When NCIS: Los Angeles signed off in 2023 after an incredible 14-season run, it wasn’t just the end of a series — it was the end of an era. Fans said goodbye to Sam Hanna, G. Callen, Kensi Blye, Marty Deeks, and the rest of the tight-knit LA crew who had defined the franchise’s edgier, action-driven side for more than a decade.
But while Sam Hanna (LL Cool J) found new life by parachuting into NCIS: Hawai’i’s finale and then officially joining the team, fans couldn’t help but wonder: what if another NCIS: LA alum had made the leap? What if Kensi Blye (Daniela Ruah) had swapped the streets of Los Angeles for the shores of Oahu?
It turns out, she would have been the crossover that Hawai’i needed most.
Kensi Blye: Built for the NCIS Universe
Kensi wasn’t just another agent; she was one of the franchise’s most layered and battle-hardened characters. Introduced back in NCIS season 6 before transferring full-time to NCIS: LA, Kensi quickly stood out with her mix of toughness, intelligence, and emotional depth.
She carried the weight of a tragic past — the unsolved murder of her father — while proving her mettle as a sharpshooter, undercover operative, and eventually, one-half of the series’ most enduring partnership with Marty Deeks.
Unlike some characters who thrive only in their original setting, Kensi had a universal quality. She could banter in the bullpen, chase suspects through international hot zones, or take on leadership roles in the field. That versatility would have made her a natural addition to NCIS: Hawai’i.
Why Hawai’i Needed a Veteran Like Kensi
From its debut, NCIS: Hawai’i carried both promise and pressure. Vanessa Lachey made history as Jane Tennant, the first female lead of an NCIS series, but the early episodes faced criticism for leaning too heavily on formula. Some viewers questioned Tennant’s credibility as a hardened investigator, and the show sometimes felt like it was searching for its identity.
This is where Kensi could have elevated the series. She wasn’t untested — she was battle-proven. Fans had already seen her navigate war zones, grief, and moral gray areas. Her presence would have immediately added credibility and grit, while also giving Tennant a seasoned counterpart.
In fact, much like Sam Hanna did when he arrived, Kensi would have deepened the team dynamic with history and gravitas. But unlike Sam, who brought stoicism and muscle, Kensi offered something else: relatability.
The Human Side of Kensi
One of Kensi’s greatest strengths was that she was never written as invincible. She was brave, but not unscarred. Fans watched her grapple with trauma, including her harrowing recovery from a near-fatal injury, as well as the challenges of balancing her career with her marriage to Deeks.
That human vulnerability is exactly what NCIS: Hawai’i emphasized in Jane Tennant’s character — the attempt to balance the pressures of work with family life. Having Kensi alongside Tennant would have reinforced and even expanded that theme, showing two women in different life stages navigating similar struggles.
It would have created a dynamic that the show only brushed upon: the complexities of being more than just an agent.
A Missed Crossover With Built-In Chemistry
Fans don’t have to imagine too hard what Kensi would look like in the Pacific. Daniela Ruah already proved her crossover chops with a guest appearance on Hawaii Five-0. The chemistry worked then, and it’s easy to picture her clicking seamlessly with Hawai’i’s team at Pearl Harbor.
And let’s not forget the franchise-wide appeal. Pairing Kensi with Tennant, Kai, Lucy, and Jesse would have given the show a surge of crossover energy, the kind that sparks online buzz and keeps fans speculating for seasons.
Instead, the baton was passed to LL Cool J’s Sam Hanna — a welcome addition, but one that left fans wondering what could have been.
What Hawai’i Could Have Been With Kensi
Imagine NCIS: Hawai’i season 3 or 4 with Kensi stepping in as a transfer agent. She could have mentored younger teammates, clashed with Tennant over leadership styles, or even brought unfinished business from her LA days into the mix.
Her established history across the NCIS universe would have anchored Hawai’i more firmly to the franchise’s legacy, while also giving the spinoff a stronger sense of identity.
The Door Isn’t Completely Closed
While NCIS: Hawai’i has already been canceled, the NCIS franchise is bigger than ever, with NCIS: Sydney thriving and NCIS: Origins on the way. Spin-offs and crossovers are now part of the franchise’s DNA. And though Kensi didn’t make it to Hawai’i, Daniela Ruah herself has remained connected, even stepping into directing roles within the NCIS world.
So, could Kensi Blye still return in some form? In the world of NCIS, the answer is almost always: never say never.
Conclusion: The Crossover That Could Have Changed Everything
While Sam Hanna’s cameo-turned-starring role gave fans a satisfying continuation, the absence of Kensi Blye left a hole that many still feel. She wasn’t just a fan favorite; she was a character who could have bridged the franchise’s past and future in a way few others could.
NCIS: Hawai’i stood tall on its own, but it’s hard not to imagine how much stronger it could have been with Kensi walking into Pearl Harbor headquarters. In many ways, she was the perfect crossover that never happened — the ace in the deck that stayed unplayed.
And in TV history, sometimes the most fascinating stories are the ones we never got to see.
