The penultimate episode of NCIS: Tony & Ziva delivers intense drama as the safety of the entire family hangs in the balance. In “Ride or Die,” Tony DiNozzo survives a deadly explosion, Tony and Ziva finally voice their feelings, and their daughter Tali is taken by their enemy, setting up a high-stakes finale.
Episode Recap: A Trap and an Explosion
The episode continues from a major cliffhanger, with Tony lured into a trap at the estate of arms dealer Aaron Graves. The villain Jonah Markham tricks Tony into believing Ziva is in danger there. Tony rushes to save her, but once inside, he finds himself locked in. With Jonah now in control of Graves’s global network, he triggers a massive explosion at the estate with Tony still inside.
Ziva, along with allies Claudette and Boris, witness the blast from a distance as they arrive at the scene. The aftermath shows the building reduced to rubble, creating a moment of terror about Tony’s fate. However, Tony manages to survive the explosion, emerging from the debris with only minor injuries. The emotional reunion that follows becomes a pivotal moment for the couple.
A Long-Awaited Emotional Moment
Following his brush with death, Tony and Ziva finally have a raw, honest conversation. After years of separation, miscommunication, and fear, they directly confess their love for each other. This moment is portrayed not as a grand gesture, but as a quiet and sincere promise between two people who have been through immense hardship.
The scene underscores how their characters have grown. They are no longer solely defined by the past trauma that once kept them apart. Their confession is an acceptance of their feelings and a commitment to face whatever comes next together, setting a new tone for their relationship as they confront their most personal crisis yet.
Tali’s Kidnapping Raises the Stakes
While Tony and Ziva confront danger, a parallel storyline unfolds for their daughter. Tali and her protector, Sophie, are on a flight redirected to Isla Zafira under the false pretense of a weather emergency. Sophie becomes suspicious when her own weather checks before the flight showed clear conditions.
Her fears are confirmed when the plane lands and Jonah’s men, using the extensive resources he has commandeered from Graves, move to kidnap Tali. Despite a valiant effort from Sophie to protect her, Tali is taken. This move by Jonah makes the conflict deeply personal, as he now holds the ultimate leverage over Tony and Ziva.
Martine’s True Loyalties Revealed
The character of Martine keeps everyone guessing for most of the episode. She appears to still be aligned with Jonah, even providing him with a laptop and claiming to have killed a man named Lazar. Her motives are unclear until the final act, where her true plan is exposed.
It is revealed that Martine is actually working against Jonah. She is in league with Lazar, who is still alive, and their goal is to take Jonah down. The laptop she gave Jonah is part of their scheme, likely designed to hack into his newly acquired network. Martine also kills Aaron Graves, further complicating the power dynamics. Her character draws a moral line, particularly objecting to Jonah’s tactics of involving children in their war.
What the Ending Sets Up for the Finale
The ending of Episode 9 leaves the main characters in their most precarious situation yet. Jonah Markham is now more powerful than ever, having consolidated Graves’s resources and successfully kidnapped Tali. Tony and Ziva, while finally united emotionally, are facing a direct threat to their family. Their mission is no longer just about clearing their names or stopping a villain; it is a desperate race to save their daughter.
With the entire team—including Boris, Claudette, and a now-aligned Martine—the stage is set for a final confrontation. The finale will determine if Tony and Ziva can rescue Tali and finally put a stop to Jonah’s manipulative and dangerous plans.
Also Read: NCIS: Tony & Ziva Finale: Release Date, Time, and What to Expect in “Full Circle”
