In the latest episode of NCIS: Tony & Ziva, titled “To Be Determined,” fans witnessed one of the most shocking moments of the series so far. The fifth episode, which aired on September 18, 2025, on Paramount+, ended with the tragic death of Henry Rayner-Hunt, a key character and Tony’s close friend. The scene left many viewers asking why Tony and Ziva made the difficult choice to drive away while Henry was attacked. Here’s a breakdown of what happened and why.
The Final Confrontation
The episode reached its climax on a remote road in Austria after Tony and Ziva managed to escape a high-security prison with Henry’s help. Earlier in the episode, Tony and Ziva had broken into the prison to rescue Jonah Markham, the Secretary General of Interpol, who they believed was wrongly imprisoned. However, they soon discovered that Jonah was actually working with Martine Aranow, another Interpol agent, to frame them. Henry, who had been suspected of betrayal, was revealed to be innocent and joined forces with Tony and Ziva to expose the conspiracy.
As the group fled the prison, they received a distressing message from their daughter, Tali, who was in danger. Simultaneously, Jonah, Martine, and their associate Dejan Lazar attempted to escape in a car. Henry, Tony, and Ziva intercepted them, but Henry insisted that Tony and Ziva take the car and go save Tali while he handled the situation. Moments after Tony and Ziva drove away, Jonah stabbed Henry and shot him at close range.
Why Tony and Ziva Left
The decision to leave Henry behind was not made lightly. Henry, as an Interpol agent, was in charge of the operation and gave Tony and Ziva a direct order to prioritize their daughter’s safety. Henry knew that Tali’s life was at risk and that every second counted. He explicitly told them:
“Take the car and go. Get to Tali.”
Tony and Ziva were also unarmed and outnumbered, making it nearly impossible for them to intervene without risking their own lives. The episode highlighted that Henry’s sacrifice was a conscious choice to protect his goddaughter Tali and ensure her parents could reach her in time. Additionally, a drone strike orchestrated by Jonah created chaos, diverting attention and allowing Jonah to attack Henry while he was distracted.
Aftermath and Reactions
Henry’s death has significant implications for the rest of the season. James D’Arcy, the actor who played Henry, confirmed that he knew about his character’s fate from the beginning. He mentioned that Henry’s death would “raise the stakes dramatically” for the series, as it shows that no character is safe. The show’s creator, John McNamara, explained that the decision to kill Henry was meant to add real stakes to the story and force Tony and Ziva to confront the consequences of their actions.
Many fans expressed shock and sadness over Henry’s death, with some noting that his relationship with Tony had not been fully explored until this episode. However, the emotional impact of the scene was heightened by Tony’s raw reaction and the guilt he is likely to carry forward.
What’s Next for Tony and Ziva?
With Henry gone, Tony and Ziva must now focus on protecting Tali and clearing their names. The episode ended with Tali sending a panicked message about a stranger in the house, leaving her parents racing against time to save her. Meanwhile, Jonah and Martine are still at large, and their plans for the stolen drone technology remain a threat.
The series continues to explore Tony and Ziva’s complicated relationship, with flashbacks revealing their past struggles and the reasons they hesitated to rekindle their romance. While the action and suspense drive the plot, the core of the story remains their dedication to family and the sacrifices they are willing to make for each other.
Also Read: NCIS: Tony & Ziva Episode 4 Release Details and What to Expect Next
Credits: tvline.com, primetimer.com, screenrant.com
