NCIS – Tony & Ziva is the spin-off we have been eagerly anticipating ever since we learned that Ziva (Cote de Pablo) is still alive. Naturally, a series featuring two cherished characters from the main show will require some guest appearances. When other team members discover that their friends are in peril, it’s likely they will come to help, potentially including Gibbs. However, the character who is truly essential isn’t Gibbs. It’s someone with a deeper personal bond to Tony (Michael Weatherly) and Ziva who should make an appearance. The upcoming NCIS Universe series should definitely feature Tony DiNozzo Sr. (played by Robert Wagner), although there are valid concerns regarding Wagner’s age and his potential role in the show.
However, there is a straightforward approach to integrating DiNozzo Sr. that highlights the significance of his appearance. Ultimately, NCIS – Tony & Ziva centers on the theme of family, which plays a crucial role not only during challenging times but also in moments of tranquility.
Why NCIS – Tony & Ziva Needs To Bring Back DiNozzo Sr. (Robert Wagner) ?
The latest NCIS spinoff focuses more on family dynamics than the typical themes found in the NCIS franchise. Given this shift, it’s essential to introduce a character who is crucial to the DiNozzo family : DiNozzo Sr.
Although Tony and his father had a strained and complicated relationship for many years, they grew closer as the NCIS series progressed. Fans are optimistic that the two have maintained regular contact, even while Tony resides in Paris.
Furthermore, we have yet to witness a reunion between Ziva David and DiNozzo Sr. on-screen, which is an essential moment that should occur. The ideal approach to facilitate this is to incorporate Wagner’s character at least once, providing an opportunity for them to exchange updates.
By the time the series begins, Ziva has already been back in Tony’s life for several years, as NCIS – Tony & Ziva takes place after her return. Therefore, it wouldn’t be logical for DiNozzo Sr. to meet Ziva for the first time. However, there could certainly be a moment for them to catch up or a flashback depicting their reunion.
The new series emphasizes family connections, making it more fitting to feature a family cameo instead of a member from the original team. The original team members are likely preoccupied with their own cases, and Gibbs is off in the wilderness.
When Tony returned for an episode in NCIS Season 21, it was to bid farewell to Ducky, whom he considered family. Therefore, NCIS – Tony & Ziva should honor that bond with a memorable cameo.

How Robert Wagner Could Portray Tony DiNozzo Sr. In NCIS – Tony & Ziva ?
Reviving Wagner’s character for intense action sequences will be challenging, given that he is now 95 years old and may require a more relaxed setting. However, the series has numerous opportunities to infuse tenderness and affection into scenes filled with tension and anxiety.
By incorporating love, the narrative can also introduce essential slower-paced moments of joy, allowing everyone to take a breath and reflect on the unfolding action. The series NCIS – Tony and Ziva delves into the lives of Tony and Ziva following years filled with deception and hidden truths.
After discovering he had a daughter, Tony made the decision to leave NCIS and the United States, moving to Paris to raise Tali. However, his world was turned upside down when he found out that Ziva was alive, contrary to what everyone believed, and that she had staged her own death to safeguard their child.
This action was a mix of selfishness and selflessness, resulting in significant confusion and emotional pain that must be addressed on-screen. The couple must find a way to rekindle their deep romantic and platonic bond, and the ideal approach to achieve this is by having regular date nights.
To facilitate this, Tali will require a babysitter, and given their busy careers and lifestyles, it’s essential to find someone trustworthy. DiNozzo Sr. emerges as the perfect candidate, providing an opportunity for heartwarming interactions between grandfather and granddaughter.
If Robert Wagner is unable to attend the filming in person, a video call could serve as a suitable alternative. This approach would effectively highlight the familial bond that the show aims to portray, fostering empathy and love among viewers.
Robert Wagner maintains a relationship with Michael Weatherly and Cote de Pablo, having participated in their podcast, which keeps him linked to both the cast and the franchise. This connection paves the way for his crucial cameo in NCIS – Tony & Ziva.