For nearly two decades, the romance between Very Special Agent Anthony DiNozzo and Mossad Officer Ziva David—affectionately dubbed “Tiva” by fans—was the vibrant, beating heart of NCIS. It was a love story built on playful banter, profound trust, shared trauma, and lingering glances, but one that was repeatedly stopped short of the three most powerful words.
That all changed in Episode 9, “Ride or Die,” of the highly anticipated spin-off series, NCIS: Tony & Ziva. After years of emotional baggage, a presumed death, a surprise child, a broken engagement, and a cross-European chase, Tony and Ziva finally—finally—exchange the long-awaited words: “I love you.”
In a series of exclusive interviews, stars Michael Weatherly and Cote de Pablo opened up about the significance of this monumental on-screen moment, explaining why the writers chose this specific point in their chaotic, beautiful journey for the characters to bare their souls.
A Love Story Built on ‘Rare Air’
The enduring chemistry between Weatherly and de Pablo was legendary, noted even by NCIS co-star Mark Harmon, who reportedly told them their dynamic was “rare air.” Yet, for years on the flagship show, their connection was confined to a delicious “will-they-won’t-they” tension. The closest fans got to a genuine declaration was in Season 7’s “Truth or Consequences,” when a delirious Tony, under truth serum, confessed he “couldn’t live without” Ziva.
The spin-off picks up with Tony and Ziva raising their daughter, Tali, in Paris, only to be forced on the run when Tony’s security company is attacked. The season masterfully used this high-stakes scenario, coupled with revealing flashbacks, to expose the raw, unresolved issues that lingered even after their joyous reunion.
The Reason for the Broken Engagement
A major revelation prior to the confession was the truth behind their broken engagement. The spin-off revealed that their planned wedding day, set for November 2021, fell apart not just due to a hurricane grounding flights, but because a crisis involving a missing Tali highlighted the deep-seated trust issues that still plagued their relationship.
Ziva had previously faked her death and kept Tali’s existence a secret from Tony for years. In a searing argument on what should have been their wedding day, Tony confessed that he harbored unresolved issues and trust deficits regarding her past decisions.
As Cote de Pablo explained, their romance was never a simple fairy tale; it was always about two deeply wounded, highly trained operatives learning to be vulnerable. “We had to show all this stuff,” Michael Weatherly said about the spin-off’s deliberate choice to show the cracks. The “I love you” moment could only happen after they had confronted the root of their mistrust and done the difficult, emotional work to heal.
The Perfect Storm: Why the Confession Had to Happen Now
The long-awaited confession finally erupts in “Ride or Die,” following a frantic, action-packed plot involving the season’s main villain, Jonah. Tony, ever the impulsive protector, throws himself into danger, tracking the antagonist to a compound in Spain.
A Near-Death Experience
The moment occurs after Jonah triggers an explosion, leaving Tony trapped in the wreckage. Ziva and their allies—having spent the episode desperately trying to track Tony down—find him alive. It is the immediate, visceral relief of finding him safe after yet another brush with death that finally shatters their remaining emotional barriers.
According to Michael Weatherly and Cote de Pablo, the timing was critical:
- The Shock of Vulnerability: Being in the wreckage, Tony is stripped of his usual defensive charm and bravado. He’s raw, exposed, and utterly relieved to see Ziva. This state allows for the honesty he’s struggled to access.
- The Fear of Loss: For Ziva, seeing Tony almost lost is a stark reminder of her guilt and the cost of her past actions. It’s a moment of clarity where the external dangers overshadow the internal fears, allowing her to express her true feelings.
It is Tony who speaks first, followed by Ziva, creating a truly reciprocal and emotionally earned exchange.
An Earned Payoff
Cote de Pablo highlighted that the show aimed to make the moment authentic, not forced. “We are fans of the characters, so it comes from a real connection to, we don’t want any false steps and we don’t want anything to sound fake, forced, false or anything,” Weatherly added.
The decision to place the confession late in the first season was a strategic choice, ensuring it served as a proper climax to their season-long journey of reconnection, rather than a starting point. It’s the ultimate payoff for fans who have navigated the characters’ decades-long dance of desire and denial.
Looking Ahead: The Foundation for Tiva’s Future
While the “I love you” is a victory for the “Tiva” faithful, it doesn’t mark the end of their story—only a new beginning. The latter half of the season promises new challenges, including a major cliffhanger that puts Tali’s life in jeopardy.
The beauty of the spin-off lies in its commitment to exploring the full, messy reality of a relationship that spent too long in the shadows. As de Pablo said, the show is “a love letter to the fans,” acknowledging the incredible patience and loyalty of the audience who kept the flame of their romance alive.
The on-screen confession cements Tony and Ziva not just as two highly effective field agents, but as a family unit finally anchored by mutual, honest love. Their “I love you” is more than a simple declaration; it’s a hard-won victory, a testament to enduring love, and the foundation upon which they can now truly build their unconventional happily ever after.
