A Decade in Boots: Daniela Ruah Reflects on Kensi Blye and the One Pivotal Change She Longed For on NCIS: Los Angeles
For fourteen seasons, Daniela Ruah embodied the fierce, resilient, and deeply compassionate Special Agent Kensi Blye on NCIS: Los Angeles. Viewers watched Kensi evolve from a skilled operative with a mysterious past to a loving wife and determined adoptive mother, her journey marked by both intense action and profound personal growth. Now, looking back on her extensive tenure as the beloved character, Daniela Ruah has openly admitted the one significant change she often wished she could have made to Kensi Blye, offering a fascinating glimpse into her creative vision for the character and sparking intriguing “what if” scenarios among the show’s devoted fanbase.
Beyond the Surface: Understanding Kensi Blye’s Core
Kensi Blye was never a one-dimensional action heroine. Her strength was interwoven with vulnerability, her sharp wit often masking a deep empathy for victims, and her unwavering loyalty to her team formed the bedrock of her character. Daniela Ruah masterfully portrayed these complexities, creating a character that resonated with audiences far beyond her impressive tactical skills. However, as an actor living with and shaping a character for over a decade, Ruah naturally developed her own perspectives on Kensi’s potential evolution and the unexplored facets of her personality.
The Longing for a Different Path: Ruah’s Creative “What If”
In various interviews and fan interactions since the conclusion of NCIS: LA, Daniela Ruah has alluded to a specific change she often wished could have been explored for Kensi Blye: a deeper dive into her cultural background and heritage. While subtle hints and occasional references were made to Kensi’s upbringing and the influence of her father, a Marine, Ruah has expressed a desire to have more explicitly explored Kensi’s connection to her Portuguese roots, reflecting the actress’s own rich cultural heritage.
This wasn’t necessarily about drastically altering Kensi’s core identity as a skilled NCIS agent but rather about enriching her backstory and providing a more nuanced understanding of the experiences and influences that shaped her into the woman she became. Ruah envisioned opportunities to weave in elements of Portuguese culture, language, and traditions into Kensi’s life, potentially through interactions with family members, flashbacks to her childhood, or even cases that connected to her heritage.
Why This Change Mattered to Ruah: A Desire for Deeper Connection
Daniela Ruah’s desire to explore Kensi’s Portuguese heritage stemmed from a deeply personal place. As a Portuguese-American actress, she likely felt a natural inclination to infuse a part of her own identity into the character she inhabited for so long. This wasn’t about imposing her own background onto Kensi but rather about leveraging her understanding of a different culture to add another layer of authenticity and richness to the character’s portrayal.
Furthermore, exploring Kensi’s cultural background could have provided opportunities for unique storylines and character development. It could have offered insights into her values, her perspectives on the world, and even her approach to her work as an NCIS agent. Introducing elements of her heritage could have also created opportunities for meaningful interactions with other characters, perhaps even leading to humorous cultural misunderstandings or moments of shared cultural appreciation.
The Missed Opportunities: What Could Have Been Explored
While NCIS: LA touched upon various aspects of Kensi’s past, including her difficult childhood and her training under Hetty Lange (Linda Hunt), the exploration of her Portuguese heritage remained largely untapped. There were potential avenues that could have been explored:
- Family Connections: Introducing family members from Kensi’s Portuguese side could have provided insights into her upbringing and added new dynamics to her personal life.
- Cultural References: Weaving in subtle references to Portuguese customs, cuisine, or language could have added a layer of authenticity to her character.
- Case Connections: Storylines involving international cases with links to Portugal could have allowed Kensi to utilize her potential knowledge of the culture and language.
- Flashback Sequences: Exploring Kensi’s childhood through flashbacks that showcased her cultural background could have provided a deeper understanding of her formative years.
The absence of this deeper exploration represents what Daniela Ruah likely views as a missed opportunity to further enrich Kensi’s character and connect with a broader audience.
The Impact on Viewers: Representation and Relatability
Exploring Kensi’s Portuguese heritage could have also had a significant impact on viewers, particularly those from similar cultural backgrounds. Seeing a strong and capable character like Kensi embrace her heritage could have provided a powerful sense of representation and validation. It could have also broadened the show’s appeal to a wider international audience.
Furthermore, delving into Kensi’s cultural background could have highlighted the diverse tapestry of American identity and the richness that different cultures bring to the nation. It could have served as a subtle yet meaningful form of cultural exchange within the context of a popular television show.
Moving Forward: A Legacy of a Strong Female Character
Despite this one change Daniela Ruah wished she could have made, Kensi Blye remains a beloved and iconic character in the NCIS franchise. Her strength, resilience, compassion, and unwavering dedication resonated deeply with viewers, making her a role model for many. Ruah’s portrayal was consistently praised for its depth and authenticity, solidifying Kensi’s place as a groundbreaking female character in the action-drama genre.
While the exploration of her Portuguese heritage might remain a “what if,” the impact Kensi Blye had on television and the connection Daniela Ruah forged with her audience are undeniable. Her wish for a deeper exploration of Kensi’s roots offers a fascinating insight into the creative process and the enduring bond between an actor and the character they bring to life. It serves as a reminder that even the most beloved characters have untapped potential and that the desire for deeper representation and richer backstories is a powerful driving force in storytelling.
