To every end there's a new beginning. At time it can be hard to identify the glimmer of hope on the horizon, but it's ever present. In the wake of Cote de Pablo's heartbreaking departure from "NCIS," fans are still searching for that sparkle. Someone has to fill the void. They're mighty shoes to fill, but someone must rise to the occasion. There have been a handful of rumors as to how the role will be fulfilled, however, they lack any real credibility.
In a recent interview, Gary Glasberg said that it's going to take some time for the show finds a new full-time agent to fill the Ziva void. In the meantime, however, "NCIS" will "rotate some fun people" in and out of the agency.
"The first two episodes are all about Ziva's departure," Glasberg said. "And then in the third episode we introduce, for instance, a woman in her 50s who is a few days away from retirement and just needs to fill the desk time. She, in theory, knew Gibbs all the way back to the days of Mike Franks. So we're going to bring in people like that and have some fun with the different characters. And then, hopefully, when people are comfortable enough, one will walk in the be The One."
And now it looks like that one may have walked in. According to TVLine, Leslie Hope, from "24," has landed a guest-starring role in the upcoming season of "NCIS." She will play Sarah Porter, a high-level Navy official, in the second episode, titled "Past, Present, Future."
Although a guest role doesn't hint at a Ziva replacement, Glasberg hinted that her role "is one that has tremendous importance in the 'NCIS' world. I can't think of anyone I'd rather have joining us at this pivotal time than Leslie. We're thrilled to have her."
It's all speculation, but based on Ziva's official goodbye and Hope's arrival in the second episode, along with the high praises and enthusiasm expressed by Glasberg, it's very possible that Hope could be sticking around a while long. We'll just have to wait and see.
"NCIS" returns to CBS September 24.
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