WARNING: This article contains spoilers for NCIS season 17 that may influence your enjoyment in discovering the plotlines. Read at your own risk.
Cote De Pablo's return as Ziva David in NCIS season 17 has been extended. Originally invited back to do two episodes only, the actress is going to be in the series for about four episodes more.
According to NCIS season 17 executive producer and co-showrunner Frank Cardea, Ziva will appear in the first few episodes, as well as some time in the late fall or early winter run, per Parade. The writers had so much plot to unveil with the return of this show's beloved character, and it ties to the very fabric of the series.
"It's something that has been part of the fabric of the show, her character and the introduction of her character from the very beginning," Cardea said. "So, we're playing with the DNA of Ziva David in terms of this jeopardy," he added. "This isn't some newly created arch-nemesis conspiracy theory or conspiracy that she's tried to get out from beneath. This will tie into the lore and history of the show."
That "jeopardy" the executive producer was talking about in NCIS season 17 is not connected to a Canadian drug boss, though. According to TV Line, there's a looming threat that ties Ziva and Gibbs (played by Mark Harmon) that's why she was forced to out herself after five years when everyone thought she had died.
Meanwhile, NCIS season 17 co-showrunner Steve Binder also shared that they had planned on bringing De Pablo back for two months. But only after she agreed to return that they set up the storyline that would lead them to this premiere episode.
De Pablo was convinced to say yes when she had a strong plot to work on for her character. One of the reasons the actress left the series, which she was part of for eight seasons, was because she was no longer satisfied with her character's direction. Before leaving NCIS back then, De Pablo said that she could reprise her role if there was a strong story for Ziva.
During the meeting with the actress, Harmon was also present to discuss the story arc. De Pablo loved the idea so much so she said yes to "reviving" her character in NCIS season 17.
NCIS season 17 will premiere on CBS on Tuesday, Sept. 24, at 8:00 p.m.
