‘NCIS’ season 11 spoilers: ‘Nip/Tuck’ alum cast for ‘fun’ episode

When you consider all of the drama that is happening with “NCIS” season 11 concerning Cote de Pablo’s exit, the show has to try and deliver a little bit of fun eventually, right? This does seem to be the thinking of executive producer Gary Glasberg, who is planning to change up the tone of the show somewhat in the weeks that follow what happens to send Ziva away from the team.

Speaking to TV Guide, Glasberg confirmed that “Nip/Tuck” alum Roma Maffia is going to be on board the show for an upcoming October episode, playing an experienced Special Agent near retirement named Vera Strickland who has a little bit of history with Gibbs. This is likely the role that was talked about earlier this summer as one of the first people to fill the void left by Ziva, though she is not a replacement by any means. She really represents more of what the show will be doing much of this fall: Experimenting and working to find what works best for the ensemble next.

Here is what Glasberg had to say about the casting:

“Roma Maffia is a wonderful actress who fits this role perfectly. Considered ‘one of the boys,’ her character goes all the way back to NIS and Mike Franks [guest star Muse Watson]. We couldn’t be happier to have Roma for this very fun episode.”

“NCIS” is already chugging along here with this new season, knowing likely that when you have 24 episodes to make in a season (quite a bit for a drama), you do have to move quickly or otherwise risk not getting everything done that you are hoping to.

What’s your take on the casting, and on the revolving door approach to try some new characters in post-Ziva and seeing what works the best? Yesterday, Glasberg officially confirmed that Ziva is not going to die on her final episode, meaning that the door is feasibly open for something in the future.

Photo: CBS