When asked about how Team Gibbs’ stoic leader—Leroy Jethro Gibbs—would react to the new spinoff NCIS: Tony & Ziva, Michael Weatherly didn’t hold back. His answer teased Tony’s self-awareness, their chaotic legacy, and Gibbs’ famously lethal sarcasm.
“Like Kryptonite!”—Tony’s Reaction to Mixing Love and Danger
Weatherly recalled early NCIS media banter describing Tony and Ziva’s relationship as “Kryptonite.” In a 2009 interview with Entertainment Weekly, he said:
“It’s like marrying a hooker. You gotta be really comfortable with the fact she’s gonna go hook!”
And added, “If they ever got together, one of them will kill each other.”, humorously suggesting Gibbs’ approval would be minimal.AlloCiné+15EW.com+15EW.com+15Wikipedia+3EW.com+3The Sun+3
Gibbs’ Unspoken Verdict—From Head Slaps to Muted Approval
Weatherly’s Dynamic with Harmon Set the Tone
Off-screen, Weatherly said he played Tony facing off Gibbs by doing the opposite—leaning back when Gibbs leaned forward, peeling off his jacket if Gibbs wore one. This comedic tug shaped Tony and Gibbs’ dynamic for years.Cinemablend
Gibbs’ Mock Approval or Disapproval?
It’s entirely in character for Gibbs to raise an eyebrow early on—but before long, he’d be shaking his head with sarcastic grudging pride. Maybe deliver a head slap for the inappropriate stuff, followed by a terse: “You better make this work, DiNozzo.”
Why Gibbs’ Reaction Matters to Tiva Fans
The Legacy of Team Chemistry
Reddit fans say the chemistry between Gibbs, Tony, Ziva, and McGee made NCIS. One user wrote:
“This team formation was the most interesting to watch—the running gag of Tony correcting Ziva’s idioms made me laugh every time.”Reddit
Gibbs’ mentorship or mock irritation was central to that bond.
Gibbs Symbolized Order
Gibbs’ character embodied order and duty. Seeing Tony and Ziva build a new spin-off life—raising daughter Tali and running from danger—would probably draw a deadpan Gibbs: “I told you this would happen.”
How Weatherly and de Pablo Honor Gibbs in the Spin-Off
A Secret Sign of Respect
At San Diego Comic-Con 2025, Weatherly and Cote de Pablo shared they revived a private hand signal between them as a tribute to Mark Harmon’s Gibbs—cementing his influence in the new series.Reddit+6Reddit+6Cinemablend+6Reddit+15EW.com+15EW.com+15
Emotional Intensity Through Flashbacks
In another Comic-Con panel, both actors described how an intense flashback scene forced them to relive old emotional territory. Weatherly called the experience “scary,” revealing how Gibbs-era trauma continues to emotionally shape Tony in the spin-off.New York Post+3EW.com+3EW.com+3
Where NBC’s Future Lies—and Gibbs’ Legacy Lives On
NCIS: Tony & Ziva debuts on September 4, 2025, on Paramount+. The show revisits Tony and Ziva navigating espionage and parenting in Europe, with stakes that would draw a stern but concerned Gibbs reaction: from exasperated sighs to supportive nods.WikipediaPeople.com
✅ Summary Table: What Gibbs Might Think
| Gibbs Element | Tony & Ziva Spin-Off | Gibbs’ Likely Reaction |
|---|---|---|
| Risky Romance | Global espionage + co-parenting | “That’s like Kryptonite.” |
| Leadership Shift | Team of two rebuilding trust | “You better pull this off.” |
| Emotional Flashback | Revisiting pain and legacy | “You still holding on to that?” |
| Tribute & Legacy | Honoring old bonds | A slow nod with offscreen gratitude |
Conclusion
Michael Weatherly’s reaction to how Gibbs would view Tony and Ziva’s spinoff blends wry humor with affectionate reverence. He paints Gibbs as the taciturn guardian who’d probably shake his head, maybe slap Tony on the head—before quietly acknowledging that Tony and Ziva might just make it work. Amid stunts and espionage plots, Gibbs’ legacy remains the emotional anchor—even if he doesn’t appear.
🙋 FAQs
Q1: What did Weatherly call Tony and Ziva’s relationship?
He likened it to “Kryptonite,” saying a relationship with an assassin is unpredictable and dangerous.Wikipedia+15EW.com+15EW.com+15The Sun+2Première+2AlloCiné+2EW.com+2EW.com+2Wikipedia+2sudinfo.beEW.com
Q2: Did Gibbs ever approve of Tony and Ziva together?
Gibbs never formally blessed the relationship—but Tony and Ziva earned his trust through their trials and loyalty over time.Cinemablend
Q3: Is Mark Harmon appearing in Tony & Ziva?
Not in Season 1. However, Tony and Ziva perform a private hand signal tribute in each episode acknowledging Gibbs’ influence.EW.com
Q4: How emotional is the spinoff expected to be?
Very—especially through flashbacks that dig into past pain. Weatherly described one scene as emotionally intense and “scary” to film.EW.com
Q5: When does NCIS: Tony & Ziva premiere?
September 4, 2025 on Paramount+, with weekly episodes thereafter.EW.com+5Wikipedia+5EW.com+5
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Even without Gibbs in the frame, his spirit looms over Tony & Ziva’s story—the discipline, the head slaps, the gruff mentorship. And in Weatherly’s words? Gibbs would be very proud—but he’d say it with a scowl and only after the credits roll.
