For 14 electrifying seasons, Callen, Sam, and the rest of the endearing California Special Agents crew valiantly fought to keep the city and world safe from nefarious foes in the action crime drama NCIS: Los Angeles. The elite unit went on harrowing and crucial undercover missions as they tracked down dangerous villains and sinister forces, with each member of the gifted crew bringing something unique and refreshing to the table. With a star-studded cast including Chris O’Donnell, LL Cool J, and Linda Hunt, the program swiftly became a hit and further established the franchise as a bona fide TV sensation.
For the entertaining show’s second season, Eric Christian Olsen became a series regular, and his fun and wise-cracking character, Marty Deeks, instantly endeared himself to audiences with his playful energy and humor. The addition of Deeks only elevated the drama, and his chemistry with the cast proved to be a winning formula, as the hit show finally bowed out after 14 seasons on May 21, 2023. Let’s dive in and explore why Eric Christian Olsen and Deeks made the program that much better.
What Is NCIS: Los Angeles About & Who Stars in It?
Touting an eclectic cast of talented performers, including Chris O’Donnell, LL Cool J, Daniela Ruah, and Linda Hunt, the action crime drama NCIS: Los Angeles made its spectacular debut on September 22, 2009, and followed the personal and professional lives of an elite group of undercover agents in the NCIS special branch the Office of Special Projects in sunny California. The fan-favorite series focused on Special Agents and close friends G. Callen (O’Donnell) and Sam Hanna (LL Cool J) as they take on dangerous missions under the watchful eye of their pint-sized-yet-fierce boss Henrietta “Hetty” Lange (Hunt), getting some much-needed help along the way.
Callen and Sam are also supported by the tough-and-savvy Special Agent Kensi Blye, tech wiz Eric Beale, Intelligence Analyst Nell Jones, and ex-LAPD detective Marty Deeks (among a rotating cast of exciting characters), and together, the brilliant team fights to keep not only the city but the world safe from nefarious threats. NCIS: Los Angeles was the first spin-off of the enduring series and the second entry in the NCIS franchise.
O’Donnell had previously appeared in films like Scent of a Woman, Batman Forever, and Batman & Robin, as well as portraying Dr. Finn Dandridge in Grey’s Anatomy, while LL Cool J was a hip-hop pioneer and crafted an electrifying music career as a two-time Grammy-winning rapper. Before joining NCIS: Los Angeles, Ruah had worked primarily in television and had roles in Portuguese programs, including Dei-te Quase Tudo and Casos da Vida, and Hollywood veteran Hunt won an Academy Award for her performance in The Year of Living Dangerously in addition to films such as Dune, Silverado, and Disney’s Pocahontas.
Marty Deeks Steals the Show in NCIS: Los Angeles
When the wise-cracking, fun-loving ex-LAPD detective Marty Deeks joined the popular series during its second season, audiences couldn’t get enough of the fun and playful character, with actor Eric Christian Olsen’s magnetic personality helping establish Deeks as a certified fan-favorite. His side-splitting banter with his fellow NCIS team members, golden retriever-esque energy, and flirtatious relationship with Kensi are just some of the reasons the action drama thrived as much as it did, as the arrival of Deeks completely switched up the dynamic of the group and made things exponentially more entertaining.
Deeks constantly keeps his friends on their toes with his light-hearted attitude, and he never shies away from making a sarcastic joke or side-splitting quip, yet he is also fiercely loyal and would do anything for those closest to him. The charismatic character made his first appearance in the series in the Season 1 episode “Hand-to-Hand,” where he was undercover, posing as a martial artist named Jason Wyler in order to infiltr ate a drug smuggling operation at a local gym. While working the case, Deeks crosses paths with Sam, who was also infiltrating the gym and whom he ends up saving after the Special Agent’s cover was blown.
Deeks had then served as a liaison for NCIS/LAPD before joining Hetty and her team as an NCIS investigator, becoming a series regular starting in the second season and quickly endearing himself to the franchise’s devoted fanbase. While there was absolutely nothing wrong with the quality and vibe of the show before Deeks arrived, his becoming a member of the Office of Special Projects and being assigned as Kensi’s partner brought a delightful spirit to the gang, as he was the source of endless comedic relief. The tone of NCIS: Los Angeles shifted when Deeks was introduced, and the character brought a unique flair and earnest energy that was greatly needed to counteract the heavy drama and storylines featured.
A Fan-Favorite Franchise Couple Is Born
Not only did Marty Deeks deliver never-ending laughter and joy week after week with his zany antics and refreshing commentary, but had the character never been introduced to the show, fans wouldn’t have been able to watch the charming magic unfold between Deeks and Kensi. Their relationship unfolds organically and gradually over the first few seasons. Deeks joined the team, and their feelings grew from simply being loyal partners to developing deep and profound love and affection for one another. The chemistry between Ruah and Olsen was palpable and downright swoon-worthy, as was their unwavering devotion to one another.
Watching Deeks and Kensi try (and fail) to deny their true feelings for one another before ultimately admitting their love was a long time coming, and the beloved couple eventually gave fans exactly what they were hoping for when they finally tied the knot in Season 10. The duo emerged as one of the franchise’s most celebrated power couples, giving fellow romantic favorites like Tony and Ziva a run for their money when it came to their ranking in the NCIS universe. Witnessing Deek and Kensi grow together and ponder starting a family was compelling, as they eventually adopted a teenager and became pregnant in the series finale; the couple’s bond and unshakable connection to one another is part of the reason NCIS: Los Angeles was so great.
The Dazzling Impact of NCIS: Los Angeles
NCIS: Los Angeles is without a doubt the most successful and popular spin-off series of the trailblazing franchise, capturing the adoration and appreciation of fans with its complex characters, riveting storylines, and winning blend of humor and heart. The exciting show constantly delivered impressive ratings during its whopping 14-season run and garnered numerous accolades and awards, including six Teen Choice Awards and a Primetime Emmy nomination, and despite attracting a mixed response from critics, became a certified TV knockout. The drama’s exceptional ensemble cast and commanding performances also helped the series become a must-watch every week, as viewers loved seeing the camaraderie between the elite unit.
Though it is impossible to know whether or not NCIS: Los Angeles would have had the massive impact and enduring tenure had Eric Christian Olsen’s character Marty Deeks never arrived, there’s no denying that he brought an infectious appeal and pizazz to the program. Deeks was perfect for providing comedic relief when things got a little too heavy for the gang, and his enviable relationship with Kensi and overall wholesome demeanor helped make the drama a real treat for devoted viewers. Marty Deeks proved to be a welcome addition to the already stacked cast and characters, and his chemistry with the rest of the NCIS gang only elevated the show and its dazzling impact on the small screen. Rent/Buy NCIS: Los Angeles on Apple TV+.