After 12 years, NCIS is reintroducing Ziva David’s original, though brief, successor in Season 23. CBS’ leading procedural appears determined to recapture it’s former glory as the franchise flourishes with three spinoffs launching new episodes this year : NCIS – Origins, NCIS – Tony & Ziva, and NCIS – Sydney. In the meantime, the flagship series is going all out following the ratings decline of NCIS Season 22.
NCIS Season 23 Is Set To Welcome Back Roma Maffia In The Role of Vera Franks
As confirmed earlier, Mark Harmon is set to make a physical return as Leroy Jethro Gibbs in the NCIS – Origins segment of the special. There has been no announcement regarding whether the actor will also feature in the main series, but Roma Maffia will reprise her role as Old Vera Strickland.
Although she is primarily recognized as Mike Franks’ final partner, she effectively served as MCRT’s temporary substitute for Ziva David. Roma Maffia made her debut in NCIS Season 11 Episode 3, titled Under the Radar — marking the first episode following Cote de Pablo’s official departure from the series.
The team was still grappling with Ziva’s absence when Vera came on board for her last month of active duty. Although most of her time was not showcased on screen, it provided the team with the opportunity to prepare for the introduction of Ellie Bishop, who appeared in NCIS Season 11 Episode 9.
Currently, expanding Vera’s character is the responsibility of NCIS – Origins, and it would certainly be beneficial if this led to more screen time for her. Moreover, her reappearance in the main series could not only connect the two shows but also uncover fresh insights regarding the future of certain members of Franks’ team.
Will Cote De Pablo Make A Comeback To Main NCIS Despite Paramount+’s Tony & Ziva ?
Regarding Cote de Pablo, she has just completed NCIS – Tony & Ziva on Paramount+ alongside Michael Weatherly. This spinoff finally fulfills the romantic storyline between the two, as they embark on a new life in Paris with their daughter, Tali.
NCIS – Tony & Ziva concluded with a joyful farewell for the characters, and even if it doesn’t lead to a sequel, it places them in a far more favorable position than NCIS ever managed. Nevertheless, there remains a glimmer of hope that she will eventually return to MCRT, this time alongside Tony.
Both de Pablo and Weatherly have returned to NCIS, though separately. Given their ongoing connections to their previous agency, and the fact that their wedding has not yet taken place, the possibility for Ziva’s return to Washington DC is still alive.
The timing of this event in NCIS is unclear, but if and when it occurs, we can only hope that Harmon’s Gibbs will be present as well.