‘NCIS’ season 11, episode 3 preview: Can show stay strong without Cote de Pablo?
On tonight’s “NCIS” season 11 episode, we said goodbye to a beloved character in Ziva David, and we also had Agent DiNozzo with what we would like to describe as a giant emotional pit in his stomach. This was a woman that he loved, and it was just as difficult for him to say goodbye to her as it was for viewers at home.
But, eventually Tony does have to move forward with his life, and we are going to be doing the same here by talking about what happens next on the show next week. “Under the Gun” is going to feel like a strange one to watch without a doubt; it may feel weird given that Cote de Pablo will not be around, and we therefore expect there to be a little bit of experimenting going on in order to see what the best next move for the show is in regards to developing their characters.
In case you missed it from our earlier article on the subject, take a look below for the full synopsis:
“The NCIS team must rely on Twitter for a case involving a missing Navy Lieutenant. Meanwhile, McGee misplaces his badge but withholds the information from Gibbs and the authorities.”
Now, we turn to the question raised in the title of this article: Is there still a show worth enjoying the rest of the way without Ziva? Our answer for now is “yes,” but with conditions. The biggest thing that “NCIS” has to do is ensure that they are not necessarily bringing on a replacement, but rather someone who can add something a little different to the universe. A great example is with “Downton Abbey” this year without Dan Stevens: The show is entertaining because they are trying out new, exciting things. If they cast Ziva 2.0, this could be trouble.
Do you think “NCIS” will still be the same hit that it has been with Ziva, or does her exit mean the beginning of the end? If you want to read our full review of tonight’s episode, click here, and we will have more news soon.
Photo: CBS
Tonyfan Ncis
October 4, 2013 @ 5:59 pm
If Ziva were a regular visitor, and were kept in the storylines even if she’s not visible, and she still had a relationship with Tony and they kept her storyline going- maybe. But without her it’s bound to lose some its quality. 8 years is a long time to build a story around a character- we’re not talking 2 years or an occasional bit part here. The showrunners have built the show around Tony and Ziva’s relationship to a large extent, and they can’t just undo that or erase it, either from the characters’ minds or from the viewers’.
Dee Jay
October 4, 2013 @ 7:36 am
No, the show is over for me. From all the interviews Cote has done, it was very clear that she intended to return for S11 and something went very wrong in contract negotiations. The fact that there is this blanket silence about the matter, and what little is said about it is just the same CBS-written statements parroted out over and over again. It sounds suspect to me. I have a bad feeling about the whole thing and it angers me that CBS did not value Cote enough to work out a solution with her so that she could remain for S11. The first eps were a disaster, with a few wonderful scenes (thanks to MW and CdP). Until they bring Cote back, I refuse to watch ever again.
agentscully514
October 3, 2013 @ 5:56 pm
Ending was too sudden, too sad. no resolution. Hard to understand why she stayed in Israel. She was portrayed as a mental patient, totally losing it and acting out of character. I can’t watch any more despite how much I love the other characters. She was the reason I watched.
Jay
October 3, 2013 @ 5:18 pm
I’m done with the show unless she’s brought back.
Wolfies
October 3, 2013 @ 2:43 am
Ziva’s leaving, but who’s to say Tiva won’t live on? Tony isn’t just going to forget her…
Even if Ziva isn’t a regular, she will still be a huge part of the show.
wolfer
October 2, 2013 @ 8:01 pm
People keep forgetting that Cote de Pablo was on the show for eight years. Even for any actor or actress, that is a very long time for any actor or actress. For Michael Weatherly, this is probably the last regular job he’ll get and the other cast members might want to think about the same because you tend to get pigeonholed into those roles.
I suspect that NBC will end up bringing Cote back for guest appearances but I also suspect that NBC will bring her into another TV show. She still has that sex appeal that her fans love.
TIVAFan4Ever
October 2, 2013 @ 4:15 pm
No way! I am DONE with NCIS!!! I only watched for TIVA and that is gone now! I will find something better to do with my time! I don’t care what CBS says…Cote made it clear she never intended to leave…so there is something that CBS is trying to hide about how negotiations went down! They did her wrong and I am done with the show!
Lauren
October 2, 2013 @ 2:27 pm
The show will go on without Ziva. Look at Kate in season 3; she was killed and people took to Ziva right away. It will be no different. I will miss Ziva and the moments with Tony, but the show must go on.
Kevin Vela
October 2, 2013 @ 1:18 am
No chance, show is over for me. None of the core characters are replaceable, whatever they try, its not for me. We have already seen how Tony handled the possibility of someone else sitting at Ziva’s desk, now he supposed to move on alone? No thanks. Bye NCIS, it was a good run, lasted too long tho, just like every main network show.
Matthew
October 2, 2013 @ 3:35 am
I think the show can survive. If the show lost Mark Harmon then probably no, but they have replaced characters before and will again. As long as they can continue to find interesting stories and characters then the show can continue. What i will say is that the storyline of a baddie becomes a goodie is getting a little old though. How about some Baddies will some sticking power!
thalia
October 2, 2013 @ 10:12 am
i think ziva was great and will be missed but to say the show is over is a bit rash! when kate left i was so upset as i am now but they will hopefully find someone else who is just as great in a different way! untill there are a few new episodes i wont be making any judgements.