In NCIS Season 2, the unexpected death of Kate Todd left the team shattered and a void that seemed impossible to fill. However, the arrival of Ziva David, played by Cote de Pablo, brought a new dynamic to Gibbs’s Major Case Response Team. Ziva, initially a Mossad liaison officer, quickly earned the team’s trust through her skills and determination.
The pivotal moment came when Ziva’s allegiance was tested during the confrontation with Ari Haswari, played by Rudolf Martin. Ari, who posed a significant threat to the team, was ultimately taken down by Ziva, solidifying her commitment to NCIS’s mission and values.
Rudolf Martin discussed these pivotal events on the Off Duty: An NCIS Rewatch podcast with hosts Michael Weatherly and Cote de Pablo, reflecting on the impact of his character’s arc in the “Kill Ari Part 2” episode.