The major worry surrounding NCIS: Tony & Ziva isn’t about the action, the espionage, or even whether the writing holds up. It’s the deeply personal concern of trust—both within the show’s narrative and among the actors themselves. During interviews and press events, both Michael Weatherly and Cote de Pablo have expressed that the fragile dynamic of trust between characters—and between actor and character—was their biggest shared concern.
What Did the Actors Say?
On the Theme of Trust
At a press event in Monte-Carlo, Cote de Pablo playfully suggested the series should be titled “NCIS: Trust No One.”She and Weatherly explained that the show is fundamentally about rebuilding trust—both between Tony and Ziva and with their daughter, Tali.
“Trust doesn’t mean truth… Just because I’m telling you the truth doesn’t mean you can trust me.” — Michael Weatherly Reddit+1Reddit+1New York Post+15Grab A Byte+15Reddit+15HELLO!+12Screen Rant+12EW.com+12
Ziva’s Return to Family Life
De Pablo highlighted that Tali’s sense of betrayal—believing Ziva was dead, only to learn she’s alive but always absent—raises deeper emotional questions. Weatherly expanded:
“Trust doesn’t mean truth… When you think about Tali… doesn’t mean you can trust me.” Grab A Byte+1Vanity Fair+1
Together, they revealed that this emotional weight—how Tony and Ziva would rebuild trust within their family and as partners—was central to their initial creative concern.
Why That Fear Matters to Fans
Tissue-Worthiness, Not Just High Stakes
The fear of losing trust—with their daughter, each other, and their legacy—adds emotional depth beyond run‑and‑gun thrills. It taps into longstanding questions about their bond post-NCIS and how their daughter fits into the narrative.
Emotional Authenticity
Lower stakes like explosions are fine. But emotional stakes involving trust? That’s what Weatherly and de Pablo wanted to get right—just like fans do.
A Focus on Family, Not Just Action
This fear isn’t about the villains—they can handle gunmen. It’s about how Tony and Ziva navigate the trauma and emotional fallout of betrayal. Their journey is less about saving the world and more about saving what matters at home. That’s something both actors have admitted worried them during development. Grab A Byte
Fan Concerns Mirror The Actors’
Fans on Reddit echoed this worry. Post after post expressed concern over how spending time on the run—without resolving trust issues—might damage what made Tiva beloved:
“I just wonder if being hunted will play hell with Ziva’s mental health… might bring up things still buried.”TV Insider+15Reddit+15Reddit+15
Several Redditors also mentioned fear that Tony’s evolution into a father might make him unrecognizable—or unrelatable. That fear of character erosion mirrors what Weatherly has acknowledged was a creative concern early on.EW.com+3Reddit+3Grab A Byte+3
Do the Actors Still Feel the Pressure?
Weatherly’s Honest Reflection
Weatherly confessed filming an emotional flashback was “scary.” Revisiting past anger in character took immense emotional toll—he described accessing that deep space as a struggle. EW.com
De Pablo’s Supportive Insight
Cote emphasized that tackling trust issues between them and Tali was more than plot—it felt like therapy and payoff. They walked a narrative tightrope, balancing character legacy and growth.
Can Fans Relax Yet?
Letting go of fear doesn’t mean lowering expectations—it means trusting this spin-off has the emotional maturity and warmth they vowed to deliver. After everything has been teased, this show’s success hinges on whether it treats trust as more than a storyline—it must treat it as a character.
Conclusion
The biggest fear surrounding NCIS: Tony & Ziva isn’t that there won’t be enough action or romantic tension. It’s that it tried to tackle trust… and might not earn it. But the good news? Michael Weatherly and Cote de Pablo share that fear deeply. And that means they made handling trust—and its fragility—a top priority. If you’re worried about betrayal, loyalty, and rebuilding wounds, you’re not just a fan—you had the same concern from the start. So: worry with us. But take heart—they did too. And they built the show around it.
🙋 FAQs
Q1: What is the biggest fear behind NCIS: Tony & Ziva?
It’s the emotional fear: will Tony and Ziva—and their daughter—ever rebuild trust after deception? The story leans heavily on answering that. Cinemablend+15Grab A Byte+15Reddit+15
Q2: Did the actors express this fear publicly?
Yes—especially at press events and interviews. Cote jokingly called it “Trust No One”, and Michael stressed that truth doesn’t always equal trust.
Q3: How do fans feel?
Many are hopeful but cautious. Mouseover posts express concern about character change, mental health strain, and emotional fallout of parenthood. Grab A Byte+1Entertainment Tonight+1
Q4: What emotional scene worried Weatherly?
An intense flashback featuring “raw anger” scenes. De Pablo called it “scary,” and Weatherly admitted it drained him deeply. New York Post+5EW.com+5Entertainment Tonight+5
Q5: Is trust issue just a plot device or more central?
It’s central. Trust—between Tony, Ziva, and Tali—is the show’s emotional core, not just a subplot. Grab A Byte
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This article invites you to feel the spin-off with us—not just watch it. For Michael and Cote, trust wasn’t a subplot. It was the story.
