Warning! The following contains spoilers for the NCIS episode "In A Nutshell." Read at your own risk!
NCIS featured murder and grotesque dollhouses in its latest episode, and somehow, that wasn't the weirdest thing about it. What was weird was how Ellie seemed off all episode, which was later revealed to Gibbs to be a show of how joining the team had "evolved" her. Right after Gibbs advised she hold onto at least part of who she was prior to joining the team, Bishop got a text that has us wondering if NCIS is really done with its Ziva David storyline.
The text Ellie received was from Odette Malone, the caretaker of Ziva David's apartment. Her text said the two were supposed to meet the next day, around 6 a.m. That's quite an early visit time be it weekend or workday, and it's weird that the two would be meeting. What business could Bishop have with Malone, assuming the business with Ziva is complete?
Perhaps the story with Ziva isn't done after all? While Ziva may be back with Tony and their daughter and loving life, there might be some loose ends left to tie off on her years underground. Ziva may not be in a position to dive back into that world, but perhaps Bishop signaled through their mutual contact Odette Malone she would be willing to get involved in taking down bad guys on the down low.
This is all just speculation though, and really, all we know is that someone affiliated with Ziva wants to talk to Ellie Bishop. We also know that Bishop has been going through some changes, and may have even killed someone when she thought Torres may die. There's no denying that Bishop has changed a lot in this past season. I'm just not quite sure she's at the level of transformation as Ziva following her return after her long absence.
All this could be done without Cote De Pablo, which seems to be a requirement for at least Season 17. Her four-episode return is through, though it's possible NCIS could continue an arc that could feature the actress returning in Season 18. Unfortunately, there are no clues for what will become of Bishop's meeting with Odette Malone in the synopsis for the following episode "Schooled," which can be found below.
The team searches for answers when the body of a well-regarded Navy technician in the Reserves is found floating in a lake where a popular community event is being held. Also, Sloane is caught off-guard when her daughter, Faith (Kate Hamilton), makes an unexpected request.
In other Bishop news, we're at a stone cold stop in regards to any future relationship with Torres. NCIS has really put any talk of that on the back burner, and this new direction for Ellie may further sideline it. Sad news for the fans really gunning for this romance, though nothing is set in stone just yet.
NCIS airs on CBS Tuesdays at 8:00 p.m. ET. Continue to stick with CinemaBlend for the latest news happening with the NCIS franchise, and for a look at what else is happening in television in 2020.
