NCIS: LA’s Daniela Ruah: Guiding Deeks Through Trauma and Teasing NCIS Universe Connections

For fourteen seasons, Daniela Ruah became synonymous with Special Agent Kensi Blye on NCIS: Los Angeles. Her on-screen journey was a captivating blend of action, romance, and emotional depth. However, in the latter seasons and especially since the show’s conclusion, Ruah has seamlessly transitioned into a formidable role behind the camera: that of a director. Her directorial efforts have not only impressed audiences and critics but have also allowed her to revisit pivotal character arcs within the NCIS universe, including the tragic past of her on-screen partner, Marty Deeks (Eric Christian Olsen), and even subtly hint at broader connections across the franchise.

Stepping Behind the Camera: A Natural Progression

Daniela Ruah’s foray into directing was not a sudden decision but a carefully cultivated ambition. She directed several episodes of NCIS: Los Angeles during its run, gaining invaluable experience and proving her keen eye for storytelling. This passion has continued to flourish post-NCIS:LA, with Ruah directing episodes for both the flagship NCIS and NCIS: Hawai’i (before its cancellation), further solidifying her place as a respected director within the franchise.

The Nuances of Directing Familiar Faces

Directing a show you’ve starred in for over a decade presents a unique set of challenges and advantages. Ruah possesses an intimate understanding of the characters, their histories, and the actors who portray them. This insight proved particularly valuable when tackling emotionally charged storylines, such as revisiting Marty Deeks’ traumatic childhood.

Revisiting Deeks’ Tragic Past: A Director’s Sensitive Hand

One of the most impactful episodes Daniela Ruah directed on NCIS: Los Angeles was “Flesh & Blood” (Season 14, Episode 5). This episode delved deep into the painful history of Marty Deeks, forcing him to confront the domestic violence he experienced as a child and the abuse inflicted by his father. Ruah’s directorial approach to such a sensitive subject garnered significant praise.

The Power of Connection and Empathy

In “Flesh & Blood,” the NCIS team investigates a case of domestic violence, which directly triggers Deeks’ buried trauma. Ruah spoke about the episode’s importance, highlighting the show’s commitment to addressing real-world issues.

• Deeks’ Personal Connection: The episode provided a raw exploration of how Deeks’ past shaped him. Ruah emphasized how the narrative allowed Deeks to connect with a victim of domestic violence on a deeply personal level, using his own experiences to offer empathy and understanding.
• Collaborating with Eric Christian Olsen and Pamela Reed: Ruah commended Eric Christian Olsen’s powerful performance in the episode, noting how he tapped into a profound emotional truth. She also highlighted the contributions of Pamela Reed, who plays Mama Deeks (Roberta), and the “beautiful balance of telling a tragic story” while still allowing for moments of human resilience and humor. Her understanding of the actors and their long-standing character dynamics was crucial in guiding these nuanced performances.
• Subtlety and Impact: Ruah’s direction ensured that the sensitive subject matter was handled with care, avoiding overt melodrama in favor of a more grounded and impactful portrayal of the lasting effects of trauma. She stated her belief in letting the actors’ performances shine, putting the camera where it best captured their truth. This approach allowed the emotional weight of Deeks’ past to truly resonate with viewers.

This episode was a testament to Ruah’s ability to direct with sensitivity and depth, showcasing her growing prowess behind the camera and her dedication to powerful storytelling.

Teasing the Broader NCIS Universe: A Glimpse of Crossover Magic

Beyond directing individual character arcs, Daniela Ruah has also played a part in expanding the interconnectedness of the NCIS universe, both as a director and, more recently, with a cameo appearance. While direct, overt “teases” are often left to network executives, Ruah’s involvement in multiple NCIS shows naturally fuels speculation and excitement for fans.

Directing Across the Franchise

• “Coming Home” to the Mothership: Ruah has expressed her immense honor and joy in directing episodes of the original NCIS. She described the experience as “coming home,” a nod to Kensi Blye’s origins as a character introduced in the flagship series 15 years ago. This directorial crossover naturally builds bridges between the shows, even without explicit character crossovers.
• Tackling New Challenges on NCIS: Hawai’i: Ruah also helmed an episode of NCIS: Hawai’i, which she called a “bigger challenge” due to a new cast and crew, but one that she thoroughly enjoyed. Her work on different sets within the same universe fosters a sense of unity and shared creative vision.

A Subtle Cameo and Fan Speculation

While NCIS: Los Angeles has concluded, Daniela Ruah recently made a brief, but highly anticipated, return as Kensi Blye in the 1,000th overall episode of the NCIS franchise. This appearance, alongside Vanessa Lachey’s Jane Tennant (from NCIS: Hawai’i), was primarily a remote cameo, connecting the agents from different locations.

While Ruah’s role in this milestone episode was limited to a “remote” appearance, her participation sent a clear message: the NCIS universe is vast and interconnected, and beloved characters, even from concluded series, can still be part of its ongoing narrative. This kind of interaction, even if brief, subtly teases the possibility of future crossovers or guest appearances, keeping the dream alive for fans who hope to see their favorite agents reunite.

The Future of Daniela Ruah and the NCIS Universe

Daniela Ruah’s directorial journey is a testament to her versatility and continued dedication to the craft of television. Her ability to handle complex emotional storylines, like Deeks’ tragic past, demonstrates her sensitivity and skill. Meanwhile, her ongoing involvement in directing across the NCIS franchise, coupled with her cameo appearance, reinforces the strong bonds within this successful television universe.

Fans eagerly anticipate what Ruah will direct next, whether within the procedural genre or beyond. Her insights into character development and her proven ability to bring compelling stories to life, from the dark corners of a character’s past to the subtle hints of a larger interconnected world, solidify her position as a rising talent behind the camera. While Kensi Blye’s on-screen adventures have concluded, Daniela Ruah’s impact on the NCIS universe is clearly far from over.