I’m Glad NCIS: Tony & Ziva Will Revive This Almost Forgotten Franchise Trope
SUMMARY
- NCIS: Tony & Ziva brings back vital franchise elements for more profound character development.
- The spinoff includes a therapist character to help Tony, Ziva, and Tali navigate complex family dynamics.
- Introduction of a mental health professional in the cast signifies NCIS franchise taking accountability.
I’m glad NCIS: Tony & Ziva will revive a franchise trope that NCIS has forgotten about. The flagship series neglected a vital element in season 21, possibly because it was shortened due to the writer’s strikes, but I’d say that’s all the more reason to include it. I’m excited to see the flagship return in the fall with NCIS season 22, but I’m even more excited to see what Tony & Ziva will bring to the table when it premieres. The official casting update divulges many details about what to expect from the series.
The series will return original Major Case Response Team members Ziva David and Anthony DiNozzo to the NCIS franchise in a spinoff series that centers on the former agents. NCIS: Tony & Ziva will focus on the titular characters as they are on the run across Europe, and the series will introduce many exciting firsts to the franchise. That said, I’m excited that they’re returning some elements that the flagship has included before, especially ones that offer the potential for more profound character development.
The Cast Of NCIS: Tony & Ziva Will Include A Therapist As A Series Regular
The Tony And Ziva Spinoff Cast Terence Maynard As Dr. Lang
The official Tony and Ziva casting announcement has been released, and many previously unknown details about the series have been revealed. I’m most pleased that the series will include a therapist as a regular character because the characters will need one to have significant conversations involving their unconventional start as a family. Specifically, the NCIS: Tony & Ziva cast includes Terence Maynard as Dr. Lang. The character is described as: “A deeply experienced therapist, gentle and probing,” who “treats patients with severe trauma and helps them find comfort and agency.” (via Deadline)
My initial take is that the therapist will help Tony, Ziva, and Tali establish trust. No character role is more fitting for the job. While it may only make a subtle difference in the narrative, I believe it’s a vital detail that differentiates the spinoff from any other NCIS series. While most include a medical examiner or forensic scientist to investigate dead bodies in NCIS, NCIS: Tony & Ziva will feature a doctor who can help people while they are alive.
How The Cast Update Revives A Potentially Forgotten NCIS Franchise Trope
Laura San Giacomo Portrayed Dr. Grace Confalone In NCIS
The casting decision officially revives a franchise trope that has been lacking. While the NCIS cast does include a therapist as a recurring character, she did not appear in NCIS season 21. Laura San Giacomo portrays Dr. Grace Confalone, a mental health professional, in the original NCIS series. The therapist appears in 12 episodes between NCIS seasons 13 and 20. She is not a retired character and could appear in NCIS again, but there’s no guarantee she will return. That said, I hope Laura San Giacomo does return as Dr. Grace Confalone in NCIS season 22.
Dr. Confalone occasionally appears to counsel members of the MCRT, like in season 19, episode 18, “Last Dance,” when Agent Nick Torres faces his relationship with alcohol in a session with the doctor head-on. Besides supporting the cast amid moments of grief or processing a case, Dr. Confalone also fulfills a necessary function: completing mandatory psychological evaluations for the MCRT. I hope she will return in season 22 since it will feature more episodes and that Dr. Lang lives up to Dr. Confalone.