Shocking Twist: NCIS Star’s Comeback in a New Role!

NCIS veteran Daniela Ruah is returning to the CBS franchise, but this time not in her familiar NCIS: Los Angeles role. Ruah, who portrayed Kensi Blye throughout the spinoff’s 15 seasons, bid farewell to her character when the series concluded in May 2023. Now, she’s set to rejoin the NCIS universe but in a different capacity — as a director for two episodes across two different NCIS shows.

Deadline reports that Ruah will helm an episode in NCIS Season 21, premiering in February, followed by an episode in NCIS: Hawai’i Season 3, which debuts in April. Her directorial journey began with NCIS: Los Angeles Season 12, where she directed six episodes of the spinoff. Additionally, Ruah directed an episode of the miniseries Contado por Mulheres. Sharing her enthusiasm about the opportunity, Ruah stated:

“Kensi was born as a character on NCIS, 15 years ago, so now to be able to step onto that set again, as a director, with that incredible cast and crew, is an absolute honor. So many familiar faces and people I love and they’ve welcomed me with open arms. It’s like coming home.”

In the NCIS: LA series finale, viewers learned that Kensi and Marty Deeks (Eric Christian Olsen) are expecting a baby. However, details about their future beyond that remain uncertain. With LL Cool J’s Sam Hanna set to recur in NCIS: Hawai’i Season 3, following a surprise appearance in the unannounced Season 2 finale, the door seems open for other NCIS alums to make guest appearances.

Addressing the possibility of returning to NCIS in July 2023, Ruah expressed openness to reprising her role under the right circumstances and if she’s invited to do so. However, her current focus appears to be on her directorial role. Yet, her close association with the CBS franchise hints at the potential for Kensi to make guest appearances.

Despite NCIS: Los Angeles concluding its impressive 323-episode run due to reported financial considerations at CBS, ties between the LA ensemble and the larger franchise remain evident. With LL Cool J’s recurring role and Ruah’s directorial responsibilities, connections to the broader NCIS universe persist.