For years, Kensi Blye stood as one of NCIS: Los Angeles’ most admired characters—smart, fearless, emotionally complex, and fiercely loyal. Portrayed by Daniela Ruah, she became a benchmark for strong female representation in procedural TV. But one brief moment in Season 7 sparked unexpected backlash and a lasting debate.
In Episode 16, “The Long Goodbye,” Kensi lashes out at another woman with a crude insult over a parking incident. What was written as a throwaway line landed poorly with viewers, many of whom felt it clashed with Kensi’s established empathy and growth. Online discussions quickly framed the moment as less about anger—and more about problematic writing that undercut female solidarity.
