Cote De Pablo’s ‘NCIS’ Exit Just ‘Another Change,’ Says Mark Harmon

NCIS star Mark Harmon claims that Cote de Pablo’s exit and the consequent writing out of her popular character Ziva David is just another change that will be folded into the NCIS narrative.

"We've had a lot of changes," he said on The Arsenio Hall Show. We've managed to get better with the changes both in front of the camera and behind the camera. It's up to this highly professional group to use that as a springboard to get better, and to improve and to stay No. 1."

Since de Pablo announced her plans to leave NCIS in July, fans of the show have been wondering how the CBS procedural drama would adapt. Producers, likewise, were scrambling to fill the gaping hole that de Pablo and Ziva would leave behind. Executive producer Gary Glasberg posted an open letter on Twitter last week to ease fans’ concerns and offer a glimpse of what’s in store.

"The amazing resolution you're going to see is pretty damn heart-wrenching and we're incredibly proud of it," Glasberg wrote, referring to Ziva’s departure. "Prepare yourselves for a moment in television history. Images that will end up in the archives. I couldn't be happier with how my NCIS family stepped up and did some of the most emotional work we've ever done."

Glasberg went on to give a preview of what the series’ other characters would be up to when NCIS premieres its 11th season next week. Tony will be in Baltimore, Vance will be stronger than ever, Abby is hard at work on another unsolvable mystery and Gibbs will get some time with his father. Glasberg didn’t mention, though, what’s in the cards for the Ziva character’s informal replacement Bishop, described as a socially awkward twentysomething in a casting call.

NCIS will premiere Tuesday, Sept. 24 on CBS at 8/7c and begin the two-part episode resolution of Ziva’s storyline.

– Chelsea Regan

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For More 'NCIS' News:

_{Cote De Pablo’s 'NCIS' Character Ziva David Will Get An ‘Amazing Resolution,’ Says Producer}

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_{Cote De Pablo’s 'NCIS' Exit A Surprise To Costars}

_{Cote De Pablo Was Determined To Leave ‘NCIS’}

_{Cote de Pablo Announces Departure From NCIS Next Season}