Why NCIS: Los Angeles Needs to Bring Back Marty Deeks—Even If Eric Christian Olsen Won’t
After more than 20 years on the air, the NCIS franchise has said goodbye to plenty of beloved characters. From the emotional farewell of Mark Harmon’s Leroy Jethro Gibbs to the quieter exits in the spin-offs, each departure has left its mark. But when NCIS: Los Angeles wrapped up in 2023, fans didn’t just lose one character—they lost an entire ensemble of fan-favorites. Well… almost.
LL Cool J’s Sam Hanna made a smooth transition to NCIS: Hawai’i and is even set to appear in Season 22 of the flagship show. Even Harmon’s Gibbs is being revisited—albeit in a younger form—in NCIS: Origins, where Austin Stowell steps into the legendary shoes. All of this franchise-hopping and revival energy has fans asking: if they can come back, why not Marty Deeks?
Marty Deeks Was the Soul of NCIS: Los Angeles
Eric Christian Olsen’s Marty Deeks wasn’t supposed to be a mainstay. Originally introduced as a guest star in Season 1, Deeks was an LAPD detective working undercover when he crossed paths with the NCIS team. But what started as a one-off quickly turned into something special. By Season 2, Deeks was promoted to series regular—and for good reason.
Deeks brought something unique to the procedural formula. He was sharp, funny, deeply loyal, and never afraid to make a sarcastic comment in the middle of a tense investigation. His comedic timing and affable energy added a welcome levity to the often dark and dangerous cases the team faced.
But Deeks wasn’t all punchlines and surfer-dude charm. His relationship with Daniela Ruah’s Kensi Blye gave the show one of the most beloved slow-burn romances in the NCIS universe. Their on-screen chemistry was undeniable, evolving from witty banter and flirty remarks into a full-blown love story that culminated in a touching wedding in Season 10. That long-anticipated union was a payoff years in the making and gave fans one of the most rewarding emotional arcs in the franchise.
Deeks Proved He Could Shine in the Larger NCIS Universe
Deeks wasn’t just a standout in Los Angeles—he also proved he could thrive in the wider NCIS universe. In the 2023 three-way crossover event that united characters from NCIS, NCIS: LA, and NCIS: Hawai’i, Deeks teamed up with Wilmer Valderrama’s Nick Torres in a surprisingbut wildly effective pairing.
The two couldn’t be more different—Torres is brooding, guarded, and intense, while Deeks is talkative, warm, and always looking for a laugh. But together, they balanced each other out. Their dynamic felt fresh and fun, breaking down classic character tropes and giving us a buddy-cop vibe that fans didn’t know they needed.
In just a few short scenes, Deeks and Torres gave audiences a glimpse of what the future of the franchise could look like—new combinations, new chemistry, and the kind of character development that made NCIS a powerhouse to begin with.
So, Will Deeks Ever Return?
Sadly, fans hoping for a Deeks comeback may need to keep dreaming—for now. In 2024, Eric Christian Olsen confirmed to TV Line that he has no plans to reprise the role, despite his deep love for the cast and the character. “I actively miss Todd,” he said, referencing co-star Chris O’Donnell. “And I was texting with Renée [Felice Smith] this morning. I see Daniela all the time…” But when asked about returning to NCIS, his response was a gentle but firm “not so much.”
Olsen has shifted his focus behind the camera, serving as an executive producer on the rebooted Matlock series, which premiered in 2024 and has already secured a renewal. While it’s exciting to see him thriving in a new role, the news hits hard for fans who were holding out hope for at least a guest appearance down the road.
Final Verdict: We Still Want Deeks Back
Even if it never happens, the demand for Marty Deeks’ return says a lot. Characters like Deeks don’t just add flavor to a show—they define it. He brought heart, humor, and humanity to NCIS: Los Angeles, and his chemistry with the rest of the cast—especially Kensi and, surprisingly, Torres—made him one of the most versatile characters in the franchise.
Whether or not Eric Christian Olsen ever steps back into Deeks’ shoes, the legacy he created is still felt. And if there’s one thing the NCIS universe has taught us over the years, it’s that nothing ever stays buried for long—especially not fan favorites.
So here’s hoping. Because this franchise still has a Deeks-shaped hole in it.
