NCIS: Tony & Zivastar Cote De Pablo has revealed the one condition she had for agreeing to return to the franchise. The Ziva actor debuted inNCISseason 3 and quickly became a fan favorite. It was believed that Ziva had died in theNCISseason 13 finale, but she returned inNCISseason 17.
Having last appeared on the show in 2020 inNCISseason 17, episode 11 ‘In the Wind,‘NCIS: Tony & Zivamarks a return to the franchise for De Pablo. She will team up with former long-time co-star Michael Weatherly for the upcoming Paramount+ series, which will explore both characters’ departures from the franchise, and their unconventional love story.
Screenrant’s Rachel Foertsch interviewed De Pablo, Weatherly, and showrunner John McNamara at San Diego Comic-Con, where the former spoke about her main condition for returning to the franchise. She discussed how she always longed for something to happen to Tony & Ziva, and is a fan of their slow-burn relationship.
She confirmed that she told co-star Weatherly that she wasn’t interested in telling this story unless there was some sort of happy ending for the duo. But she reiterated the fact that this is something that the characters (and the show) will have to work on. Check out her comments below:
Screen Rant: I am really curious because, obviously, TiVa is known for being this big slow-burn - a will they/won’t they ship. When you were filming, did you want them to get together, or did you like that it was kind of teasing the audience for all those years?
Cote de Pablo: Yeah, I like the slow-burn, and I love the idea that Michael’s referred to these two characters as star-crossed lovers. They always want to, but something always happens and things get complicated, and it can’t work.
There was one thing that I told Michael, I said, I’m not interested in telling the story if, in the end, there is not some sort of happy something, you know? I think they deserve a… But! Before we get to that again, we have to earn it. So we’re going to see them go through a lot of stuff.
What This Means For NCIS: Tony & Ziva’s Love Story
Viewers Should Get The Conclusion They’ve Wanted For The Longest Time
De Pablo’s comments all but confirm that fans will eventually get to enjoy Tony & Ziva’s happily ever after, but it will be a slow build-up. These are two iconic characters, both of whom had strong arcs in the original NCIS, and both have been away from the franchise for a while, withWeatherly last appearing inNCISseason 21.
It needs to feel organic, and the will-they-won’t-they nature of their bond will make it all the more satisfying when they eventually do get together.
As two of the franchise’s biggest fan-favorite characters, it will be great to see Tony and Ziva finally get to enjoy a proper romance, but De Pablo is right that this needs to be earned. It needs to feel organic, and the will-they-won’t-they nature of their bond will make it all the more satisfying when they eventually do get together.
Our Take On Tony & Ziva’s Romance
This Will The Beating Heart Of The Show
In many ways,NCIS: Tony & Zivawill be a love story, one that delves into the reasons for each character departing NCIS, and how this links to their relationship. It will also likely follow the pair as they try to navigate a new life together, and there might even be crossover events with the upcomingNCISseason 23as well.
NCIS: Tony & Ziva
Cast
NCIS: Tony & Ziva follows former NCIS agents Tony DiNozzo and Ziva David as they navigate danger across Europe. When Tony’s security company is attacked, the pair must uncover their pursuers and rekindle their trust to secure a future together. Set to be released in 2025, the series ties together personal and professional intrigue.
