Daniela Ruah, best known for her role on NCIS: Los Angeles, is expanding her directing career with a new challenge on The Equalizer. After honing her skills directing episodes for NCIS, NCIS: LA, and NCIS: Hawaii, Ruah takes the helm for the April 13 episode titled “Deception.” In an interview with Parade, she shared that transitioning to The Equalizer was smooth due to her experience in procedural dramas, a genre she feels at home in.
Familiarity with the show’s team—having previously met Queen Latifah and worked with showrunner Joe Wilson—also helped her land the role. The episode focuses on deeply personal, character-driven stories, particularly highlighting women overcoming shame and adversity. Ruah appreciated the emotional depth of the script despite its limited action. Filming in New York City offered a refreshing change from Los Angeles, which she embraced for its distinctive light and gritty atmosphere. Passionate about both procedural and more intimate storytelling, Ruah continues to push her boundaries behind the camera with grace and ambition.