'NCIS' Season 13 News, Spoilers: DiNozzo's Identity Stolen; Cote De Pablo to Appear in Michael Weatherly's Farewell Episode?
Veteran police procedural drama "NCIS" will begin to tell Special Agent Tony DiNozzo's (Michael Weatherly) exit story when it returns from its mini-hiatus on April 5.
While the last few episodes of CBS' popular action/drama series have left viewers wondering when they will get to see fan favorite Tony's story begin to wrap up, the synopsis for the next episode of "NCIS," titled "Charade," clearly indicates that the series will now begin to shine the spotlight on the original main character, and that his farewell storyline will be emphasized as the series heads into its series finale.
According to TVGuide's synopsis for "Charade," Tony will be the victim of identity theft and there will be multiple suspects behind the crime. It also appears that DiNozzo's identity will be used to blackmail several U.S. senators and that the agent will have to figure out how to reclaim his identity and escape being associated from the crimes committed by the fake DiNozzos.
Could this incident be what propels DiNozzo to leave NCIS?
In January, Weatherly confirmed that he will exit the series after 13 seasons. His announcement came just days after he was sentenced to three months of an alcohol program and three years' probation for his DUI arrest in November 2015.
At the time, CBS issued a statement saying that the actor will continue to work on projects with the network as part of a development deal inked between him and CBS.
With DiNozzo's exit just a few episodes away, fans have been eagerly anticipating news of whether or not the series will bring back Special Agent Ziva David (Cote de Pablo), with whom DiNozzo had had a long-simmering romance that culminated with a kiss during de Pablo's final episode in season 11.
In an interview with TVGuide, "NCIS" executive producer Gary Glasberg said of Weatherly's farewell episode:
"Everything that people want and think should be a part of these episodes, on-screen and off-, whether it's just story or background leading up to stuff ... everything will be touched upon, and the whole writing staff is really putting some time and effort into it."
"People can absolutely plan on lots of surprises and lots of emotion, and lots of twists and turns, ultimately leading us toward Tony's departure," he added.
As for whether or not de Pablo will re-emerge in the season finale, the "NCIS" boss teased, "I promise you that everything you're fishing for will be delivered in some form."
"NCIS" returns on Tuesday, April 5, on CBS.