I’m a little distraught today. I know it’s just a TV show, but I’m having a hard time dealing with the news that NCIS will return this September without my favorite character, Ziva David.

Actress Cote De Pablo will return to the series only long enough to finish her story line, and then will be leaving the cast of CBS’s popular drama.

I know I’m not the only one grieving the show’s loss. My Facebook and twitter feeds are filled with posts and links about the news. My friends are all speculating how Ziva’s tale will end.

Known for taking names and kicking butt, the fierce Israeli-born character faces just a few options. I’ve heard speculation that she might return to Israel and head up Mossad, but since Agent David became an American citizen, I think that option is highly unlikely.

Perhaps she will receive an assignment elsewhere. Could be, but her story-line has certainly not been moving that way. No, her character has been definitely moving toward DiNozzo, the oft-jealous bachelor and Very Special Agent in her life. How will he carry on without her?

Thus my distress. You see, NCIS is famous (or infamous) for killing off characters—even main characters. I still feel ill when I think about Kate’s last scene. I twinge whenever I think about Mike Franks, Jenny Shepard, and Agent Pacci. I was over-wrought when Jackie Vance was killed alongside Eli David.

Why do I get like this? It’s just TV. In a few months the NCIS team will have a new member, and I’ll watch. I love this show for its beautiful way with story-telling. The strength of the characters is uplifting. The determination and strong sense of justice is unusual these days. After a decade, the series hasn’t lost its steam or direction. Just another wonderful character. We will miss you, Ziva.

That’s a wrap for this Toast to Cinema. Thanks for reading.