In a pleasant surprise for fans, James Lance, the actor many know as the unflappable journalist Trent Crimm from Ted Lasso, has joined the cast of NCIS: Tony & Ziva. He appears in the seventh episode of the new Paramount+ series, bringing his signature charm to a role that helps Tony DiNozzo finally open up about his feelings. The episode, which launched on October 2, 2025, gives the beloved character a breakthrough moment with the help of an unexpected child psychologist.
James Lance’s Role as Archie
James Lance appears in Episode 7, titled “Dark Mirror.” He plays Archie, the boyfriend of Ziva’s therapist. When Tony and Ziva are forced to return to Paris to continue their investigation and need a safe place to hide, they take refuge in the therapist’s apartment. With the therapist away, Archie is the one who welcomes them in.
Archie is not just any flatmate; he is a child psychologist whose calm and empathetic nature proves to be exactly what Tony needs. He uses a play-style therapy technique, similar to what he would use with a child, to help Tony talk about his long-buried emotions. This conversation marks a significant moment for Tony’s character, as he finally begins to lower his defensive walls and be honest about his feelings.
The therapy eventually helps him reconnect with Ziva on a deeper level. The two become vulnerable with each other and get intimate after years.
Besides facilitating emotional breakthroughs, Archie also actively helps protect the couple. When Interpol agent Jonah arrives at the apartment with a search warrant, Archie creates a distraction by engaging with him. This allows Tony to remain hidden and avoid capture, proving Archie to be a valuable, if unexpected, ally.
A Turning Point for Tony and Ziva
The emotional work Tony does with Archie has a direct and powerful impact on his relationship with Ziva. After his therapeutic session, Tony is able to have an open and honest conversation with Ziva where they both acknowledge how much they have grown and that they want to be together again. This leads to a long-awaited and steamy reunion for the couple, a key moment fans had been waiting for.
However, the episode also delivers an emotional complication. The next morning, their daughter Tali calls and casually admits that she liked things better when her parents were apart, fearing their differences. This confession shakes Tony and Ziva, showing that the path to rebuilding their family is filled with both connection and challenges. The scene underscores the complex dynamics the family is navigating.
Who Is James Lance?
For viewers who recognized the face but couldn’t place the name, James Lance is an English actor with a long list of credits. He is best known for his role as the unflappable journalist Trent Crimm on the hit Apple TV+ series Ted Lasso. His performance on that show was so celebrated that it earned him a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series in 2022.
His career spans decades and includes both comedic and dramatic roles. Before his breakout in Ted Lasso, he appeared in British series like I’m Alan Partridge, Spaced, and Absolute Power. His film credits include The Bookshop and Marie Antoinette. His ability to blend wit with sincerity made him a perfect fit for his insightful role in NCIS: Tony & Ziva.
This casting also marks a fun reunion within the NCIS universe, as another Ted Lasso alum, Maximilian Osinski, also has a role in the series. James Lance’s guest spot adds a new layer of depth to the show, proving that even a brief appearance can have a lasting impact on the main characters’ journeys.
Also Read: NCIS: Tony and Ziva Season 1 Episode 8: Release Time, Killer Robots, and Finale Countdown
