NCIS: Los Angeles Star Eric Christian Olsen on Potential Return
Eric Christian Olsen, known for his portrayal of Marty Deeks in NCIS: Los Angeles, recently discussed the possibility of returning in the upcoming NCIS Season 22. After an impressive 14-season run totaling over 300 episodes, the LA spinoff concluded, partly due to the high costs associated with maintaining such a veteran series. Since its end, a few key cast members have returned to the CBS franchise in different roles.
Olsen, now an executive producer on the new Matlock series, humorously mentioned to TVLine that he occasionally envisions himself in the Kathy Bates reboot. However, when asked about reprising his role as Marty Deeks, he expressed some hesitation. Despite missing his co-stars, LL Cool J, Renee Felice Smith, and his sister-in-law Daniela Ruah, Olsen admitted, “not so much,” when asked about returning as Deeks.
What Olsen’s Return Status Means for NCIS
The CBS Franchise is Undergoing Changes
Daniela Ruah, who played Kensi in NCIS: LA, has returned to the franchise as a director. LL Cool J also made a comeback as Sam Hanna in NCIS: Hawai’i before its controversial cancellation earlier this year. This decision highlights the transitional phase of the police procedural franchise. NCIS Season 22 is set to premiere on CBS on Monday, October 14, at 8 PM ET, continuing the strong momentum of the main series. CBS is also launching new spinoffs, like NCIS: Origins, debuting on the same night, and NCIS: Tony & Ziva, slated for Paramount+.
All 8 Spinoffs In The NCIS Franchise Explained
With these new developments, there seems to be less urgency in bringing back characters like Kensi and Deeks. Olsen’s comments reflect this sentiment, suggesting that while the NCIS: LA gang isn’t gone for good, now might not be the ideal time for their return.
NCIS: Los Angeles Concluded on a High Note
Crafting a Meaningful Farewell
Though the conclusion of NCIS: Los Angeles came as a surprise, given the show’s success, it was announced with enough notice for showrunner R. Scott Gemmill and the writing team to deliver a fitting farewell. The finale focused on a final case involving an undercover ATF agent dismantling an arms dealing ring, but the true focus was on the characters’ personal lives.
This approach allowed audiences to feel assured that the NCIS characters would continue their journeys, even if off-screen. Callen and Anna chose a small wedding over a grand affair, Kensi and Deeks prepared for parenthood, Rountree received a long-awaited settlement, and Sam, who appeared in 12 episodes of NCIS: Hawai’i, received positive news about his father’s health.
The finale left room for future updates on the team. Sam and Callen’s journey to Morocco in search of Hetty, where they reunite with Nell, Sabatino, and Nate, suggests potential future adventures. This closing scene reassures fans that the characters’ lives will progress beyond the series’ end.
Our Take on the Return of Olsen as Marty Deeks
A Future Update is Possible
By the end of NCIS: Los Angeles, Marty and Kensi are expecting a baby, offering a perfect opportunity for future updates on their lives. Although a reunion might not happen immediately, NCIS has a history of bringing back beloved characters after extended absences. Therefore, it’s not implausible that fans could witness more milestones for Marty and Kensi down the road.
Source: TVLine
NCIS
- Crime
- Drama
NCIS (Naval Criminal Investigative Service) focuses on the sometimes complex and always amusing dynamics of a team forced to work together in high-stress situations. Special Agent Alden Parker, a quirky former FBI agent who solves his cases with calm professionalism and sharp, sarcastic charm, leads the NCIS team, which includes NCIS Special Agent Timothy McGee, an MIT graduate with a knack for computers who has now graduated to senior field agent; the charismatic, unpredictable and resilient NCIS Special Agent Nicholas “Nick” Torres, who has spent most of his career on solo undercover assignments; and sharp, athletic and tough NCIS Special Agent Jessica Knight, a formidable REACT agent who specializes in hostage negotiations and high-risk operations. The naïve Jimmy Palmer is assisting the team, who graduated from assistant to fully licensed medical examiner and now runs the morgue; and forensic scientist Kasie Hines, Ducky’s former graduate assistant. Overseeing operations is NCIS Director Leon Vance, an intelligent, highly trained agent who can always be counted on to shake up the status quo. From murder and espionage to terrorism and stolen submarines, these special agents investigate all crimes with Navy or Marine Corps ties.
NCIS: Los Angeles
- Action
NCIS: Los Angeles began in 2009 and currently has 14 seasons. Created by Shane Brennan, the release is the second installment in the NCIS franchise and the first major spinoff. The premise follows a group of special agents within the Naval Criminal Investigative Service as they aim to investigate and protect people in the Lost Angeles area.
