NCIS Boss Details Michael Weatherly's Return And Tony DiNozzo's New Dynamics
Michael Weatherly is officially back on NCIS this fall, reprising his role as Tony DiNozzo for a full season arc, per TVLine. Showrunner Steven D. Binder told the outlet that conversations about a return started around the show's 500th episode, and things moved quickly once Weatherly expressed interest.
So what brings Tony back to DC? Binder explained that Tony's daughter Tali is now at a US boarding school, prompting him to open a DC satellite office for his private security firm, Salus Mondiale. This brings him into NCIS's orbit. He'll be working out of a comically bad temporary office space dubbed the Arnold T. Gustafson Commerce Suites. Ziva and Tali won't appear, with Binder noting Ziva is doing 'a little helicopter parenting' near the school.
The showrunner broke down how Tony fits with the current team. He sees Torres as a potential 'new him,' while his dynamic with Parker is initially awkward, like 'two people on a first date.' His relationship with Jess Knight is described as 'interesting' and fun, with none of his old playboy antics.
Tony's history with McGee and Palmer runs deep. Binder said Tony and McGee have kept in touch and will relate as fellow parents and adults. Tony will also crash at Palmer's place, leading to some Odd Couple style friction. Kasie, the lab's current occupant, is an enigma to him as he looks for her quirky 'thing.'
