It takes time to cope with loss. Especially with someone or something you care deeply about, it takes time to let their absence settle in. It's not an easy feeling to address. Such a void in your everyday life can have detrimental effects on your overall well being. Fans of "NCIS" are far too familiar with this sensation, as Cotes de Pablo, who plays the beloved Ziva, will be leaving during the early episodes of the upcoming season. And unfortunately, it's only going to get more remorseful. But not to worry. There's always a beacon of light.
Last season, Leon Vance struggled with the murder of his wife Jackie, a subplot that the show will revisit in upcoming episodes, according to TV Guide. On the Thanksgiving episode, Vance will be spending his first holiday without his late wife, but he won't be alone. "We'll be casting the father of Vance's wife," says executive producer Gary Glasberg. "We think it will really have some resonance."
Concerning Ziva's departure, several co stars recently revealed that the news came out of nowhere and blindsided them. "I found out literally 20 minutes before it was released in the press," said Pauley Perrette, who plays Abby Sciuto on the show. "But we lover her. She's our friend. She had a personal decision to make. No one wanted her to leave. There was no drama... but we love her, we respect her and that's what happened."
Michael Weatherly, who plays Tony, didn't dwell on her departure, but rather looked forward to her brief appearance on the upcoming season. He assures Tony/Ziva fans that there will be a happy ending. "Woah, you're going to have butterflies in your stomach. Woah, you're going to be happy."
"Even if you hate Tiva, even if you love Tiva, if you're ambivalent, it's like a big Christmas stocking on Christmas morning," he added. "Even if you're a casual viewer of 'NCIS,' this season premiere and the first couple episodes, you're going to want to check out because man alive, if you have found the show compelling at all, this is right down your alley."
"NCIS" will return to CBS September 24.