Eric Christian Olsen Always Has To Have The Last Word On The Set Of NCIS: Los Angeles
The "NCIS" franchise has produced its share of spin-offs, but "NCIS: Los Angeles" still stands as its most successful. The spin-off started in 2009, and throughout its run on TV, it cemented itself as a consistent hit, as it outlasted others like "NCIS: NY" and NCIS: New Orleans." The show traded in the main series' nation capital setting for the sunny west coast. But despite a location change, the spin-off continued the tradition of combining thrilling crime-focused stories with a stellar cast. In this regard, among the L.A. branch office's ranks includes former LAPD Detective turned agent Marty Deeks, played by Eric Christian Olsen.
In many ways, Deeks could be viewed as the spin-off's answer to agent Tony DiNozzo from "NCIS." Sure their differences are apparent. For instance, Deeks' shaggy blond hair and surfer look is a far cry from DiNozzo's suit-heavy attire. Yet both are former detectives who became fan favorites because of their charming personalities, dedication to their cases, and penchant for comedic quips. It's the latter where Deeks particularly shines, especially in many scenes he shared with his partner-turned-eventual-wife, Kensi Blye (Daniela Ruah). However, it's common to witness Deeks have the last line in his scenes with Kensi. And as it turns out, that is because Olsen often ad-libs so that he could literally have the last word on "NCIS: LA."
Olsen's ad-libs were attempts to steal the last line
For a franchise that's known to have real-life NCIS agents on hand for the sake of accuracy, it's probably safe to say that "NCIS" relies on a bit of planned structure. After all, even the actors are known to study up on some of the show's more technical vocabulary. This doesn't mean there's no room for improvisation in the dialogue, which Eric Christian Olsen uses for some of his scenes, much to the dismay of his co-star Daniela Ruah. During a 2015 appearance on "The Queen Latifah Show" featuring Olsen and Ruah, Olsen shared that he would often ad-lib at the end of scenes with Ruah to ensure he got to say the last line instead of her.
Leaving fans with the last lines before a commercial is a great way to ensure a moment lingers more in the minds of fans while they wait for the show to return. However, with Olsen's ad-libs, the move is very sneaky, and as Ruah recalled some specific moments of his last line thievery to Latifah, she added it's enough to drive her insane. "Today, there was another one, Ruah remembered on Latifah's talk show. "So there was one line in the scene, we stop the bad guy, we have our guns trained on him and I say, 'Federal Agents, hands where we can see ya.' He [Olsen] takes a beat and goes, 'You heard the lady.'" Yeah, we can totally understand Ruah angrily shaking her fist at Olsen off-camera.
Michael Weatherly was allowed to ad-lib for funnier dialogue
Eric Christian Olsen wasn't the only "NCIS" actor who took advantage of being able to ad-lib lines. Like its popular spin-off, the main series also featured another actor who did some improvisation to the script, but his reason might be viewed as a little more selfless. Michael Weatherly has easily produced a montage level of quotable humorous lines during his time as Tony DiNozzo on "NCIS." In addition, this means a good chunk of his best material could have been ad-libbed. According to CBS, Weatherly was given free rein to ad-lib scripts to make them funnier.
It ultimately shows that a lot of faith was placed in Weatherly to deliver the lighter moments of "NCIS," which were essential. Remember, we are talking about a procedural crime drama, where horrid murders are as common as brushing teeth. And if Weatherly had got his wish, the actor would have had the chance to lighten the mood with his singing abilities. The actor once recalled wanting to do a special musical episode for "NCIS." With 20 seasons to its name, if Weatherly ever makes his official return to "NCIS," maybe it's finally time to let that wild idea play.