Tony and Ziva’s chemistry and working relationship significantly developed throughout their time on NCIS, setting the stage for their anticipated spinoff. Key episodes like “Kill Ari,” “Under Covers,” and “Boxed In” showcase the progression of their relationship, while Ziva’s reappearances and departures in later seasons pave the way for future developments in the new series.
Several standout NCIS episodes highlight why Tony and Ziva deserve their own spinoff. Cote de Pablo and Michael Weatherly will reprise their roles as the special agents, leading the Tony & Ziva cast. As core members of some of the most significant Major Case Response Team (MCRT) iterations, there are plenty of episodes to revisit in anticipation of their new adventures.
Tony and Ziva worked closely with other core MCRT members during their shared time at NCIS, including Leroy Jethro Gibbs (Mark Harmon), Jennifer Shepard (Lauren Holly), Timothy McGee (Sean Murray), Abby Sciuto (Pauley Perrette), Dr. Mallard (David McCallum), Dr. Jimmy Palmer (Brian Dietzen), Leon Vance (Rocky Carroll), Eleanor Bishop (Emily Wickersham), and other NCIS cast members, many of whom are still part of the original series. Their shared experiences with the NCIS cast will set up Tony and Ziva’s story in the upcoming spinoff.
“Kill Ari” Parts 1 & 2 are essential episodes when revisiting Tony and Ziva’s timeline. The first and second episodes of season 3 introduce Ziva, who gains Gibbs’ trust by shooting and killing her half-brother, Ari Haswari (Rudolf Martin), to protect Gibbs. “Kill Ari Part I” marks the beginning of Ziva’s character arc and the start of Tony and Ziva’s professional relationship and chemistry. These episodes establish Ziva as a confident, skilled Mossad agent comfortable in her sexuality.
“Under Covers” is quintessential Tony and Ziva. After the bodies of a murdered assassin and his wife end up at NCIS, Tony and Ziva go undercover as the married couple to uncover who hired them. They find out the victims had reservations at a hotel where a Marine Corps ball is scheduled. The agents take the reservation and fully embrace their undercover roles, putting on a convincing romantic performance. The chemistry between Tony and Ziva in this episode is regarded by many as a pivotal element of their relationship.
“Boxed In” is a significant development episode for both Tony and Ziva’s characters and their relationship as agents and friends. While searching for a container with illegal weapons, the pair get locked in a container together after coming under fire. Trapped together, their chemistry becomes undeniable, and they get to know each other better, laying the groundwork for their future romance.
“Judgement Day” features notable banter between Tony and Ziva, signaling their developing chemistry. The episode is also pivotal for the team, with the murder of NCIS Director Jenny Shepard. Tony and Ziva are protecting Shepard in Los Angeles, but she ultimately dies because she refuses their help and is caught momentarily alone in a diner. This two-parter develops Tony and Ziva’s working relationship outside the D.C. office.
In “Semper Fidelis,” Tony and Ziva’s relationship takes a more serious turn. Tony meets Mossad agent Michael Rivkin (Merik Tadros) and discovers that Michael and Ziva have been seeing each other. The situation escalates, culminating in Tony killing Michael during an attempted arrest. Ziva arrives at her apartment just in time to hear the gunshots. This episode significantly impacts their relationship, leaving its future status uncertain.
These episodes exemplify the rich dynamics between Tony and Ziva, making their spinoff a highly anticipated extension of their story.
