Here’s the complete story of Ziva David on NCIS:
Departure in Season 11:
- Ziva leaves NCIS in season 11 to protect Gibbs from a political vendetta.
- She resigns along with Tony and McGee, but unlike them, chooses not to return after the situation is resolved.
- Ziva goes back to Israel.
Apparent Death in Season 13:
- In the season 13 finale, Ziva is presumed dead in a mortar attack that destroys her father’s farmhouse.
- The attack was orchestrated by CIA Agent Trent Kort.
- Her remains are not found, leaving some ambiguity.
- Tony, upon learning about this, leaves NCIS to care for their daughter Tali, who is revealed to exist in the same episode.
Return and Revelation in Season 17:
- It’s later revealed in season 17 that Ziva actually faked her death.
- She did this to protect herself and Tali from Sahar, a woman connected to Ziva’s deceased half-brother Ari.
- Ziva had been in hiding and working as an investigator of some sort.
- The reason for her secrecy is explained to Bishop, who stumbles upon the truth.
Reunion with Tony (off-screen):
- Season 17 hints at Ziva reuniting with Tony and their daughter Tali.
- The specifics of the reunion aren’t shown on screen.
- This leaves their future storyline open-ended.
Spin-off in Sight:
- The implication is that Ziva, Tony, and Tali are now together.
- This paves the way for a potential spin-off series focusing on their adventures.
Actor’s Departure:
- It’s important to note that actress Cote de Pablo left the show after season 11 due to creative differences.
- Her return in season 17 was for a limited arc.
- Whether she and Michael Weatherly (Tony) would return for a full-fledged spin-off remains to be seen.