NCIS Clears The Path For Ziva’s Original Replacement’s Return

Ziva David’s original replacement is clear for a comeback after an exciting NCIS franchise update. Cote de Pablo’s fan-favorite character was introduced on the heels of Kate Todd’s traumatizing death that left MCRT down one agent. Originally a loaner from Mossad, she eventually joined Leroy Jethro Gibbs’ team as a regular member. Ziva was an important part of NCIS‘s golden years, so losing her was devastating, both for her teammates and viewers of the series.

Admittedly, Ziva’s decision to leave MCRT never felt justified. After everything she went through to get out of the shadow of her father and carve her own path, going back to Israel when she could have easily reclaimed her place in NCIS was a major head scratcher. Despite that, the character has maintained her popularity over the years, even coming back for a multi-episode arc after several years, undoing her previous death twist. Despite this, Ziva never really returned as an official MCRT agent, leaving NCIS the need to fill the void that she left.

Mark Harmon’s Season-Long Arc Paves The Way For Vera Strickland’s NCIS Return

Before Emily Wickersham’s debut as Ellie Bishop, Roma Maffia first came in as Vera Strickland to be the temporary replacement for Ziva in NCIS season 11, episode 3, “Under the Radar,” which was the first outing with de Pablo officially written out. Mike Franks’ last partner joined MCRT for her final month in active service before she could officially retire. Vera’s story is being more fleshed out in NCIS: Origins, where a younger version of the character is played Diany Rodriguez.

In light of Mark Harmon’s expanded role as Old Gibbs in NCIS: Origins season 3, the prequel is clearing the path for Vera’s return to the screen. Per CBS, the former MCRT leader will be appearing in all episodes in the upcoming year, as the spinoff tackles a case that started in the early ’90s that will have some developments in the present time. Thus far, Old Gibbs’ confirmed ties to his old Camp Pendleton team are only with Vera, as established in her latest flagship comeback in NCIS season 23. With that, Vera’s involvement in whatever Old Gibbs is doing in Alaska makes total sense.

What Harmon’s Expanded Role Means For NCIS: Origins

CBS

For context, Harmon has already been involved in NCIS: Origins in a couple of ways before his expanded role was announced. He is an executive producer, alongside his son, Sean, and provides the narration that begins and ends every episode. He has also appeared a couple of times, including in the NCIS: Origins pilot and the prequel’s very first crossover with the flagship. Throughout that time, however, Austin Stowell remained the primary version of Gibbs. Now that Harmon is becoming more prominent in NCIS: Origins season 3, it’s safe to say that its storytelling will have a clear split between two eras.

Unfortunately, Harmon’s return is coming at the worst possible time. CBS has slashed the number of episodes for NCIS: Origins season 3 to just 10, instead of 18. If his comeback happened in previous years, viewers would have had more time to spend with him. Still, seeing him again five years after he retired from MCRT will be a treat for those who miss the original version of Gibbs in NCIS.

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NCIS: Origins

Release Date

October 14, 2024

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  Austin Stowell

  Leroy Jethro Gibbs

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  Kyle Schmid

  Special Agent Mike Franks