Actors have left NCIS on several occasions during the course of its 20 seasons and numerous spinoffs. However, supporters were affected by Cote de Pablo’s departure and return.
Although Cote de Pablo’s exit from NCIS was never fully explained, she was able to return to the show in Season 17 as Ziva.
While some fans were worried about the newcomer, Cote De Pablo’s appearance as Special Agent Ziva David in season three of NCIS thrilled them.
Nevertheless, the actress, of Chilean and American descent, proved popular and remained on the show for over eight years.
Thus, it made sense that when she abruptly abandoned the ship in 2013, everyone was perplexed and unsure of what had transpired.
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Ziva David Absence from NCIS Explained
In 2013, Cote De Pablo abruptly left the programme. “They intended to return [Ziva] to Israel and turn her into a wretched, sad lady. It wasn’t fair. I told them I wouldn’t return until someone could create something truly amazing for Ziva.”
David McCallum, her co-star, expressed his displeasure with Cotes’ approach to Digital Spy. “The idea that someone would simply leave us filled us with annoyance and rage.
I don’t understand how a leading lady who is part of global production and who purports to desire to be an actress walks away from such a great opportunity and simply disappears a few days before production begins.”
The actress claims that leaving the show was her only option. Although Cote waited to explain her choice, she talked about it in 2016 and stated that she wasn’t happy with their ideas for her character.
“Unfortunately, I chose not to [return to NCIS] because of political things and scripts not being good enough,” she said.
“I adore this character, you know! I spent eight years creating Ziva, and at some point, I felt that she wasn’t receiving the respect she needed.
Although they stated that ending her tenure on NCIS was “her decision,” CBS officials insisted they didn’t want to see her depart.
Cote did, however, return to the programme in seasons 16 and 17, despite her initial claim, although she later clarified that her comment wasn’t entirely accurate.
Regarding her earlier statement, Cote stated in a 2019 USA Today article about the character’s brief comeback to the show:
“I think that was taken out of context at a certain point, and people start writing that to justify the idea of leaving.”It’s not that I left. I was tired, ready, or wanting to go. I had no choice.”
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References
- https://www.hellomagazine.com/film/20230303165829/ncis-cote-de-pablo-real-reason-why-she-left-show-revealed/
- https://screenrant.com/why-cote-de-pablo-left-ncis-return-explained-ziva-david/#:~:text=Cote%20De%20Pablo%20Left%20NCIS%20After%20Becoming%20Dissatisfied%20With%20Her,facilitating%20fair%20representation%20in%20media.
- https://www.cbr.com/ncis-cote-de-pablo-ziva-departure/