CBS’ NCIS will have to do some real searching to replace loveable character Ziva, played by Cote de Pablo. According to reports production is currently in the midst of writing Pablo’s character out and on the hunt for her replacement.
Pablo announced her departure from the series last season. CBS CEO Les Moonves expressed that he did everything he possibly could to get Pablo to stay, but that she was simply ready to move on.
According to UPI, Ziva’s successor is expected to appear either in January or February.
Executive producer Gary Glasberg explains, “In the third episode we introduce, for instance, a woman in her 50s who is a few days away from retirement and just needs to fill the desk time.”
“She, in theory, knew Gibbs all the way back to the days of Mike Franks,” Glasberg continues. “So we’re going to bring in people like that and have some fun with different characters. And then, hopefully, when people are comfortable enough, one will walk in and be The One.”
UPI notes that “The One” will be a twenty-something female who goes by the name of Bishop. Bishop is noted as an attractive, intelligent and fierce individual who has just a little bit of awkwardness about her.
NCIS returns September 24.