The highly anticipated Paramount+ spin-off, NCIS: Tony & Ziva, brought back the franchise’s most beloved couple, Tony DiNozzo (Michael Weatherly) and Ziva David (Cote de Pablo), for a thrilling, high-stakes international spy adventure. As the first season concluded, fans breathed a collective sigh of relief and joy. Tony and Ziva, after years of separation, turmoil, and co-parenting their daughter, Tali, finally found their way back to a romantic reconciliation, sealed with a heartfelt hug in their Paris apartment. It was the “TIVA” endgame fans had dreamed of for over a decade: a moment of peace, trust, and a genuine, unconventional happily ever after.
However, showrunner and creator John McNamara has revealed a fascinating behind-the-scenes secret: the season finale, “Full Circle,” almost ended on a “very dark” cliffhanger—a pivotal piece of footage that he intentionally cut. This decision wasn’t based on creative weakness but a shrewd, practical consideration: the potential lack of a Season 2 renewal.
The Prudence of a Happy Ending
The ending audiences ultimately saw was one of hope and resolution. Tony and Ziva, alongside their makeshift team, successfully cleared Tony’s name, defeated the AI-obsessed villain Jonah, and, most importantly, saved Tali. The final moments cemented their renewed commitment, setting them on a path to finally “take things slow” and build a future. This was a gift to the dedicated NCIS fanbase, ensuring that even if the spin-off didn’t continue, their heroes would be left in a good place.
McNamara’s reasoning for choosing this softer, more conclusive ending was rooted in realism. In the volatile world of streaming television, a guaranteed renewal is a rarity, even for a show with the built-in audience of the NCIS universe.
“I’m not an optimist by nature, I’m a realist. So it’s all going to come down to the numbers,” McNamara noted, acknowledging that renewal hinges on streaming metrics.
Had the creative team opted for the “very dark” cliffhanger, and the show was canceled, the final image of Tony and Ziva for a generation of fans would have been one of tragedy or unresolved peril. McNamara, understanding the profound connection fans have to the characters of Tony and Ziva, chose to prioritize a sense of closure. This decision, in itself, is a testament to the show’s understanding of its audience—a rewarding conclusion that respects the characters’ long and difficult journey.
Unveiling the “Very Dark” Alternate Finale
While McNamara hasn’t explicitly detailed what the original “very dark” ending entailed, he did confirm that the footage was shot and remains ready to deploy. It was designed to serve as a high-octane setup for a new adventure, effectively kicking off a potential Season 2 with immediate drama.
Given the events of the final episode, speculation about the “dark” cut centers on a few key possibilities:
- Tali in Peril: Despite being rescued, the darker ending may have involved Tali remaining in danger or a new, immediate threat emerging against her, shattering the family’s peace just as it was established. This would be a devastating blow, undoing the emotional payoff of her rescue.
- A New Villain Emerges: The finale already laid groundwork for future threats, such as the mysterious death of the villain Jonah in prison, orchestrated by his former lover and spy, Martine. The cut footage may have been a stark, terrifying scene—perhaps showing Martine’s full, malevolent intent or introducing a previously unseen, powerful antagonist poised to strike at the reunited couple.
- Betrayal and Mistrust: The central theme of NCIS: Tony & Ziva Season 1 was the struggle for Tony and Ziva to rebuild their trust after years of secrets, including Ziva faking her death. A dark ending could have seen a moment of newly found trust immediately broken, perhaps through a devastating betrayal by an ally or a major misstep by one of the leads, plunging them back into an emotional and professional abyss.
Whatever the specifics, a “very dark” cliffhanger is typically a narrative device that leaves the main characters in a seemingly insurmountable position, maximizing tension for the next season. The fact that the creators have this footage on standby proves they were prepared for either outcome: a satisfying wrap-up or an explosive launchpad.
Laying the Groundwork for NCIS: Tony & Ziva Season 2
Choosing the calmer, more optimistic ending didn’t mean that McNamara and co-writer Joseph Mireles left no threads hanging. On the contrary, the finale artfully wove in several tantalizing possibilities that allow the story to continue seamlessly if Paramount+ gives the green light for a Season 2.
The main couple’s status is “dating,” not married, which is an intentional move. As Cote de Pablo previously stated, she wanted the couple to earn their happy ending, and by “taking things slow,” the writers can explore the genuine challenges of two deeply scarred spies transitioning into a “normal” family life. Their relationship dynamic, full of passion, bickering, and profound connection, remains a core element to explore.
Furthermore, the new supporting characters are poised for continuation:
- Martine’s Ambition: Her involvement in Jonah’s prison death and her upward movement in Interpol suggest she is a cold, calculating spy with a powerful network—a perfect, long-term foil or uneasy ally for Tony and Ziva.
- Boris’s New Role: Hacker Boris (Maximilian Osinski), having lost his fiancé and his money to a gold digger, is now open to a permanent position in Tony’s security firm. This sets up a new team dynamic, potentially with Boris becoming the new “Probie” of this unconventional family unit.
By giving fans a fulfilling emotional conclusion while still leaving open avenues for spy drama and character development, McNamara has played his hand expertly. The final scene—a quiet, intimate hug—was deemed perfect by the showrunner once he saw the footage, recognizing the power of Michael Weatherly and Cote de Pablo’s performance.
“Once I saw the footage I was like, ‘That’s the ending,’” McNamara explained, crediting the actors for the scene’s weight.
Ultimately, the cut of the “very dark” ending for NCIS: Tony & Ziva reflects the careful balance any show must strike: satisfying the existing audience while strategically positioning itself for the future. For now, TIVA fans can enjoy the rare gift of seeing their favorite couple in a moment of peace, knowing that if the numbers are right, the darkness is merely waiting in the wings.
