Cote de Pablo’s sudden exit from NCIS back in 2013 left fans stunned and the series forever changed. Her character, Ziva David, had become one of the show’s most beloved figures, known for her sharp wit, emotional depth, and fiery chemistry with Michael Weatherly’s Tony DiNozzo. When she departed at the start of Season 11, the reason given was that the scripts simply didn’t give her character the respect and material she felt Ziva deserved, and she decided to step away rather than continue in a diminished role.

Her absence was deeply felt, both by fans and the characters onscreen. Ziva’s off-screen “death” became one of the show’s most heartbreaking storylines, especially with the lingering questions it left for Tony and their daughter, Tali. Viewers continued to hope for her return, but year after year, it seemed less and less likely that the actress would step back into the role.

Then, six years later, NCIS pulled off one of its most shocking surprises. In the closing moments of Season 16, Ziva walked into Gibbs’ basement, alive and very much a part of the story again. Her return reignited the spark of the series, giving fans a chance to see long-awaited closure between her, Gibbs, and eventually Tony. It was a full-circle moment that proved just how essential Cote de Pablo and her character have always been to NCIS.