interview with TV Insider in March 2019, Ruah confessed to shedding tears upon seeing Hunt again. The on-screen bond between Kensi and Hetty was always a special one, with Hetty often acting as a mentor and a surrogate mother figure to the fiercely independent agent.
“I started crying when I saw her,” Ruah admitted, highlighting the genuine affection the cast holds for Linda Hunt. She also shared the overwhelming positive reaction from fans who consistently expressed their desire for Hetty’s return, underscoring the character’s importance to the show’s dynamic and its audience. Ruah’s joy at Hunt’s presence was palpable, reflecting the collective relief and happiness felt by the entire NCIS: LA family, both on and off-screen.
Eric Christian Olsen’s “Six-Year-Old Smile” and the Anchor of Hetty’s Gravitas
Eric Christian Olsen, known for his portrayal of the ever-charming Marty Deeks, echoed Ruah’s sentiments, expressing immense delight at Linda Hunt’s return. He described his immediate reaction as wanting to hug her repeatedly throughout the night, a testament to the warmth and affection the cast feels for their seasoned co-star.
Olsen also touched upon the unique quality that Linda Hunt brings to the character of Hetty, emphasizing her “gravitas that anchors the show.” He spoke of the almost magical way in which Hunt delivers her lines, creating moments that resonate deeply and bring an undeniable weight to the narrative. Olsen’s description of getting “tears in my eyes and a ridiculous six-year-old smile” upon Hunt’s return beautifully captures the childlike joy and profound respect the cast holds for her talent and presence.
LL Cool J on Hetty’s “Fragile Toughness” and Unifying Presence
LL Cool J, who plays the formidable Senior Special Agent Sam Hanna, offered a unique perspective on Linda Hunt’s portrayal of Hetty, describing her as possessing a “fragile toughness.” This seemingly paradoxical description perfectly encapsulates Hetty’s character – a woman of immense strength and unwavering resolve, yet also possessing a vulnerability and deep empathy for her team.
LL Cool J highlighted Hetty’s ability to bring a sense of “centeredness, a balance, and a level of experience that just makes everybody feel good” to the set. Her presence, both as a character and as an actress, has a unifying effect on the cast, and her return for the wedding was a moment of collective joy and reassurance. He emphasized the positive impact of having her “healthy and back rocking with us,” underscoring the sense of completeness her return brought to the special occasion.
A Testament to Family: Hetty’s Determination to Be There
The cast members also acknowledged the significance of Linda Hunt’s return despite any personal challenges she might have been facing at the time. Their words conveyed a deep appreciation for her commitment to the show and her desire to be present for such a momentous occasion within their “show family.” The fact that she “soldiered on and came” despite potential difficulties speaks volumes about the bond she shares with her co-stars and the importance she placed on witnessing Kensi and Deeks’ wedding.
Conclusion: A Heartfelt Reunion That Solidified the ‘NCIS: LA’ Family
The surprise return of Linda Hunt as Hetty Lange for Kensi and Deeks’ wedding in NCIS: Los Angeles was more than just a plot point; it was an emotionally resonant moment that deeply affected the cast and delighted the audience. The heartfelt reactions from Daniela Ruah, Eric Christian Olsen, and LL Cool J underscore the profound respect and affection they hold for Linda Hunt and the integral role Hetty plays in the heart of the show. Her presence at the wedding served as a powerful reminder of the family dynamic that permeated NCIS: LA, both on and off-screen, making the celebration of Kensi and Deeks’ love even more meaningful and complete. Hetty’s return was a testament to the enduring bond of the team and a joyous occasion that solidified their unique and cherished family unit.
