‘NCIS’ season 13, episode 23 reaction: Debating the fate of Ziva David
There were a lot of different things going on with “NCIS” Tuesday night, but we really want to try to just boil it down to one thing, even if that may be rather hard to do: The fate of a former series regular who is not turning up in the flesh.
Is Ziva David really dead? In some ways, the end of “Dead Letter” wanted you to think that this could be the case, which made some sense given that current and former NCIS agents are at present under attack. Yet, we have a hard time imagining that someone like Ziva, who was established herself for eight years as one of the strongest and intelligent agents out there, would go like this. Also, it’s cruel for the show to kill her off here, seemingly because Cote de Pablo decided not to return.
Personally, we’re going to think that this cliffhanger is merely just that: A cliffhanger, designed to put viewers on some emotional high while they sit around and wait to see precisely what the show does next. If it was the producers goal to get fans of the show into some sort of state of panic, good news for them: We feel like they’ve probably succeeded and then some … at least if you are a Ziva fan. While we don’t foresee Cote showing up, we do hope that something offscreen happens in the finale to give fans of her and Tony some sort of closure.
Also, of course we want Michael Weatherly to have the worthy send-off he deserves with other members of the team.
If you are interested in getting some other news right now when it comes to “NCIS,” including a preview for what lies ahead in the finale, be sure to head over to the link here! Also, sign up over here to secure some more TV news on all we cover, sent right over to you via our official CarterMatt Newsletter. (Photo: CBS.)
sadtonyfan
May 14, 2016 @ 6:04 pm
As a Tony fan and viewer of Gary Glasberg’s view of NCIS, or as think of it now – The Gibbs Show, I’ve become accustomed to disappointment, but making Tony’s departure about Ziva is beyond disappointing. For crying out loud – can’t this show runner suck it up for the last episode and feature Tony doing something amazing instead of having him pathetically pine away over a character who repeatedly rejected, constantly berated him, assaulted him after accusing him of murder, and left 3 seasons ago? Apparently not. I guess Gibbs will stop berating and ignoring DiNozzo just long enough to watch him out the door. What are the odds that Glasberg will give Harmon’s good bye scene a rave review while ignoring Weatherly’s performance? 100%?
Mary
May 12, 2016 @ 5:32 am
Do you think it is possible that Cote and the producers lied to the fans in order to make it an even bigger surprise and Ziva DOES come back next week but noone would ever expect it? I mean can they do that? Lie to everyone? Well it would have been Cote who would have lied but they would have all planned it together… is that possible?
Glonget
May 14, 2016 @ 9:19 pm
That would be an awesome twist! BUT I don’t think marketing works that way. They would want as much buzz they can get, so more people will tune in and they will make more money off commercials…
Mary
May 15, 2016 @ 3:26 am
That’s right… haven’t thought about that…but that also means that it is really unlikely that they are going to kill Ziva… doing that they would lose sooo many viewers and fans! And then Tony AND Ziva could come back at some point later since Michael said he is open to anything in the future! The way they would bring them back just has to be good enough for Cote ;P
PrivateDancer
May 16, 2016 @ 8:49 pm
You are right if you’re talking about a real producers. This is Gary Glasberg. He didn’t bring her back and he didn’t care about ratings. He knew if she came back and they advertised it the ratings would have gone through the roof but he still didn’t care. He baited fans mentioning her in the preview and lied for months leading up to it with his wait and see when he KNEW she wasn’t coming back because he never asked her to come back. He never intended to ask her back. All fans should feel betrayed
Mary
May 16, 2016 @ 11:34 pm
You’r right.
Glonget
May 17, 2016 @ 8:53 pm
From what I read, I got an impression NCIS producers did ask CTP to come back, twice I may add. First time it was in in the middle of season 12, apparently Sergei arc was a set up for her to guest, (as he was Ari’s half-brother) – but she bailed. The other time it was this season for MW exit, but she decided not to come as “the script wasn’t good enough”. Now, we can debate whether they really wanted her to come back or they deliberately made the script bad (I don’t think so – “Dead Letter” was one of the best NCIS episodes ever) But we cannot say they didn’t ask…
PrivateDancer
May 16, 2016 @ 8:45 pm
Did you see the interviews she did at Babson? I don’t think so
hallie24
May 11, 2016 @ 10:55 pm
I highly doubt they will kill her off I think this is just the shock that will open the door to him leaving up to this point tony hasn’t wanted to leave so there has to a defining moment where he walks away my guess is it will be to her. Ziva and tiva have been a fan favorite I doubt they would do that to the fans or to tony ziva dying would not motivate him to leave but if he had to chose her or the job that might.
LSilvaxx
May 11, 2016 @ 4:53 pm
This whole thing about Ziva is just stupid. This is Michael’s farewell, it should be about his character Tony. But again, it’s all about that former character that hasn’t been on the show in over 3 years. Michael and Tony deserve better. I personally would love for them to finally kill Ziva off so the loyal fans of the show who don’t care about her or Tiva can finally move on from the obsessed people.
liz laughlin
May 11, 2016 @ 7:59 pm
Michael is the one who brought up Cote de Pablo and Ziva when discussing his reasons for leaving NCIS. Have you contacted him to tell him to shut up. And let him know that she has been off the show for three years and you find it inappropriate for him to talk about her? I was just wondering. It sounds like you have a big problem with Michael Weatherly. Maybe you should just let him know how you feel about his ongoing friendship with her.
LSilvaxx
May 11, 2016 @ 9:36 pm
What has Tony’s farewell to do with Michael’s friendship with Cote? Nothing. Tony is a fictional character, Michael a real person. I have no problems with Michael or Tony. I actually love the Tony character and support Michael’s decisions but it is annoying to ME that people can’t even sacrifice 5 minutes to talk about something that is not Ziva. It’s my opinion. I’m allowed to say that as much as you are allowed to bash everyone else and praise your holy, innocent queen.
liz laughlin
May 12, 2016 @ 4:25 am
Michael chose the topic of the chemistry he had with Cote and when it was gone what it did to him. He talked today about them blowing up the farm house and how it was the same farm house that he filmed PPF with Cote. Like I say, He’s the one that has brought these things up. When fans comment on it you get upset. I think that your problem is with Michael. You intensely dislike Michael’s former coworker and friend and even when he brings her up, you are upset because someone comments. I’m not the basher, you are. I don’t worship Cote de Pablo, I admire her as an actress. Are you angry that they are friends? That is very weird.
LSilvaxx
May 12, 2016 @ 7:30 am
My comment about the interview thing was general. I didn’t say that I mean exactly this one, did I? I did not think I have to word my own comments so that YOU don’t feel like going at me. You are right, I dislike Cote since 2013 for her own behavior and actions. Before that, I used to like and adore her. Am I a hater? No because a hater is obsessed with the person they hate and I couldn’t care less about her or Ziva. Michael can be friends with whomever he wants to be – has nothing to do with his NCIS character. Two completely different shoes. All I’m saying is that it isn’t fair to an actor and character that were created long before hers to be constantly tied to another character that btw, treated him awfully over the years. If Ziva’s poor treatment of Tony means love to you or Cote, or anyone else for that matter then so be it. Your opinion. But not mine. So stop accusing me of having issues with whomever Michael, an actor I don’t know personally, is friends with in his real life.
liz laughlin
May 12, 2016 @ 8:37 am
Michael weatherly does not seem to be upset about Ziva or Cote He talked about the chemistry between Tony and Ziva.. The character Tony is Michael’s character. Yes, Bellisario created Tony and the writer’s wrote Tony but it is Michael who gave Tony life. It is Michael who talks about ” their great dynamic.” referring to Ziva and Tony.
Ziva was a very complex character and many people didn’t understand what was going on with her and her relationship with Tony. She and Tony were both deeply wounded by their respective fathers. Both were alone in the world. Both hid behind a protective mask. Ziva was the tough girl and Tony was the class clown. When you put them together, something magical happened. I doubt that there is any way that I can explain it to you, As the old song goes, “You can’t talk to a man when he don’t want to understand.” You don’t see what so many fans saw and you don’t want to see. Nothing more that I can say.
liz laughlin
May 12, 2016 @ 8:37 am
Michael weatherly does not seem to be upset about Ziva or Cote He talked about the chemistry between Tony and Ziva.. The character Tony is Michael’s character. Yes, Bellisario created Tony and the writer’s wrote Tony but it is Michael who gave Tony life. It is Michael who talks about ” their great dynamic.” referring to Ziva and Tony.
Ziva was a very complex character and many people didn’t understand what was going on with her and her relationship with Tony. She and Tony were both deeply wounded by their respective fathers. Both were alone in the world. Both hid behind a protective mask. Ziva was the tough girl and Tony was the class clown. When you put them together, something magical happened. I doubt that there is any way that I can explain it to you, As the old song goes, “You can’t talk to a man when he don’t want to understand.” You don’t see what so many fans saw and you don’t want to see. Nothing more that I can say.
LSilvaxx
May 13, 2016 @ 5:35 pm
I’ll just ignore the fact that you couldn’t answer my questions. You and I have a different view of love, undestanding, respect and feelings. Ziva did what she did on purpose, always being pide of who she was and where she came from. Tony was different. And “so many fans” have seen what you saw? I doubt that.
liz laughlin
May 14, 2016 @ 5:58 pm
I am going to try to address your questions. Although I suspect that this is an exercise in futility.
1) “My comment about the interview thing was general. I didn’t say that I mean exactly this one, did I?”
I’m not sure exactly what you mean. the title of this article was “Debating the Fate of Ziva David.” Until you showed up, that is what was going on here.. Your opening comment was “This whole thing about Ziva is just stupid.”
Then you followed with, “I personally would love for them to finally kill Ziva off so the loyal fans of the show who don’t care about her or Tiva can finally move on
from the obsessed people.” So, you did respond with your opinion which is that TPTB should kill her. But you had to put in “the obsessed People.” Showing that you dislike anyone who missed the interaction between Tony and Ziva.–which includes Michael Weatherly.who has talked about why he was leaving and brought up Ziva. I see your “obsessed people” comment as an attempt to start a fight.
2) “Am I a hater?” Maybe, maybe not, I don’t know your motivation. But you do seem to be trying to bait people into a fight. You are also an obsessed person. You are equally obsessed with Cote de Pablo–not as a fan of course. You just don’t want anyone to talk about her in a positive light. It has become your mission to crush positive comments about her.
3) “You and I have a different view of love, undestanding, respect and feelings. Ziva did what she did on purpose, always being pide of who she was and where she came from. Tony was different. And “so many fans”
have seen what you saw? I doubt that.”
I can agree with that. I like characters that change and grow. At first Tony lied about his growing up. There was even the time that he was going to apologize to “stinky John.” In his memory he played a cruel joke on the guy when he was in boarding school. He had McGee track him down so he could apologize. When he met up with “John,” John apologized to him. Tony realized that he had reworked the whole incident in his mind. He wasn’t the bully, he was the victim. He had engaged in self deception so well, that it worked. He was shocked. He had created a new past because the real one was painful.
Tony and Ziva changed and grew because of their relationship with each other. One of my favorite scenes was the one where Tony showed Ziva the picture of Tony and his mother. He told her how they came into the city to watch movies together. Ziva told him how beautiful his mother was. She was helping him acknowledge his past and come to grips with it.
Tony did the same for her. He understood her. Twice she told him you were the only one who could find me. Ziva had a standing date once a year to go to the opera to see Puccini’s Madame Butterfly. It was a remebrance of her sister. The tickets were sold out so Tony set up a virtual opera house for her in the bullpen. He knew how important that date was because Ziva told him about how she took her sister to the Cairo Opera House. He was able to find her in Israel because he had listened to her. He was every woman’s dream, a man who listens.
LSilvaxx
May 16, 2016 @ 1:24 pm
They had good moments, I never denied that but those moments did not mean they love each other. And those moments still don’t mean that. Ziva told him “You are loved”. She didn’t say by whom. It could have been a general thing about how beloved he is by everyone. If anything at all, Tony and Ziva are somehow friends besides being co-workers TO ME. Although I personally wouldn’t want to be friends with someone who physically assaulted and abused me although I was injured, someone who hardly trusted me when it was needed, someone who finds me so disgusting that even after a talk said someone is in need of a shower, someone who wanted him death, someone who brought him to Israel/Mossad to “pay for his crime”, someone who wanted him off the team because she couldn’t work with him anymore. I’m sorry but I will never be able to understand how anyone could think these two would be good for each other.
In my opinion, Tony DiNozzo deserved better. And still does. I loved him in the first two seasons but with the introucion of Ziva David, he was changed. And not for better. He became the ultimate doormat for Ziva but still was a fool and an idiot because he still fought for her and protected her. He did his job yeah, but let’s be honest: If NCIS would have been true Ziva would have never showed up in the HQ nor would she have been allowed to work there. Back to the point: The writers stopped writing Tony DiNozzo and focused on that poor little T in the Tiva thing and when de Pablo left, they couldn’t go back to write him as Tony DiNozzo again. Don’t know why. And now where Michael Weatherly is leaving after 13 years, he’s being reduced to the little T in Tiva again. It is a shame. The actor and character deserved better. Cote wished for a Tiva ending for her farewell and she got it. Followed by her respectless statements about Michael being a better kisser than Mario and other things. That man is married and father of two little children but de Pablo seems to have some issues with that. She couldn’t grope him on a daily base anymore so she does it with words. She’s embarassing and refused to show up for S12 or Michael’s farewell episodes because the scripts were not good enough for her. According to her, Tony would have rejected her when she came back and she would have gone back to Israel alone. What does that tell every women who watched? Someone on Tumblr actually made a good point: Cote obviously thinks that the character Ziva, whom she loves oh so much, is nothing worth with Tony DiNozzo. Not being able for Ziva to be with Tony ruins the character and is not good enough. The blog said it short: Cote tried to use feminism and failed.
liz laughlin
May 11, 2016 @ 5:16 am
Michael said that there will be a death. and that part of Tony will die. Is Ziva’s death going to bring that about? I started thinking about this a couple of days ago..I was hoping that they wouldn’t kill Zva off but that seems to be what happens to the women on this show. If CdP knew that the plan was to kill off Ziva, maybe that is why she didn’t come back for Michael’s send off. Michael had said over a year ago that he was sure that Tony and Ziva would meet up again. Hmmmm…
Limonite
May 11, 2016 @ 5:08 am
If they kill Ziva offscreen it will be the MOST pathetic thing they’ve done so far.
Glonget
May 14, 2016 @ 9:16 pm
They might, Hollywood producers can be very resentful and unforgiving…
PrivateDancer
May 11, 2016 @ 1:44 am
There can’t be any closure for Tony and Ziva unless they end up alive and together and happy. It’s that simple.
Gary Glasberg rumors for years have said he hated the Tiva aspect of the show from the second he was put in charge and did everything he could to make sure it never came to fruition and if Ziva ends up dead that is all the proof anyone needs that this rumor was fact.
I am just over this show.