‘NCIS’ season 13: Michael Weatherly talks exit, character’s development, and moving on

When did Michael Weatherly decide to leave “NCIS“? It does not necessarily appear as though the actor woke up one day and realized that it was time; instead, it seems to have been more of a gradual process that came about over the course of the past couple of years.

In previewing his final two episodes in a new interview with USA Today, Weatherly specifically cited the exit of Cote de Pablo early on in season 11 as a time when the trajectory of Anthony DiNozzo started to stall:

“I felt that the character had come to a cul-de-sac development-wise, and I was really wildly flailing around, searching if there was some other way to do it. And I know that all the writers, who are incredible, very talented, and creative people, were searching … I think while other characters rose and grew and expanded, I think it became clear not just to me that DiNozzo maybe had sort of filled out to the point that he needed to go on his next adventure.”

In terms of the upcoming send-off, Weatherly described it as being “action-packed, incredibly emotional, unpredictable, and yet totally entertaining.” There is a lot to look forward to here over the course of these final episodes when it comes to big, emotional moments, but we do still wonder how we are going to be able to see the show the same way without Tony around.

As for Cote, we’ve sadly already reported that she will not be reprising her role of Ziva David in the finale. That part of it makes it sadder, since maybe we will just have to envision a desired ending depending on how it plays out.

If you are interested in getting some other news regarding “NCIS” as we prepare for the send-off, be sure to head over here. Also, sign up over here to secure some further TV news on all we cover, sent right over to you via our official CarterMatt Newsletter. (Photo: CBS.)

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