It’s been over three years now since the character of Marty Deeks has been introduced to NCIS Los Angeles and in that time he’s brought an added dimension to the team that cannot be denied. From his unique undercover skills to the ‘will they or won’t they’ relationship with Kensi, to his special bond with Hetty, and his adversarial pairing with Sam, the fans have fallen in love and embraced this wonderful character whole heartedly. We love Deeks, pure and simple. This is why I not only want to see the character thrive and flourish as we begin Season Five, I want to see the character truly receive the deference he deserves as a valued member of the team.

I respect the producers and writers of this wonderful show and I trust that they will guide these characters to their rightful destinies, but as we start this new season I’d like to post my wish list of what I would like to see happen to Deeks as the season evolves:

1) I’d like to see more of the dark, edgy side of Deeks’ personality besides the goofy, one-liner devil-may-care clown. The last two episodes of season four were wonderful in exploring this other side. We got to see the return of Max Gentry, which is definitely a murkier side of the Deeks persona that should be explored and revealed. We also witnessed a love-sick Deeks who is so besotted with his partner he took the first step in declaring his feelings towards her despite her extreme reticence. We finally watched as Deeks fought back and expressed his hurt and anger when Sam revealed his true feelings about his character yet didn’t think twice about risking his own life to save him. This is the side that many Deeks fans enjoying watching. He is smart, savvy, perceptive, and a clever guy who doesn’t need to always play the happy-go-lucky detective. Why does everyone have to be so surprised when he comes up with a good solution to problems? I want to see more of the caring but cool cop who in season two’s Human Traffic was so sensitive to the plight of the young victims he was willing to die trying to save them.

2) Like some of the other characters, I want to know more about the Detective and his past. When Kensi says she is not worried about Deeks past…any of it…I want to know why and what monsters may come tumbling out of that closet if we do? Eventually it would be nice to find out more about Deeks family members, like his mother or at least let the dialogue begin.

3) I want to see a change in attitude from the other team members where there is an open trust and respect for the LAPD liaison. We know Hetty only recruits the best, so why should the others have any problems with his ability and professionalism? I understand that it may take various storylines in the upcoming season to get us to some of these changes but as long as we are headed in that direction, I can be patient.

4) It’s important that as he works through the post-traumatic stress brought on by the torture that it’s done in a realistic and thoughtful manner. I’m looking forward to seeing how Nate will help bring about this healing. What about other progress in his profession growth within the agency such as training, physical skills? NCIS is his home now, even if he still sees himself as a cop how does he grow within the agency?

5) With Daniela Ruha’s pregnancy announced it may mean that we can see Kensi leaving the team for a number of weeks while her real life counterpart is on maternity leave. Will this be a time of growth for Densi’s relationship or a time of further trauma for Deeks? More open and honest conversations with Kensi would be wonderful to watch. Whatever happens, don’t break up this partnership, even if you have to keep a thin tether attached to their hearts so they can be available for each other at a moment’s notice.

6) I love seeing more of the original Deeks that was exquisitely envisioned and created in season one. I realize that to have the comic talents of Eric Christian Olsen and not to take advantage of his ability to make Deeks fun and endearing would be criminal. But we were also treated to the other versatile side of Olsen’s acting ability in the season finale and this is the side we hope will shine and be brought to the forefront more and more as we begin the next season.
So we don’t need a new and improved Deeks. Just bring back parts of the original character that had a bit more depth four seasons ago. Keep him strong, dedicated and in love with Kensi and you will have an army of fans that will follow him into any battle anytime, anyplace, anywhere!

If you had a chance to share your thoughts with the producers and writers about Deeks’ future with the team, what would you like them to know? Our comment section is open and we want to hear what you have to say!