Brotherhood Beyond the Badge: Eric Christian Olsen Celebrates LL Cool J’s Concert Tour Comeback as ‘NCIS: Los Angeles’ Concludes
As NCIS: Los Angeles prepared to air its final episodes in May 2023, the cast and crew were undoubtedly steeped in a mix of nostalgia, gratitude, and anticipation for new beginnings. For Eric Christian Olsen, who brought the beloved Marty Deeks to life for 14 seasons, the conclusion of the series marked a significant turning point. Amidst the emotional goodbyes to the show, Olsen took a moment to celebrate a joyous new chapter for one of his longest-standing co-stars: LL Cool J, who played his formidable partner-in-crime-fighting, Sam Hanna. Olsen’s enthusiastic public support for LL Cool J’s concert tour comeback highlighted the deep camaraderie that extended beyond their on-screen partnership.
The finale of NCIS: Los Angeles wrapped up storylines for the beloved team, including the long-anticipated wedding of Callen and Anna, and the joyous revelation of Kensi’s pregnancy. While these character developments provided satisfying closure for fans, the real-life bonds forged over 14 years were equally significant. For Olsen, the farewell to NCIS: LA wasn’t just about saying goodbye to a job; it was about transitioning from a “family” that had defined a significant portion of his adult life.
“Let’s Goooo!”: Celebrating LL Cool J’s Return to the Stage
In the weeks leading up to the NCIS: LA series finale, while fans were focused on the show’s conclusion, Eric Christian Olsen took to his Instagram Stories to express his excitement for LL Cool J’s momentous announcement: his first arena tour in 30 years, titled “THE F.O.R.C.E. (Frequencies of Real Creative Energy).”
Olsen shared a video of his co-star gearing up to hit the stage, accompanying it with the simple yet enthusiastic caption: “Let’s goooooo! @llcoolj.” This wasn’t just a casual shout-out; it was a powerful display of genuine support and celebration for a colleague embarking on a major new venture. For over a decade, Olsen and LL Cool J had shared countless scenes, built a compelling on-screen partnership, and developed a real-life friendship. Seeing LL Cool J return to his musical roots, on such a grand scale, was clearly a source of pride and excitement for Olsen.
LL Cool J, whose real name is James Todd Smith, is a hip-hop icon and Grammy-winning artist with a legendary career in music that predates his acting endeavors. His return to the arena stage after such a long hiatus was a significant event in the music world, and Olsen’s public endorsement underscored the close bond he shared with his co-star, recognizing and celebrating his multifaceted talents beyond the world of NCIS. The tour was set to kick off shortly after NCIS: LA went off the air, marking a new beginning for both actors.
A Bond Forged Over 14 Seasons
The on-screen relationship between Marty Deeks and Sam Hanna evolved significantly throughout NCIS: LA‘s run. Initially, there was a playful tension and contrasting styles – Deeks, the unconventional LAPD liaison, and Sam, the stoic former Navy SEAL. Over time, their professional respect blossomed into a deep friendship and brotherhood, characterized by shared banter, mutual protection, and unwavering loyalty.
This on-screen chemistry was undoubtedly fueled by the real-life bond between Eric Christian Olsen and LL Cool J. Both actors have frequently spoken about their camaraderie and the positive working environment on set. Olsen, in particular, often praised LL Cool J’s work ethic and positive attitude, noting how both LL Cool J and Chris O’Donnell (G. Callen) would speak about the joy of returning home to their families after a day of filming – a sentiment that profoundly impacted Olsen as he became a father himself.
Olsen’s celebration of LL Cool J’s tour highlights that their connection transcended the confines of their characters. It’s a testament to the strong professional friendships that can develop over years of shared creative endeavor, where colleagues become genuine friends, supporting each other’s passions and new ventures.
The Farewell to a “Family”: The Emotional Conclusion of NCIS: LA
The enthusiasm for LL Cool J’s comeback tour was set against the backdrop of the emotional farewell to NCIS: Los Angeles. The show’s cancellation, though announced early enough to allow for a proper finale, was still a poignant moment for the cast and crew.
Eric Christian Olsen, alongside Daniela Ruah (Kensi Blye) and Chris O’Donnell, openly shared their feelings about the show ending. Olsen admitted to crying and giving an impromptu speech on the final day of filming, reflecting on the profound experience of telling “324 stories.” Daniela Ruah penned an emotional tribute on Instagram, calling her 14 years on the show an “absolute dream” and expressing immense gratitude to the “NCISLA family” and the fans.
LL Cool J himself, while acknowledging the sadness, had expressed that it was the “perfect time” for the show to end “on top,” especially after the massive success of the three-part NCIS crossover event earlier in Season 14, which included characters from NCIS, NCIS: Hawaiʻi, and NCIS: LA. This shared sentiment of ending on a high note, combined with the excitement for new individual projects, underscored the cast’s collective spirit.
New Horizons for the Cast
As NCIS: Los Angeles officially “signed off,” its stars embarked on diverse new paths. LL Cool J’s return to music with his arena tour was a major splash, but he also continued his connection to the NCIS universe, making recurring appearances as Sam Hanna in NCIS: Hawaiʻi before that show’s cancellation.
Eric Christian Olsen, as previously highlighted, has made a significant career pivot into executive producing, now leading the highly anticipated CBS reboot of Matlock starring Kathy Bates. This move allows him to shape narratives from behind the camera, a strategic shift that leverages his extensive experience in television.
Daniela Ruah has also explored new avenues, continuing her work as a director within the NCIS franchise and taking on new acting roles. This collective embrace of new opportunities, while still cherishing the memories and bonds from NCIS: LA, showcases the resilience and versatility of the cast.
Olsen’s celebration of LL Cool J’s tour is a testament to the enduring connections formed on set. It highlights that even as the professional chapter of NCIS: LA concluded, the personal friendships and mutual respect among the cast members continued, leading to heartfelt support for each other’s future endeavors.
Conclusion: Brotherhood and New Beginnings
Eric Christian Olsen’s enthusiastic celebration of LL Cool J’s major concert tour comeback as NCIS: Los Angeles neared its finale was more than just a friendly gesture; it was a powerful affirmation of the deep bond between the co-stars. It underscored that even as the curtain fell on their long-running series, the “NCIS: LA” family remained, supporting each other in their individual new chapters. This moment of shared joy, set against the bittersweet backdrop of a show’s ending, beautifully encapsulated the spirit of camaraderie and mutual respect that defined the cast’s 14-year journey together. For fans, it was a heartwarming reminder that while Deeks and Sam’s on-screen adventures might have concluded, the real-life brotherhood endures.
