I think it would be only fair if Tony is the center of this arc. After all this is HIS farewell…

Perhaps your guess is right and Tony will be truly central and actually somehow have some excitement and drama rather than Gibbs for a change. I hope that the story doesn’t turn into not much more than a big nod to “tiva” though. My hope is that it’s a big final nod to hero Tony.

Well we already talked about your ABC plot order. At the time I sadly agree that that might be correct, but what I am now getting from this press release is:

A plot – Tony and some other former agents (maybe Ziva) are being hunted,
B plot – this two new FBI and MI6 agents are helping with the investigation and manhunt…

While the title of the article mentions Weatherly, the episode synopsis does not. I have this sinking feeling that Tony’s departure will be the C plot, or the B plot at best. In Gary Glasberg written episodes Gibbs is ALWAYS the A plot, plus I’m sure the story will be written as to try and generate interest in the two new characters being introduced as potential regulars for next season. Mr. Glasberg has never seemed to consider DiNozzo as anything but comic relief or a minor player in some other character’s big drama.