NCIS: Tony & Ziva Review: TV’s Best Slow-Burn Couple Is Back, But It Isn’t The Same Anymore

After almost a decade, Michael Weatherly and Cote de Pablo are back in NCIS: Tony & Ziva, which offers a balance of old and new. The NCIS franchise has changed in the last several years, with various spinoffs either starting or ending. While offshoots are nothing new in the franchise, it recently embarked on more creative ways to evolve the world.

Sometimes, however, tapping into what’s tried and tested is a way to go, especially as NCIS struggles to maintain its popularity. That’s what NCIS: Origins is doing — a prequel about Leroy Jethro Gibbs before becoming MCRT’s lead. A year later, the franchise is continuing the trend with NCIS: Tony & Ziva, which marks on-screen reunion for the universe’s original romantic couple.

NCIS: Tony & Ziva‘s story sees Weatherly and de Pablo’s characters in the present time, as they co-parent to Tali in Paris. Their lives are rocked by a mysterious incident in Tony’s security firm that puts their lives, including their daughter’s, in danger. Admittedly, NCIS: Tony & Ziva is different from the franchise’s usual offerings — and that’s generally a good thing.

NCIS: Tony & Ziva Capitalizes On Michael Weatherly and Cote de Pablo’s Chemistry

Image via Paramount+

Much has been said about Tony and Ziva’s story in NCIS, and just like every effective pairing, their appeal boils down to the impeccable chemistry between Weatherly and de Pablo. This is something that NCIS: Tony & Ziva fully capitalizes on.

Granted that it’s a given that a show about them will be about them, I am pleasantly surprised that NCIS: Tony & Ziva doesn’t waste any time to force them together. Kicking off the spinoff with the pair being split up is disappointing, but by the time the story gets going, I finally understand the reasoning behind it.

By separating them, NCIS: Tony & Ziva is tapping into the same push and pull dynamic that the couple is very much known for. While the bickering and petty back-and-forths aren’t as effective anymore, because I feel like both should have grown past it, there’s no denying that Weatherly and de Pablo can still bring up the romantic tension.

Unexpectedly, it’s the quieter, more mature moments that I gravitate towards in NCIS: Tony & Ziva. Weatherly, in particular, has been impressive when it comes to more dramatic scenes. Although he’s able to maintain Tony’s sass and boyish humor, the actor is also able to effectively convey how much he’s grown since leaving MCRT to take care of Tali.

NCIS: Tony & Ziva’s Separation From The Flagship Has Its Pros And Cons

Image via Paramount+

The Paramount+ series justified its connection to the CBS institution by changing the meaning of the NCIS acronym. A few times, NCIS: Tony & Ziva also subtly explains why it doesn’t lean into the pair’s history with the people over at Navy Yard. So far, the offshoot is able to get away with this.

However, it would be better for the series and the NCIS franchise in general if it taps into nostalgia a little bit more as it goes on. NCIS: Tony & Ziva still has 7 episodes left — plenty of time to set up any of the clamored cameos from MCRT. Timothy McGee gets a name-drop, but seeing him with him actually be involved will be better.

Sadly, I don’t think that Mark Harmon will show up. So for now, Leroy Jethro Gibbs’ secret NCIS: Tony & Ziva role should suffice. Beyond him, however, the series has several other familiar NCIS characters that can pop up to help Tony & Ziva, especially if Tali’s life is on the line.

Ultimately, NCIS: Tony & Ziva is off to a good start. It has a compelling premise, which makes it much easier for viewers to be once again invested in its lead stars. However, it also needs to realize that they can’t keep this will-they/won’t-they dynamic much longer if it’s only rooted in a string of misunderstandings.

Tony and Ziva have both grown — both as a pair, now as parents, and individuals. NCIS: Tony & Ziva should justify their decision to be separated despite clearly being still in love with each other. After that, it should finally deliver a payoff that is years in the making.