Tony DiNozzo, played by the charismatic Michael Weatherly, departed NCIS at the end of Season 13. His last episode, a poignant and emotional farewell, is “Family First,” the season 13 finale.
Tony’s Swan Song: “Family First”
“Family First” isn’t just another episode; it’s a culmination of thirteen seasons of character development, relationships forged in fire, and the bittersweet reality of life changes. The episode centers around the shocking news that Ziva David (Cote de Pablo) apparently died in a mortar attack in Israel. Even more earth-shattering is the revelation that Ziva and Tony had a daughter together, named Tali.
This revelation throws Tony’s life into turmoil. He’s forced to confront the idea of fatherhood, the grief of losing Ziva (again, even if her death later turned out to be faked), and the overwhelming responsibility of caring for Tali. The episode follows Tony as he grapples with these emotions, ultimately deciding to leave NCIS to devote himself entirely to raising Tali and ensuring her safety.
The episode showcases Weatherly’s acting prowess, allowing him to portray Tony’s vulnerability and the profound impact of these life-altering events. It’s a masterclass in emotional storytelling, seamlessly blending action with heartwarming moments as Tony says goodbye to his team, his family, and his life as he knew it. The final scenes, featuring Tony holding Tali, signify a complete transformation of his character from the playful womanizer to a dedicated and loving father. This transition is arguably one of the most significant character arcs in the show’s history.
Why Did Michael Weatherly Leave NCIS?
Michael Weatherly’s departure from NCIS wasn’t due to any behind-the-scenes drama. Instead, it was driven by a desire to explore new opportunities and creative challenges. After thirteen years of playing Tony DiNozzo, Weatherly felt it was time for a change. He was eager to lead his own show, and he found that opportunity with the CBS legal drama “Bull,” which was loosely based on the early career of Dr. Phil McGraw.
Weatherly himself has spoken openly about his affection for the role of Tony DiNozzo and his gratitude for the opportunities NCIS provided him. However, he also expressed a desire to branch out and take on new acting roles. The producers and writers of NCIS supported his decision, crafting a storyline that allowed Tony to leave in a meaningful and impactful way, honoring his character’s legacy.
The Impact of Tony’s Departure
Tony’s departure left a significant void on NCIS. His comedic timing, his dynamic with Gibbs (Mark Harmon), and his romantic tension with Ziva were integral parts of the show’s appeal. Replacing such a beloved character was a challenge, and subsequent seasons of NCIS felt different without his presence.
While NCIS continued to be a successful show after Weatherly’s exit, many fans still missed Tony’s presence. His departure marked the end of an era for the show, and the chemistry between the original team members was never quite replicated. The writers attempted to fill the void with new characters, but none managed to capture the same magic that Tony DiNozzo brought to the screen.
FAQs About Tony’s Exit from NCIS
Below are some frequently asked questions to provide a clearer understanding of Tony’s departure from NCIS.
What season and episode did Tony DiNozzo leave NCIS?
Tony DiNozzo left NCIS in Season 13, Episode 24: “Family First.”
Was Ziva really dead when Tony left NCIS?
Initially, the storyline indicated that Ziva was dead. However, she later returned, revealing she had faked her death to protect herself and Tali. This revelation occurred several seasons after Tony’s departure.
Did Michael Weatherly leave NCIS on bad terms?
No, Michael Weatherly left NCIS on amicable terms. He wanted to pursue other acting opportunities.
Is there any possibility of Tony DiNozzo returning to NCIS?
While there have been no official announcements or confirmations, the possibility of Tony DiNozzo returning to NCIS remains open, especially considering Ziva’s return. Many fans hope to see Tony and Ziva reunite on screen.
What was the main reason Tony left NCIS?
The main reason Tony left NCIS was to take care of his daughter, Tali, after Ziva’s supposed death. He felt it was his responsibility to provide her with a safe and loving home.
What did Gibbs say to Tony before he left?
Gibbs gave Tony some heartfelt advice, saying something along the lines of “You’re going to be a great dad.” It was a simple but powerful moment that highlighted the bond between the two characters.
Did Tony know about Tali before Ziva’s “death”?
No, Tony was completely unaware of Tali’s existence until he received the news of Ziva’s death and the revelation that she had a daughter.
Who replaced Tony DiNozzo on NCIS?
After Tony’s departure, several new characters were introduced, including Nick Torres (Wilmer Valderrama) and Alexandra Quinn (Jennifer Esposito), who attempted to fill the void left by Tony.
What has Michael Weatherly been doing since leaving NCIS?
Michael Weatherly starred in the CBS legal drama “Bull” for six seasons. The show concluded in 2022. He has since been involved in other projects, including producing.
What was the reaction of fans to Tony’s departure?
The reaction of fans to Tony’s departure was mixed. While many were sad to see him go, most understood his decision and wished him well. However, some fans felt that the show lost a significant part of its charm without him.
How did the writers write Tony out of the show?
The writers wrote Tony out of the show by giving him a compelling reason to leave: the responsibility of raising his daughter, Tali. This provided a fitting end to his character arc and allowed him to exit in a meaningful way.
Why did Ziva fake her death in NCIS?
Ziva faked her death to protect herself and Tali from enemies who were pursuing her. She believed that she could better protect her daughter by remaining hidden.