Ziva David Says Shalom: Did Her ‘NCIS’ Farewell Hit the Mark? [SPOILERS]

Just moments ago not only did Cote de Pablo make her final -- for now -- appearance on ‘NCIS,’ but she also said goodbye to her character, Ziva David, her fabulous cast and her TV relationship with Michael Weatherly.

For months, I’ve been dreading this moment. Funnily enough, when Ziva made her first appearance on the show, I was not a fan. Actually, I disliked her very much. I didn’t understand why the show was adding this Mossad liaison character to a team, who after two seasons, had been through a heart-wrenching ordeal: Kate’s death (who, admittedly, I didn’t care for either). What was this Ziva person going to add to a show where Gibbs, Tony, McGee, Ducky and Abby could handle everything by themselves?

Then, magically, and out of nowhere, she stole my heart and became one of my favorite characters. From her idiomatic blunders to her badass cop skills to her chemistry with Tony, Ziva burrowed her way into my top TV character list. We saw Ziva grow from this plain-Jane Mossad agent into an even more experienced, refined and tough as nails NCIS agent, and to hear she would not continue with the show put a dagger through my heart. As upset as fans are, this also affected the ‘NCIS’ stars, especially Weatherly. A few days ago he tweeted, “Hi. This is the moment where I get a little emotional-2 days until the episode-I haven't been this out of sorts since season 3. EPIC.” It’s nice to know we ‘NCIS’ fans aren’t alone, and Ziva/Cote will be missed by her co-workers too.

For eight seasons, de Pablo transformed Ziva into one of the most beloved characters (for some) on television. She will always hold a special place in my heart, and I refuse to believe that she won’t return, especially when the series ends (whenever that may be), to wrap up Ziva and Tony’s storyline.

So, let’s get to her final farewell. Just how did Ziva say goodbye? For those who have yet to view the episode, titled “Past, Present, and Future,” spoilers are ahead.

Tony travels to find/protect/be with Ziva in Israel. After months, he finds her, but doesn’t disclose this or her location to Gibbs and McGee. Without getting bogged down with too many details, Ziva decided it was time for her to move on and put her past behind her. Tony tried hard to get Ziva to come home with him, and it’s pretty heartbreaking to see Tony with tear-filled eyes beg Ziva by softly uttering, “I know it’s hard, and I know you want to change. I can change with you.” He then added, while their foreheads rested against each other, “I’m fighting for you, Ziva.”

Sadly, but expectedly, Ziva took Tony to the airport, where she declared, “Tony, you are so...loved.” Then, finally, Tiva kissed. It wasn’t a simple farewell kiss, but it was a passionate “I care about you and love you” kiss that Tiva fans have been waiting eight seasons for.

It’s only fitting that Ziva’s last scene was with Tony; after all, that’s how her ‘NCIS’ arc began.

Despite Ziva not appearing in the Season 11 premiere, these Tiva moments made up for that loss. The passion, the heart, the love and the emotion felt in each moment was everything I could have hoped for and more.

Oh, and don’t worry, at the very end Ziva did call Gibbs, who was visibly upset to lose one of his favorite agents.

I have to agree with Tony and say that episode was “the hardest 180 of my life.”