‘NCIS: Tony & Ziva’ brings back two fan favorites, whose chemistry and romance remain

by

NCIS: Tony & Ziva” debuts on Paramount+ this Thursday, featuring the return of beloved characters Tony DiNozzo and Ziva David from “NCIS,” a CBS military series. Michael Weatherly and Cote de Pablo reprise their roles as these special agents who sparked the imagination of viewers to such an extent that their names were combined into “Tiva.” You can find numerous pieces of Tiva-themed fan fiction online. After a long history of romantic uncertainty, they became a couple and now have a 12-year-old daughter named Tali (Isla Gie). They are currently co-parenting her amicably.

As a cinephile who’s occasionally dipped into this expansive franchise over the years, I can’t claim to be an expert on the intricacies of its 22-season run (with another season on the way!), especially considering the ever-evolving cast. However, I tip my hat to the enduring appeal and longevity of this series, which began as a spinoff from “JAG” and has become one of America’s most viewed shows. In honor of your lasting bond, I salute your long-lasting union.

Simultaneously, once you grasp the fundamental concept of the series – it’s an elite military police procedural – navigating through different episodes becomes quite straightforward. The characters might be heroic or quirky, but they fit into recognizable archetypes with enough unique personality traits to endear them over a prolonged period. You quickly get a sense of their interpersonal dynamics as well.

Compared to previous “NCIS” series that aired on broadcast television, the new spin-off “Tony & Ziva,” available exclusively on Paramount+, features occasional adult language and carries a more mature tone, although it’s not particularly explicit. This platform allows for a larger budget, enabling exotic locations, expansive action sequences, and an overall serialized storyline that spans 10 episodes, unlike the earlier shows which were primarily episodic. The first four out of ten episodes have been reviewed, leaving six more to determine if this serial narrative will reach its limits or prove engaging throughout.

The duo of a charming scoundrel and a straightforward woman, as seen in “Moonlighting” and “Castle”, has a familiar ring. The title’s use of an ampersand instead of ‘and’ suggests a playful tone, and when Tony talks about his company, he says they aim to balance techno-thriller and workplace comedy – a description that perfectly sums up the show he’s in. Humor is a key element in many team-based procedurals, and it’s undoubtedly one of the reasons why “NCIS” has endured for so long.

As a follower, I find it refreshing to note that the American brand, which had a tarnished image globally and domestically during the Vietnam era, seems to have improved significantly. It’s quite fortunate, then, that in shows like “NCIS,” the presumed villains aren’t typical anti-American terrorists. Instead, they are more akin to Bond-type characters, stateless actors who are merely driven by power and wealth.

Furthermore, the series, which previously took place in Washington D.C., Los Angeles, New Orleans, Hawaii, Sydney, and, most recently, in the prequel “NCIS: Origins” set in Oceanside, California, is now situated in Paris. Here, having retired from active duty, Ziva manages a luxurious language school, while Tony operates an upscale security firm. Notably, one of his clients is Interpol, adding to the series’ European flair. Besides enjoying croissants and café au lait, our protagonists are free from expressing nationalistic sentiments about a nation they no longer call home. This setup seems very fitting for 2025.

The central mystery in the series revolves around a powerful, seemingly omnipotent magical USB drive. Ownership of this artifact causes tension for both the heroes and the villains, as it frequently changes hands. When wicked forces utilize it to falsely accuse Tony of blackmailing a hospital and threaten Tali’s life, Tony and Ziva are once again thrust into a dangerous world of chases, fights, fast driving, and violent confrontations. As Ziva disarms a thug putting her daughter in danger, Tony remarks with admiration, “Two words – protective instinct.

Primarily, it propels the duo on a joint journey across various countries – initially depicted in the initial episodes in France, Italy, Switzerland, and Hungary – placing them consistently in close proximity. This prolonged interaction rekindles dormant affectionate sentiments and raises the question of co-habitation, reminiscent of “The 39 Steps,” a classic romantic tale about innocents on the run.

In simpler terms, Ziva, who previously worked as an assassin for Israel’s secret service, now has a collection of weapons and multiple secure hideouts. Tony remarks, “By the way, have I ever told you how much I admire your caution?” This suggests that she maintains her former skills and equipment, including their old NCIS badges, which they use to impress security personnel.

On their journey, they encounter Boris (Maximilian Osinski), a Russian hacker who created the crucial item, and his lively fiancee Fruzsi (Anne-Marie Waldeck). Boris and Fruzsi add humor to the storyline and portray a harmonious romantic relationship that contrasts with our uncertain protagonists. The group is also joined by Tali’s competent nanny, Sophie (Lara Rossi), and Tony’s tech expert, Claudette (Amita Suman). Given Tony’s friendship with Tali and Henry being her godfather, Interpol executive Henry (James D’Arcy) appears to be a character who might eventually prove villainous, although this remains uncertain. There are no further details about Martine (Nassima Benchicou), except that she plays the role of a very convincing antagonist skillfully.

John McNamara (‘The Magicians’) conceived ‘Tony & Ziva’, a spin-off that exists outside the ‘NCIS’ universe. While it may stretch the limits of credulity for some viewers or those expecting a more nuanced narrative, it doesn’t deviate much from other action-oriented scripts. The series gleefully indulges in familiar genre elements like high-speed marketplace chases and battles against seemingly invincible burly adversaries, rather than shying away.

The reason this show is captivating lies in the on-screen pairing of Weatherly and De Pablo, two charismatic individuals in their mature years who exude an undeniable chemistry. He possesses an uncanny ability to remain unruffled, yet remains relatable as just an ordinary guy. She, on the other hand, is a mix of melancholy and intensity that warns against underestimation. Both have seen their fair share of life, giving them a weathered charm that adds depth to their interactions. When they meet, it creates something genuinely heartwarming, as authentic as the rest of the series’ implausible elements. It’s no wonder there’s so much fan-made fiction dedicated to their characters.

Read More

2025-09-04 21:31