Michael Weatherly will clock out as Tony DiNozzo on "NCIS" in the season finale. Could his exit lead to the much-anticipated reunion of Tony and former partner, Ziva David?
It remains a possibility, but the reunion may have to take place off screen. There are "not currently" plans for Cote de Pablo to reprise her role as Ziva for Weatherly's final episode, CBS entertainment president Glenn Geller announced on Tuesday at the Television Critics Association winter press tour.
De Pablo was last seen at the beginning of season 11 when she fled home to Israel and Tony tracked her down. They parted ways on the tarmac for Tony's flight back to D.C., but not before sharing one last passionate kiss.
Weatherly made the decision to leave the CBS procedural after 13 seasons, one of the four original cast members remaining. He confirmed his exit via Twitter on Jan. 5.
"DiNozzo is a wonderful, quixotic character & I couldn't have had more fun playing him over the past 13 seasons," he tweeted. "Les Moonves & CBS gave me the opportunity of a lifetime. I will miss the amazing crew & cast, who are like family to me, & to the fans all over the world - THANK YOU, it's been a fantastic ride."
Many "NCIS" fans have clamored for de Pablo's return over the last two years. After reading an article on Weatherly's exit, even his own mother wanted to know if that meant a reunion for Tony and Ziva.
"Mom sent @nytimes #ncis article - she liked the picture. Then asked if I was going to leave with Ziva. Oh Mom," he tweeted on Jan. 6.
"NCIS" will return with a new episode on Tuesday, Jan. 19 at 8 p.m. on CBS.
