While the NCIS spinoff NCIS: Tony & Ziva is building excitement, there’s an original NCIS character who must change if the spinoff is going to work. NCIS: Tony & Ziva season 1 is set to premiere September 4, 2025, and it is highly anticipated by fans, who last regularly saw the duo together on screen in season 11.
Ziva had seemingly been reported killed in season 13, after which Tony discovered he had a daughter, Tali, with Ziva, and left NCIS. Then, in NCIS season 17, it was revealed that Ziva had faked her death. Off-screen, Ziva went to Paris to reunite with Tony and Tali. NCIS: Tony & Ziva will focus on the pair’s relationship problems and life with their daughter while on the run from a new threat.
Over the years, Ziva’s character has fully developed in front of viewers’ eyes, but she still has some problematic tendencies and behaviors that could jeopardize how NCIS: Tony & Ziva’s spinoff story is received if she doesn’t change. Fans want Ziva to be a good partner for Tony, but her negative relationship patterns could damage viewers’ ability to enjoy the show.
Ziva’s History Of Reckless Behavior & Loyalty Conflicts Damaged Her & Tony’s Relationship
Ziva Shows A Lack Of Judgment & Disregard For Tony
In the Rivkin storyline, Ziva withheld information from Tony and unfairly blamed him for killing Rivkin. She made questionable decisions during that arc that underscored her lack of judgment in emotional entanglements. She acted recklessly and demonstrated that she has loyalty conflicts when the right decision is in front of her.
Ziva also unfairly projected her feelings of betrayal by her father, Director of Mossad Eli David, onto Tony, which caused her to mistrust Tony, especially during the Rivkin fallout. Throughout their secretive relationship, Ziva would often disregard Tony’s feelings, become emotionally distant, and her difficult personality would often push him away.
NCIS: Tony & Ziva Should Concentrate On Their Realistic Relationship Expectations
How Can Tony & Ziva Get To A Good Place?
In NCIS: Tony & Ziva season 1, Ziva needs to demonstrate that she has overcome some of her negative traits and that she and Tony can establish realistic relationship expectations. It must begin with her showing she has evolved past her trust issues and own untrustworthiness. In order to get to a good place, Tony and Ziva need to rebuild trust, address old patterns, communicate effectively, and sincerely acknowledge their love.
In order to get to a good place, Tony and Ziva need to rebuild trust, address old patterns, communicate effectively, and sincerely acknowledge their love.
All of this character development will take place within high-stress environments and with high stakes due Tali’s presence in their lives and relationships. While establishing a positive relationship is possible, the weight of the change will primarily be on Ziva, and if she doesn’t deliver it could set the NCIS: Tony & Ziva spinoff off-course.
NCIS: Tony & Ziva will premiere September 4, 2025, with three episodes on Paramount+.
