Read this fascinating new interview with Daniela Ruah and Eric Christian Olsen, conducted by Glamour magazine.

NCIS: Los Angeles is not typically known for wading into This Is Us territory. After all, it’s a hugely successful procedural drama about the high-stakes world of a division of NCIS (Naval Criminal Investigative Service) that captures dangerous criminals who pose a threat to United States security. In other words, storylines about adoption, acting, or weight loss typically aren’t part of the narrative—and that’s totally fine. It’s a hour of escape each week into a world that most Americans don’t experience. Still, throughout the show’s eight-year run, the series—at its core—is about four unlikely special agents who truly are the epitome of love and family. From the bromance of Sam and Callen to the romance that is Densi, the show has succeeded because of the characters and the actors who play them.

But now, NCIS: Los Angeles is getting attention for something else. The writers are going deeper than ever before with Special Agent Kensi Blye (played by Daniela Ruah), who suffered a life-altering injury at the start of the season. Since then, we’ve seen her struggle with the mental and emotional repercussions, which have played out over the entire season—not just in a very special episode.

“It’s really a wonderful thing that they are taking the time to highlight a character as strong as Kensi,” co-star Eric Christian Olsen (Deeks) said on a recent set visit. “She’s dealing with things that on paper are almost insurmountable. Watching such a strong character navigate that—and not playing the one dimensional, like I’m going to be better in one or two episodes—[is crucial],” Olsen explained. “Hands down, it’s the best work Dani has ever done on the show. [This story with Deeks and Kensi has] been some of my favorite moments on the show ever.”

In last night’s episode (on January 8), viewers saw Kensi sit down with the team psychologist and come to grips with some tough questions—mainly, whether she’ll ever be able to return to work and be 100%. As Kensi pleaded for her job—and her future—the struggle of someone who relates so much of her self-worth to her career became all the more poignant and raw.

“This is one of the most intense and rewarding arcs I’ve played on this show,” Ruah said during a break from filming. “She is me; I am her. I really like [being able to show] emotions that I don’t normally feel.”

Ruah isn’t the only one. Millions of viewers also feel a personal connection to the character, as evidenced by the “Densi” fandom and Blye’s approach to life. So, what’s next for their beloved special agent? And what was it like for Ruah to take on this story? Here, she reveals all.

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Source: Glamour