In a touching tribute to the history of David McCallum’s character, Dr. Donald Mallard, NCIS Season 21’s Ducky tribute episode foreshadowed a dramatic new spinoff starring fan favorites Tony DiNozzo and Ziva David.

As NCIS bid farewell to the beloved medical examiner, the episode, titled “The Stories We Leave Behind,” intricately weaved together emotional farewells and a gripping final case. Amidst the reminiscing and sleuthing, the episode managed to discreetly set the stage for Tony and Ziva’s return in their own series.

Dr. Mallard’s farewell not only honored his profound career, but also acted as a catalyst for new beginnings in the NCIS universe. With allusions to prior relationships and shared adventures, the show seamlessly went from remembering the past to laying the groundwork for a bright future.

As original cast members and beloved characters in their own right, Tony and Ziva’s spinoff promises to captivate audiences with their dynamic chemistry and compelling storylines. With the stage set and anticipation building, NCIS fans eagerly await the next chapter in the thrilling world of crime-solving and camaraderie.

While NCIS: Tony & Ziva is building excitement ahead of its September 4, 2025 premiere, one original NCIS character may need to change for the spinoff to succeed. Fans last regularly saw Tony and Ziva together in season 11, before Ziva was presumed dead in season 13 and Tony learned they had a daughter, Tali. In season 17, it was revealed that Ziva had faked her death and later reunited with Tony and Tali in Paris. The upcoming series will explore their life together on the run from a new threat, balancing relationship struggles with the challenges of raising their daughter.

Ziva’s character has developed over the years, but certain problematic patterns could hurt the spinoff if they persist. Her history of reckless behavior and divided loyalties, particularly during the Rivkin storyline, damaged her connection with Tony. She withheld critical information, placed unfair blame on him, and allowed mistrust-partly rooted in her complicated relationship with her father, Eli David-to push him away. In their past, she often became emotionally distant and disregarded Tony’s feelings, creating friction and eroding trust.

For NCIS: Tony & Ziva to resonate with fans, Ziva will need to show meaningful growth. She must move beyond her trust issues and untrustworthiness, while Tony and Ziva together work to rebuild their bond. This means confronting old habits, setting realistic relationship expectations, improving communication, and openly acknowledging their love. All of this will unfold in high-pressure situations, with the added weight of protecting Tali.

While building a healthy relationship is possible, much of the responsibility for change will fall on Ziva. If she fails to adapt, the emotional core of the spinoff could falter-no matter how thrilling the action may be.