What Ziva’s Return To ‘NCIS’ Season 17 Could Mean For The Show

The sixteenth season might have already ended more than a week ago, but fans are still talking about the unexpected return of one character. Actress Cote de Pablo reprised her role as Ziva David and appeared in the finale, and fans are now speculating on how her return might affect the show’s plot when “NCIS” Season 17 arrives.

Before “NCIS’ Season 16 finale ended, fans were pleasantly surprised when Ziva approached a visibly surprised Leroy Jethro Gibbs, who could only utter “Ziva” due to his shock. Now that actress Cote de Pablo is back into the fold, fans are busy speculating on how her presence might affect the plot next season.

There are speculations that Cote de Pablo will be given more screen time in the upcoming season now that her character, Ziva, is back. Previously, the actress explained that she won’t return to the series unless the show’s writers have “something fantastic” for her character.

“Look, I love this character,” Cote de Pablo said in an interview. “I worked eight years crafting this character and loving her. And so when I felt or I perceived that the character was not being treated with the respect that she deserved, no money in the world [would make her stay]. They were going to send her back to Israel and make her an unfortunate, miserable woman. I said, ‘What do I leave all the women that have watched and followed the show for so long?’ And I didn’t think it was fair. So I said, ‘Unless someone can really write something fantastic for her, I won’t go back.’”

Another possibility that might result from Cote de Pablo’s return for “NCIS” Season 17 is the comeback of another cast member who already left the show. Michael Weatherly is the actor who portrayed the character Anthony DiNozzo for Seasons 1 to 13.

Long-time fans of the series would understand why DiNozzo’s return is highly likely, especially now that de Pablo is back. The reason is very simple; Michael is Ziva’s love interest.

Previously, Michael’s return was not contemplated on because it was previously assumed that Ziva died in Israel. But now that she’s obviously very much alive, the other half of the pair has a good chance of being revived as well.