“You hold my hair and you hold my head”: This is the cutest couple on NCIS, and 20 years ago this scene left a beautiful memory for Cote de Pablo

Even nearly two decades after their collaboration on NCIS, the chemistry between Michael Weatherly and Cote de Pablo continues to captivate fans. Close friends in real life, the two actors played one of the show’s most iconic duos: Tony DiNozzo and Ziva David, whose relationship, both electrifying and romantically tense, left its mark — so much so that it returned to its own series, NCIS: Tony & Ziva.

Coming together for their podcast, “Off Duty: An NCIS Rewatch,” the two actors revisited highlights from their experience on the original series. in one of the episodes Pablo’s rating He spoke with emotion about a very specific scene: their first love scene on screen, a shoot that made him very uncomfortable, but in the end he keeps pleasant memories thanks to his attentive attitude. Michael Weatherly.

An intimate scene under tension

During the 3rd season NCISZiva and Tony were to play the role of a couple within the mission. A situation that prompts them to simulate a romantic relationship, to a suggestive scene where they have to kiss and pretend to be intimate. for that Pablo’s ratingStill relatively new to the set then, managing the experience was not easy.

But Michael WeatherlyAware of the embarrassment it could cause, he knew how to get the perfect attitude. The actor remembers a trivial but revealing detail: the actor smelled good.

“Well, I just remember this particular moment when you got to the set and then you were so nervous about how you would feel. I remember it because it was very cute. I remember thinking, “Oh my God, he really cares.” And you said, oh, are you okay? Is this deodorant good?’. And I said, “Oh my God!” I loved you because we were going to do these very intimate scenes… and you were very thoughtful and I said, “Did you like this deodorant?” You were very candid about the intimacy of these two characters… and I remember thinking, “Michael, you still smell good, that’s not the problem.”“

Amazing kindness

That’s not all. During this scene, Weatherly instinctively cared for her playing partner in a careful but meaningful way.

“You did something really good, you grabbed my hair and held my head and lifted it up a little so I could be at a good angle and look good.“, he recalled.I remember thinking, “What is he doing?” Because I wasn’t used to it. I’ve been doing things in theater or something where you don’t really think about those things. Like the weight, the angle and it’s going to be flattering and am I going to see a double chin or something? And you knew it well, and without me, you protected me. You made sure I looked good.“

These simple gestures, but full of respect and delicacy, deeply marked the actor, who had never before experienced this type of scene in such a context.

The return of “Tiva”.

Fans of Tiwa, as the Tony/Ziva couple is nicknamed, never stopped hoping for a comeback. Their patience was rewarded: a few weeks ago, a new spin-off series, NCIS: Tony and ZivaLanded on Paramount+. The story follows two ex-agents who are on the run after an attack on a security company founded by Tony.

On the small screen, waiting for the podcast to return Michael Weatherly and Pablo’s rating managed to fill the void in the hearts of viewers, allowing us to nostalgically go back behind the scenes of one of the most popular detective series on television. And sometimes, as in this disturbing anecdote, we understand how complicity among actors contributed to NCIS A real phenomenon.

NCIS: Tony & Ziva debuts on Paramount+ on September 4. As for the other series of the franchise – NCIS, NCIS: Origins and NCIS: Sydney – They’re back this October 14th on CBS.

The parent series is also broadcast regularly on M6 and W9 and can be seen in France on Prime Video and Paramount+.