Tony’s NCIS Return Finally Gives Me a Reason to Watch the Tony & Ziva Spinoff

When NCIS: Tony & Ziva first premiered, I didn’t have Paramount+, and I wasn’t about to get yet another streaming platform just for one series.

By the time the streamer’s catalog sparked more interest for me, whether it was FROM (here in Canada) or Dutton Ranch, the primary issue was that it had already canceled the NCIS spinoff.

What’s the point in watching a series that was canceled after just one season when there was likely a cliffhanger?

Time is precious. I don’t just live in the NCIS world. Not only do I watch many other shows, but I also have a lot of books I love to devour.

If I’m going to spend time watching an already-canceled series, it needs to be worth my time. Fortunately, recent developments with NCIS Season 24 have made me change my mind.

With Tony DiNozzo coming back to the show, I now feel like watching the spinoff may be necessary.

There’s a Chance for Arcs to Wrap

I hate when shows are canceled abruptly. We spend all this time becoming invested in character development and arcs, only for everything to be left unfinished.

While I have no idea if NCIS: Tony & Ziva ended with a cliffhanger, I didn’t initially want to risk it.

Yet, DiNozzo’s return to NCIS Season 24 for a multi-episode arc gives me hope that, if there are arcs to wrap up, they can do so in the flagship series.

It doesn’t have to be a huge plot point, either. I’m more than happy with quick mentions of characters to wrap up storylines.

NCIS Season 22 Episode 18 showed how it could be done when LL Cool J’s Sam Hanna returned for one episode and brought the much-needed Hetty update after NCIS: Los Angeles‘ unsatisfying ending.

I trust the writers to pay attention to the universe canon because of that cameo, and it gives me hope there will be mentions in the Paramount+ series if needed.

Cote de Pablo hasn’t been confirmed for a return to NCIS just yet, and while I would love to see her, she’s not quite necessary for a quick round-up of storylines.

There’s One Thing Holding Me Back Still

Despite all this hope, there is one thing currently holding me back from diving into this series.

It’s concerning that something the NCISverse could do is retcon the entire show.

Because it was put on a streaming service rather than the broadcast network CBS, the writers could decide it isn’t officially part of the universe.

Personally, I think that this would be a dumb idea. Even those who haven’t watched it know that it exists.

We all know that the legacy of NCIS was honored throughout the 10-episode series, but that’s not stopped production companies in the past.

I know I’m not the only one who has refused to subscribe to another streaming service solely for one show before.

That’s why it was always shortsighted to put it on the streamer rather than the broadcast network where every single other NCIS show has aired.

After all, even NCIS: Sydney, which was originally intended only for streaming, made it to network television!

But because they opted to only stream Tony & Ziva on the streamer, there may be a fear that not enough people will know how the series ended or care enough to seek closure on the flagship show.

And if those people are like myself, then they understand my dilemma.

So, I’m holding back on watching just yet.

I want to get some confirmation that there will be real continuity between the two series.

I at least want to know that Tony & Ziva will remain canon.

Then I can live in hope of closure and finally take the plunge.

It’s like yelling into the void sometimes — so if you’re out there, holler back.
Does DiNozzo’s NCIS return change your mind about Tony & Ziva? If you have watched it, should I give it time, even if it could be retconned? Sound off in the comments!