Tony DiNozzo and Ziva David's upcoming spinoff was secretly set up during NCIS season 21's Ducky tribute episode. In celebration of David McCallum's life and his immense contributions to NCIS as Dr. Donald Mallard, the long-running police procedural came up with a beautiful send-off to the beloved medical examiner-turned-organization historian. Special Agent Alden Parker and the rest of the active team reminisced on their personal favorite moments with Ducky all while solving his final case clearing the name of a dead marine. The episode was emotional, funny, and overall, well-executed, which was no less than what Ducky deserved.
As an original cast member of NCIS, Dr. Mallard was an institution not just for the main show but the overall franchise. Throughout his stint in the police procedural, he worked with all the team variations thus far. NCIS season 21, episode 2, "The Stories We Leave Behind" attempted to reference everyone who knew Ducky in the most time and cost-efficient way. While the initial plan was to bring as many characters together for his funeral, they resorted to flashbacks and references. Amid the busy outing, however, NCIS was still able to lay the groundwork for a new spinoff.
Ducky Tribute Episode Teased A New NCIS Office
NCIS received flowers from an unnamed outpost.
The Cast of NCIS for Ducky's tribute episode - NCIS received flowers from an unnamed outpost. - Ducky Tribute Episode Teased A New NCIS Office
Following Jimmy Palmer's shocking discovery of Ducky's passing during his sleep, news quickly spread about the beloved doctor's death. Despite mainly operating from the main office, the entire agency was deeply saddened by his loss, leading to numerous offices sending floral tributes. This gesture served as a nod to the interconnected nature of the NCIS universe, with magnolias from New Orleans, golden wattles from Sydney, plumerias from Hawai'i, roses from Los Angeles, and cherry blossoms from a mysterious "Far East office." The mention of this new office adds an intriguing twist to the story.
The "Far East office" could be a nod to a potential Japan-based NCIS show, given the country's famous sakura trees. However, cherry blossoms are also significant in Washington DC. Therefore, rather than indicating a new location, it serves as a tribute to the city where Ducky lived for many years. The "Far East office" may actually be a reference to a new outpost in Europe, which is geographically in that general direction. This is where the upcoming spinoff featuring Tony and Ziva will be set, aptly named NCIS: Europe.
In 2023, NCIS expanded internationally with the launch of its first series set in Sydney, titled NCIS: Sydney.
DiNozzo’s Brief Cameo Explains NCIS: Europe’s Premise
ZIva's absence makes sense, considering their situation in NCIS: Europe.
Michael Weatherly as DiNozzo and Brian Dietzen as Palmer in NCIS - ZIva's absence makes sense, considering their situation in NCIS: Europe. - DiNozzo’s Brief Cameo Explains NCIS: Europe’s Premise
Because of their decades-long friendship, there were hopes that Ducky's funeral would be the perfect opportunity to bring Leroy Jethro Gibbs back to the DMV from Naktok Bay, Alaska. Instead of Mark Harmon, however, NCIS season 21, episode 2 recruited Michael Weatherly's Tony instead for a brief cameo. His appearance came towards the very end of the outing and functioned as the final emotional support that Palmer needed to cope with his mentor's death. Tony's appearance may have been brief, but it managed to drop clues about NCIS: Europe, including why Ziva didn't join Tony for his Washington DC pitstop.
The official premise of NCIS: Europe reveals that Tony and Ziva will be on the run across the continent, without Ziva by his side, it was evident that their situation was dire. Despite Ziva's strong bond with Dr. Mallard, it was safer for only Tony to visit Ducky and pay his final respects, especially considering the danger they were in.
Will DiNozzo & Ziva Make A Cameo In The Main NCIS Show?
The main NCIS series can help launch its next international spinoff.
Cote de Pablo as Ziva and Michael Weatherly as DiNozzo in NCIS - The main NCIS series can help launch its next international spinoff. - Will DiNozzo & Ziva Make A Cameo In The Main NCIS Show?
Before the announcement of NCIS: Europe, Weatherly hinted at a reunion between Tony and Ziva. Surprisingly, a spinoff featuring them was already being developed. This development raises questions about whether they will also return to the main NCIS series. With most of their former team members no longer active, Gibbs' absence from Ducky's funeral hints at a potential comeback, especially since Tim McGee and Palmer are still part of the team. The original series could set the stage for a long-awaited reunion.
NCIS crossovers are not a new concept, and they add to the appeal of a growing universe. It's no surprise that fans enjoy seeing connections between different shows in the franchise. With the upcoming NCIS: Europe on Paramount+, there is a possibility for the parent show to play a role in its launch by bringing back Tony and Ziva. Their appearances could potentially serve as a backdoor pilot for their own series, and it's likely that the team, including McGee and Palmer, will be eager to assist the couple.
NCIS season 21 continues to air new episodes every Monday at 9pm ET on CBS.
Editor's P/S:
The article provides an intriguing glimpse into the potential upcoming spin-off of NCIS featuring Tony DiNozzo and Ziva David. The subtle hints woven into the Ducky tribute episode suggest that the new series will take place in Europe, with Tony and Ziva on the run. The absence of Ziva in Tony's brief cameo further adds to the mystery surrounding their current situation.
The possibility of a crossover between the main NCIS series and NCIS: Europe is an exciting prospect. It would allow fans to reconnect with beloved characters while introducing new storylines and perspectives. The return of Tony and Ziva to the original show could serve as a bridge between the two series, building anticipation for the spin-off while paying homage to the long-running franchise. I am eager to see how these developments unfold and how the NCIS universe continues to expand.
