Roma Maffia, who briefly stepped into Ziva David’s shoes back in NCIS season 11, is officially ready for more. After returning as Vera Strickland in NCIS season 23 during the crossover with NCIS: Origins, the actress says she’d love to become a recurring fixture again — and she thinks Vera could bring something valuable to the team.
When Ziva (Cote de Pablo) exited, NCIS struggled to fill the void. Before Ellie Bishop became a series regular, Maffia’s Vera arrived as Gibbs’ temporary new partner — and as Mike Franks’ former one. Now, 12 years later, the character has reemerged, and Maffia wants the comeback to stick.
Maffia on Returning: “She needs to be back on a regular basis.”
Speaking to TVInsider, Maffia praised the writers and highlighted why Vera could still fit naturally into the modern NCIS squad. She may be retired and no longer chasing suspects down hallways, but her instincts, experience, and humor haven’t faded:
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She’s motivated and sharp
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Her “brain and street smarts” could boost MCRT
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Her humor brings something “real and attractive”
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She’d happily take the call for another case
Vera enjoys retirement — as confirmed in season 23 — but solving an old NIS cold case reignited her spark. That tension between slowing down and missing the field leaves room for a believable ongoing role.
How NCIS Could Bring Vera Back
Even with her retirement, there are easy ways to reintroduce her:
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Consultant for Director Vance
She could be called in for tricky or sensitive cases, requiring no major story shake-up. -
A Link to Gibbs in Alaska
Vera hinted they’re still in touch, making her the perfect narrative bridge between the current team and the franchise’s most iconic character. -
The Connection to NCIS: Origins
With Gibbs retired and Franks gone, Vera is the only character who exists in both timelines without spoiling the prequel. Featuring her more often could strengthen the franchise’s biggest expansion in years.
Whether NCIS will act on Maffia’s enthusiasm remains to be seen — but fans wouldn’t mind one bit. Vera Strickland has unfinished business, plenty of wit, and, as Maffia says, “a lot to offer.”
