A couple of Gary Glasberg interviews post Season Finale:
And if you’re not following the NCIS official Instagram account you can read his comments during the episode here:
“From the moment the season finale begins, we wanted to set up that family, in whatever shape it comes in, takes priority over everything else. ‘Family First’ is the title of the episode as well as the under current in every scene.” EP Gary Glasberg
“A loss like this would be devastating to the whole team, but this family of agents, first and foremost, wants to be there for Tony as he receives the heartbreaking news. Something you should all know…RJ Wagner came to us months ago and genuinely believed Senior should be with DiNozzo when the news comes in. As his father and his friend, Senior needed to be there to support his son. RJ said he wouldn’t miss this for the world. The entire guest cast really brought their “A game”. Everyone acknowledged we were making something special.” EP Gary Glasberg
“This scene was a powder keg for Michael. We could see it in his eyes from the moment he stepped on set. He prepared for this scene differently than anything we’d seen before. We could see it in his emotional state, the way he looked at Ziva’s desk, and his body language. Michael wanted to experiment and try some things and we were all for it. Every member of the crew witnessed a shift that day in the Tony character. DiNozzo’s world had officially been rocked. Tony wants answers and he refuses to believe Ziva is dead. Who can blame him? He wants proof. We wanted to make sure all those emotions and uncertainties and questions were properly presented. I’ve watched this scene a hundred times now. It’s NCIS at its emotional best.” – EP Gary Glasberg
“Okay, so here’s the big one, folks. First, let me thank you all for going on his journey with us. We imagine you’re feeling a broad range of emotions right now. For months the writers have been discussing with me (and Michael) what would motivate Tony DiNozzo to leave his NCIS family? It would have to be something so powerful no one would disagree. It couldn’t be another job. It couldn’t be about money. I even struggled with it being for another relationship. Hours…days…we sat in the writers room talking. Being a field agent is dangerous. And if you’re suddenly a single parent, do you continue to take that risk every day? Or does having a child change everything? Based on all of our research, talking to actual federal agents and law enforcement officers, it certainly does change things. And now Tony would do anything for that little girl. Anything. The real question is why didn’t Ziva tell him sooner? Because, like Orli says, Ziva always wanted Tony to live HIS life. You all know Ziva as a fiercely independent character. We truly believe she was planning to introduce him to his daughter when the time was right. Should that frustrate and anger Tony? Of course it should. But he also knew Ziva well enough to understand. And, at the end of the day, look what she’s given him. A new sense of purpose. A new chapter. A new beginning. A new love. We knew it would take something enormous to make Tony put down his badge. Tali is that very special something.” – EP Gary Glasberg
“For months Joe Spano and I have been talking about trying something new and different. When people experience a severe trauma that leaves them injured and in need of rehab, they face some mammoth hurdles in the future. Often, injured characters on TV instantly recover. Fornell will have a more realistic road ahead of him. Spano is excited. I’m excited. Watch him in season 14. He’s a truly gifted actor.” – NCIS EP Gary Glasberg
“Tony finding the photo of he and Ziva in the go bag and showing it to Tali is one of my favorite scenes in the episode. This is where all the puzzle pieces really fit together. This is where Tony realizes how much Ziva truly cared for him and that she wanted him to be in Tali’s life. It’s also where Tony acknowledges (off screen after this revelation) to join his team and confront Kort. Go back and watch this scene again. It really covers a wide range of story and emotion. And how about the little girls that play Tali? Aren’t they great? (That’s right, folks…twins.)” – NCIS EP Gary Glasberg
“This couldn’t just be about Tony taking down Kort. The whole team is invested. The whole team needed justice. Kort reaches for his gun and they respond. They respond decisively as a group…as a family. Words aren’t necessary after that. The damage is done. Justice is bittersweet.”- NCIS EP Gary Glasberg
“Everyone came to watch this scene be filmed. Watch Mark Harmon’s brilliant decision to start to head slap Tony and then cradle his head in a warm embrace instead. Thirteen years as friends and co-workers. Good stuff.” – NCIS EP Gary Glasberg
“Now Tony makes his way through a series of goodbyes. First, a raw and very real emotional moment with Abby. Then a respectful and professional DiNozzo leaves his gun and badge with Director Vance. Vance’s appreciative glance says volumes. Then a warm exchange with Palmer and Ducky summing up years of professionalism and friendship. Finally, a special goodbye with McGee and Bishop. A passing of the baton to Tim. Now McGee is the ‘Very Special Agent’. And Tony and Bishop had become true friends. Oh — and take a look in that box Tony is carrying. Lots of fun stuff in there from a photo of Kate to other assorted NCIS momentos. And, with that, Tony is off to be with Tali…his family. The next chapter for Anthony DiNozzo Jr.” – NCIS EP Gary Glasberg
Finally, we leave you with some thoughts to consider over the summer as everyone rests, recovers, and recharges. We are eager to show you what NCIS has in store for season fourteen. Heck, we’ve got some great stuff headed your way. And that’s the truth. But here’s what I’d like to say before I go. We have no intention of trying to replace Tony…we can’t. He was and always will be a huge part of this show. All we can do is move forward, evolve,and continue on this amazing journey for seasons to come. We truly hope you enjoyed our finale. That said, before I go, I urge everyone to go back and watch again. Really watch and listen. Hear what’s being said. Pay attention. Tony Dinozzo is at peace. And he and Tali are moving on, searching for answers and happiness, just like the team has to move on as well. In Gibbs’ basement, Gibbs and Tony agree on something very important, “You gotta do what you gotta do. And you gotta believe what you gotta believe.” Thanks for believing.” – NCIS EP Gary Glasberg
