Mark Harmon on Cote de Pablo's Exit: 'Up to Us to Stay No. 1'
Mark Harmon plays the boss on CBS' top-rated series "NCIS" and has finally broken his silence and shared his thoughts on Cote de Pablo's exit in the coming season. Harmon remains committed to the show and encouraged the remaining cast to work hard, even without a key player.
"We've had a lot of changes," Harmon said while appearing on "The Arsenio Hall Show," "and we've managed to get better with the changes both in front of the camera and behind the camera. We have another change this year, with Cote leaving and it's up to this highly professional group to use that as a springboard, to improve and stay No. 1 (in total viewers)."
De Pablo's exit has been some of the biggest news in the entertainment industry. She has appeared on "NCIS" for seven years, playing tough-as-nails agent Ziva David. Her exit is scheduled for the first two episodes of the upcoming season 11, and producers and writers have worked overtime to assure viewers they will be satisfied with David's exit.
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"Prepare yourselves for a moment in television history," showrunner Gary Glasberg said in a letter to fans. "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."
The "NCIS" cast has come together to offer their sadness at a loss of a colleague and friend but have also supported de Pablo's decision to leave, even chastising fans who appear to be disrespectful of her decision.
"I've had 8 great years with 'NCIS' and Ziva David," de Pablo said in a statement. "I have huge respect and affection for Mark, Gary, Michael, David, Rocky, Pauley, Brian, Sean, all of the team and CBS. I look forward to finishing Ziva's story."
The two-part season premiere of "NCIS" will air on Sept. 24 on CBS.
