As many fans are preparing themselves for the start of Ziva’s farewell episodes, "NCIS" has already found her replacement, so to speak.
TVLine reported Tuesday that Emily Wickersham (“The Sopranos”, “Gone”) will play the role of Bishop.
As of right now her deal is only for three episodes as CBS is attempting to see if she gels with the show. Her deal also includes an option to become a series regular, meaning that if all goes well Wickersham’s character will become a more permanent part of Gibbs’ team.
Showrunner Gary Glassberg describes Bishop as “bright, educated, athletic, attractive, fresh-faced, focused and somewhat socially awkward. She has a mysterious mixture of analytic brilliance, fierce determination and idealism.”
“She’s traveled extensively, but only feels comfortable at home.”
Wickersham is most known for playing Rhiannon (A.J’s Girlfriend) on “The Sopranos”. Most recently, she appeared in a recurring role on “The Bridge” as Kate Millwright, Charlotte’s (Annabeth Gish), step daughter.
If the role of Bishop works out well, this will be the third female member of Gibbs’ team since “NCIS” premiered in 2002.
Unlike Sasha Alexander’s character Kate, the executive producers have decided not to kill off Ziva.
“It’s not what this character deserves,” Glasberg said according to TVLine. “Also, [we killed off] Sasha Alexander’s Kate character [back in Season 2] and I like the idea of doing this one a little different and respecting who [Ziva] is.”
Fans will have to tune into the first two episodes of Season 11 to see how Ziva’s story ends.
Ziva’s Fairwell will air from Sept. 24 to Oct. 1, 8/7c on CBS.
