After more than two decades on the air, NCIS is still finding ways to surprise even its most dedicated fans. In Season 23, CBS’s flagship procedural is digging into its own history by bringing back a character most viewers probably forgot existed — Special Agent Vera Strickland, played by Roma Maffia.
Strickland was first introduced all the way back in NCIS Season 11, in the episode “Under the Radar.” The timing of her first appearance was relevant as it came immediately after Ziva David’s (Cote de Pablo) departure, and the team, along with the series, was making adjustments to its former setup. Strickland, who was Mike Franks’ (Muse Watson) former partner, was temporarily replacing Ziva for a few weeks until she retired. Although brief, her dry comedy and no-nonsense style left a favorable impression. Now, after more than a decade, Maffia is back in the role as part of a crossover event between NCIS and the prequel spinoff NCIS: Origins, which is among CBS’s most highly anticipated entries within the franchise.
NCIS Season 23 is making waves, and not just for its usual crime-solving thrills. This season has quietly revived a forgotten character tied to one of the franchise’s most iconic exits: Ziva David. If you’ve been a fan for years, you know Ziva wasn’t just a team member—she was a cultural icon, a fan favorite, and a character whose departure left a massive hole in the NCIS universe. So, what does bringing back this forgotten character mean for the series? Let’s dive in.
Why Ziva’s Exit Still Matters to NCIS Fans
When Cote de Pablo left NCIS in Season 11, it wasn’t just another farewell. Ziva David’s exit was dramatic, emotional, and full of lingering questions. Fans were left wondering:
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Would she ever return?
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How would her absence impact Gibbs and the team?
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Could the show capture that magic again?
Fast forward to Season 23, and it seems the writers are acknowledging that Ziva’s legacy still matters—and they’re doing it in a way that feels organic, thrilling, and yes, a little nostalgic.
The Forgotten Character: Who Are We Talking About?
Without giving too much away, the character revived in Season 23 is someone who had a subtle but meaningful connection to Ziva’s storyline. They were part of the narrative around her exit but were largely forgotten in later seasons. Their return now adds depth and layers to the ongoing plotlines.
Fans have been buzzing online, debating how this revival will affect Gibbs, Torres, Bishop, and the rest of the team. This isn’t just fan service—it’s a strategic move to intertwine past and present story arcs.
Why Bringing Back Forgotten Characters Works in Long-Running Shows
Let’s be honest—long-running shows like NCIS have hundreds of characters cycling in and out. So why do revivals like this matter?
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Emotional payoff: Long-time fans get a sense of closure or surprise when old characters return.
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Story depth: Characters connected to past arcs can bring unresolved tensions back into the spotlight.
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Nostalgia factor: It taps into fans’ love for earlier seasons while keeping new viewers engaged.
In short, it’s like opening an old, dusty book and realizing the story isn’t finished yet.
How This Revival Connects to Ziva’s Legacy
Ziva wasn’t just a character; she represented loyalty, toughness, and emotional vulnerability all at once. The revived character in Season 23 mirrors that complexity, reminding fans why Ziva was so beloved. This subtle nod ensures that Ziva’s influence remains alive in the NCIS universe—even if she herself isn’t on-screen.
The Team’s Reaction: Gibbs, Torres, and Bishop
One of the most exciting aspects of this return is watching the current NCIS team interact with a character from the past. Here’s what fans are noticing:
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Gibbs: He’s naturally cautious but intrigued, the perfect blend of fatherly suspicion and curiosity.
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Torres and Bishop: They bring fresh energy, contrasting with the emotional weight of the returning character.
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Fan reactions: Social media is exploding with reactions like “This is giving me chills!” and “Finally, NCIS connecting the dots!”
Fan Theories: What Could This Mean for Future Seasons?
NCIS fans are nothing if not passionate theorists. With this revival, speculation is running wild:
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Could it set up a potential return for Ziva herself?
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Will the character uncover secrets about past missions?
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Could this spark a spin-off storyline or major plot twist?
The beauty of NCIS is that even minor characters can have major consequences—so fans are right to be excited.
The Importance of Nostalgia in TV Shows
Let’s face it: nostalgia sells. NCIS has been on air for over two decades, and tapping into past storylines is a smart move. It’s not just about ratings; it’s about creating an emotional bridge between old and new viewers. The revived character acts as a time capsule, bringing memories and unresolved tensions to life.
Behind the Scenes: Why the Writers Made This Choice
NCIS writers are known for their meticulous plotting. Bringing back this character was likely a deliberate choice to:
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Reward loyal viewers
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Build suspense for ongoing storylines
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Honor Ziva’s legacy without overdoing it
It’s a balancing act—too much nostalgia can feel forced, but when done right, it elevates the entire season.
Viewer Reactions: Social Media Buzz
The response has been overwhelmingly positive. Twitter, Reddit, and fan forums are lighting up with posts like:
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“NCIS just made my day!”
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“I didn’t expect to see them again—what a twist!”
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“This brings back all the Ziva vibes.”
Clearly, reviving a forgotten character connected to Ziva strikes the right chord emotionally.
Comparing This to Other TV Revivals
NCIS isn’t alone in this trend. Other long-running shows like Grey’s Anatomy and Law & Order: SVU have successfully revived old characters to reignite storylines. The key?
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Make it meaningful, not gimmicky
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Connect it to core characters and past arcs
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Use it to set up future stories
NCIS seems to have nailed all three.
What This Means for Character Development
Introducing a past character back into the mix opens doors for:
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Gibbs’ growth: Reflecting on past decisions and relationships
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Torres and Bishop’s leadership: Handling old conflicts in new ways
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Team dynamics: Testing loyalty, trust, and problem-solving under pressure
It’s storytelling that respects both history and present momentum.
The Emotional Impact on Fans
Fans aren’t just watching—they’re investing emotionally. Seeing a familiar face from Ziva’s exit sparks nostalgia, excitement, and sometimes tears. NCIS has mastered this emotional pull, ensuring that viewers feel connected, rewarded, and intrigued.
Potential Plot Twists Ahead
Reviving a forgotten character isn’t just a cameo—it’s a setup for bigger stories. Expect:
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Secret missions from the past to resurface
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Conflicts that test team loyalty
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Revelations about Ziva that could reshape the narrative
The season is hinting at surprises that could keep fans talking for months.
Why Season 23 Feels Different
Season 23 isn’t just another iteration of NCIS. It’s:
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Reflective: Honoring past characters like Ziva
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Innovative: Introducing twists while respecting legacy
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Engaging: Keeping both long-time and new fans hooked
The revival of this forgotten character embodies all three qualities.
How to Watch Without Missing Easter Eggs
If you want the full experience, here’s what to do:
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Catch up on past Ziva storylines – Especially Seasons 10–11
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Pay attention to minor characters – They might hold key connections
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Follow social media fan threads – Fans often spot Easter eggs first
Trust me, you won’t want to miss a single reference.
Final Thoughts: NCIS’ Brilliant Balance of Past and Present
Bringing back a forgotten character from Ziva’s exit is more than a nostalgia stunt. It’s a careful, emotionally charged move that ties the past to the present, honors loyal fans, and sets up thrilling possibilities for the future. NCIS continues to prove that even after 23 seasons, it knows how to surprise, engage, and tug at our hearts.
Season 23 isn’t just about solving crimes—it’s about reconnecting with the emotional DNA of the show. And this revival is the perfect example.
