Fans of CBS’ NCIS: Los Angeles have a double dose of action this Sunday, with two new episodes airing back-to-back beginning at 9:30/8:30c.
In the second hour, titled “Raising the Dead,” a prison break releases a man plotting to assassinate the President. Special Agent Kensi Blye (Daniela Ruah) must interrogate another captured escapee, David Kessler, who is disturbingly obsessed with Kensi — and has a very twisted agenda. Kessler’s obsession stems from the very case Kensi put him away for decades earlier.
A Twisted, “Silence of the Lambs” Moment
When asked about Kensi’s harrowing interrogation, Ruah noted the parallels to Silence of the Lambs but emphasized the difference: “Kensi is not green in her experience with sick minds. She’s the one who put him in jail and knows exactly what she’s doing. She understands the language he’s going to use. But that doesn’t mean she doesn’t crack a little — and watching that journey unfold is fascinating.”
The episode features Frank Military, the writer of the episode, playing Kessler. Ruah shared her excitement about the casting: “Who better to play this dark, twisted character than the guy who created him? Frank’s a father now, and that age gives his performance a gravitas that’s incredible. I was truly honored to work with him in this capacity.”
Ruah also praised Military’s ability to balance darkness and light, noting his real-life personality as “a ray of sunshine” despite writing some of the show’s darkest moments.
Personal Drama Amid Professional Challenges
While Kensi faces her most dangerous adversary yet, she also navigates challenges at home with Deeks. The couple is planning to buy a house and start a family, but Deeks’ LAPD liaison position is now at risk due to police reform. Ruah explained that this season flips the dynamic: “Last season, Deeks was driving the positivity. This season, Kensi’s the one keeping hope alive, telling him, ‘We’ll figure this out. We’re going to have a baby.’”
COVID-19 safety protocols also impacted production. Ruah shared that she and co-star Eric Christian Olsen are “very conservative quarantiners,” with their four children homeschooled and minimal exposure to others on set.
Stepping Behind the Camera
Excitingly, Ruah will direct her first episode of NCIS: LA, set to air in February. “Living on this show for 12 years is essentially film school,” she said. “You learn by observing, listening, and absorbing everything. Now it’s a question of putting that into practice. I’m lucky to be surrounded by people I trust completely.”
When asked if she’ll get a high-octane sequence like a helicopter chase, Ruah laughed: “I don’t think so, but that’s just logistics, not me. The episode script is wonderful, and the producers are giving directors more room to be creative. I’m excited to collaborate and bring my vision to life alongside my family here on set.”
