As the shocking announcement of Cote de Pablo, a.k.a Ziva’s departure from the popular NCIS series came, talks of her replacement began. The new character will join the show in 2014.
Producers are bracing for what promises to be an emotional departure after nine seasons, de Pablo joined the show as special agent Ziva David in 2005.
Ziva’s successor is being cast in preparation for the milestone and some details have surfaced on what the show’s creators are looking for.
CBS is casting a new special agent from the Naval Criminal Investigative Service to replace her. Cote de Pablo will be leaving the series next season.
The first two episodes will focus on Ziva’s departure from the show, but before the actual replacement arrives, producers will rotate some ‘fun’ people to fill in.
Executive Producer Gary Galsberg says the for instance in the third episode the show introduces a woman in her 50s, who is on the verge of retirement and needs to fill the desk time. Funny.
“She, in theory, knew Gibbs all the way back to the days of Mike Franks. So we’re going to bring in people like that and have some fun with different characters,” Glasberg said. “And then, hopefully, when people are comfortable enough, one will walk in and be The One.”
“The One” who hasn’t been announced yet, will be in her twenties, and according to the official description is “bright, educated, athletic, attractive, fresh-faced, focused, and somewhat socially awkward.”
“She has a mysterious mixture of analytic brilliance, fierce determination, and idealism. She’s traveled extensively, but only feels comfortable at home.”
Cote de Pablo won an ALMA award for her performance in 2011.
Season 10 (2012-2013) of NCIS was the most watched television program in the US. The new season, which introduces Ziva’s replacement Bishop , will premiere on September 24 on CBS.