Television fans hold their favorite characters in the highest regards. They create relationships with them. When you find your character on a particular program, you don't let go. You cherish it. You stand your ground no matter what anyone else says. They're your own. You don't care what other people think. That's your favorite character and nothing is going to change. So when that character leaves, whether they die or simply move on, it can be difficult. It can be heart wrenching. That's why many fans of "NCIS" are lamenting the loss of Cote de Pablo, who will be bidding farewell in the new season's early episodes.
Fans have been eager to learn the details surrounding Pablo's departure. As more and more pops up, the puzzle pieces slowly fall into place.
According to TVLine, executive producer Gary Glasberg says that it's going to take some time for the show finds a new full-time agent to fill the Ziva void. In the meantime, however, "NCIS" will "rotate some fun people" in and out of the agency.
"The first two episodes are all about Ziva's departure," Glasberg said. "And then in the third episode we introduce, for instance, a woman in her 50s who is a few days away from retirement and just needs to fill the desk time. She, in theory, knew Gibbs all the way back to the days of Mike Franks. So we're going to bring in people like that and have some fun with the different characters. And then, hopefully, when people are comfortable enough, one will walk in the be The One."
Glasberg also informed fans that Ziva's "whole story arc unfolds through the first episode, and then Cote/Ziva plays very prominently in the second one. There's a really significant Tony/Ziva payoff - everything I hope the Tiva fans have been waiting for."
"It gives us some insight into this decision that she's going to make," he added. "It's exciting. And it's romantic."
"NCIS" returns to CBS September 24.