Ziva David’s final appearance in the NCIS universe, at least for now, occurred in Season 17, Episode 11, titled “In the Wind,” which aired on January 7, 2020. This episode provided a bittersweet conclusion to her storyline, reuniting her with Tony DiNozzo and their daughter, Tali.
The Long and Winding Road to Goodbye
Ziva David’s journey on NCIS has been nothing short of iconic. From her initial introduction as a formidable Mossad officer to her evolution into a beloved member of the NCIS team, her character resonated deeply with audiences. Her departure has been marked by periods of absence and returns, making pinpointing her absolute “last” episode a question loaded with caveats. This article will not only definitively answer the question of her latest appearance but also explore the complexities surrounding her character’s arc and potential future.
Ziva’s Initial Departure and Presumed Death
Initially, Ziva left NCIS in Season 11, choosing to return to Israel. It was during this time that it was implied, and later seemingly confirmed, that she had been killed in a mortar attack. This supposed death was a major plot point for several seasons and heavily impacted Tony DiNozzo’s character arc, ultimately leading to his own departure. This set the stage for one of the most surprising and emotional returns in television history.
The Shocking Revelation and Season 16 Return
The shocking revelation that Ziva was, in fact, alive and in hiding occurred at the very end of Season 16. This resurrected a complex and emotionally charged storyline, promising viewers closure and answers to questions that had lingered for years. Her reappearance was brief but powerful, leaving a trail of breadcrumbs leading into Season 17.
“In The Wind”: The Epilogue?
“In The Wind” served as the culmination of Ziva’s return arc. The episode revolved around her final mission and the threats that still pursued her. Crucially, it facilitated an off-screen reunion with Tony and Tali in Paris, offering a sense of completion to their family story. While not explicitly stated, the episode strongly suggested a more permanent departure from the NCIS world, at least for the foreseeable future. This episode showcased Ziva’s strength and determination, allowing her to finally find peace and prioritize her family.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ziva’s Departure
This section addresses common questions surrounding Ziva David’s character arc and her last appearance on NCIS, providing a deeper understanding of her journey and the reasons behind her departure.
FAQ 1: Was Cote de Pablo’s Departure Voluntary?
Yes and no. While Cote de Pablo ultimately made the decision to leave, reports suggest there were creative differences regarding Ziva’s storyline that contributed to her decision. Initially, contract negotiations also played a role. She felt the planned direction for her character wasn’t fitting, and rather than compromise her vision, she chose to leave.
FAQ 2: Why Did Ziva Initially Leave in Season 11?
As stated above, Cote de Pablo’s contract was coming to an end, and she had concerns about the future direction of her character. The creative disagreements led to her deciding not to renew her contract at the time, leading to Ziva’s initial departure from the show.
FAQ 3: How Did Tony DiNozzo React to Ziva’s “Death”?
Tony was understandably devastated by Ziva’s presumed death. This event was a major catalyst for his own departure from NCIS. He discovered he had a daughter, Tali, with Ziva and decided to leave NCIS to raise her, wanting to create a safe and loving environment for her after losing her mother.
FAQ 4: Did Michael Weatherly (Tony DiNozzo) Know About Ziva’s Return Beforehand?
It is highly likely that Michael Weatherly was aware of Cote de Pablo’s planned return to NCIS. Given the significance of their characters’ relationship, it’s reasonable to assume he was consulted or at least informed about the storyline developments. However, official confirmation from Weatherly regarding the exact timing of his knowledge is limited.
FAQ 5: What Was the Purpose of Ziva’s Season 16 and 17 Return?
Ziva’s return served multiple purposes. It provided closure for her character arc, allowed her to reunite with Gibbs and other members of the NCIS team, and offered the audience a chance to see her finally find peace and happiness with Tony and Tali. It also added a thrilling suspense element to the show, injecting a fresh wave of excitement for fans who had mourned her loss for years.
FAQ 6: Will Ziva David Ever Return to NCIS?
While anything is possible in television, there are no current plans for Ziva’s return to NCIS. “In The Wind” provided a satisfying conclusion to her storyline, and both Cote de Pablo and Michael Weatherly have moved on to other projects. However, the door is always theoretically open, and fan demand could potentially influence future decisions. It’s essential to note that any future return would depend heavily on the actors’ availability and willingness to reprise their roles, as well as the writers’ ability to craft a compelling and meaningful storyline.
FAQ 7: Was Ziva’s Return Planned From the Beginning?
It’s unlikely that Ziva’s return was planned from the very beginning of her initial departure. The decision to bring her back likely stemmed from a combination of factors, including fan demand, creative opportunities, and the actors’ willingness to revisit their roles. The writers likely saw the potential to revisit the storyline after Weatherly’s departure from the show, allowing them to explore the aftermath of her ‘death’ and its impact on Tony.
FAQ 8: What Threat Was Ziva Running From During Her Return?
Ziva was being pursued by a group connected to a case she had been working on during her time in hiding. This threat was a major driving force behind her return and the reason she sought help from Gibbs and the NCIS team. The specifics of the threat are detailed throughout her appearances in Seasons 16 and 17. The danger kept her from reuniting with Tony and Tali, forcing her to remain in hiding until she could resolve the situation.
FAQ 9: How Did Ziva and Tony Communicate During Her Time in Hiding?
It’s implied that Ziva and Tony had limited communication during her time in hiding, primarily to protect their identities and avoid detection by those who were pursuing her. The exact nature of their communication is not explicitly revealed but left for viewers to interpret, adding to the mystery surrounding her absence. It’s plausible that they used coded messages or trusted intermediaries to maintain contact without revealing her location.
FAQ 10: What Was the Significance of Ziva and Gibbs’ Relationship?
Ziva and Gibbs shared a complex and profound relationship. Gibbs served as a mentor, father figure, and trusted confidant to Ziva. Their bond was built on mutual respect, loyalty, and a shared understanding of the sacrifices they both made in their line of work. Gibbs’ unwavering support for Ziva was evident throughout her time on NCIS, and he played a crucial role in helping her overcome her past and find peace.
FAQ 11: Where Did Ziva Go After “In The Wind”?
“In The Wind” concludes with Ziva traveling to Paris to reunite with Tony and Tali. The implication is that she will remain with them and build a new life as a family, leaving behind the dangers and secrets of her past. This offered a sense of closure to her storyline and provided a happy ending for the character, fulfilling fan expectations for a resolution to her relationship with Tony.
FAQ 12: What is Cote de Pablo doing now?
Since her return to NCIS, Cote de Pablo has been involved in various acting projects. She starred in the CBS drama “MIA” and has produced other television projects. She continues to explore different roles and genres, demonstrating her versatility as an actress.
Concluding Thoughts: A Legacy Forged in Loyalty and Sacrifice
Ziva David’s journey on NCIS was a captivating blend of action, drama, and emotional depth. While “In The Wind” appears to be her final bow, the impact she left on the show and its fanbase is undeniable. Her character’s strength, resilience, and unwavering loyalty will continue to resonate with viewers for years to come, cementing her place as one of the most beloved and iconic figures in NCIS history. The complexities of her storyline and the relationships she forged with other characters made her a compelling figure, and her ultimate pursuit of peace and family offered a satisfying conclusion to her journey. Whether or not she ever returns, Ziva David’s legacy on NCIS is secure.