The highly anticipated Tony & Ziva NCIS spinoff has been the talk of the fandom, sparking endless speculation about which beloved characters might return. While Michael Weatherly (Tony DiNozzo) and Cote de Pablo (Ziva David) are leading the show, fans are eager to see if other familiar faces—like NCIS’s lovable medical examiner Jimmy Palmer—will make an appearance.
So, will Brian Dietzen’s Jimmy Palmer show up in the upcoming series? The NCIS star finally addressed the rumors, and fans have a lot to be excited about!
Tony & Ziva’s Spinoff: What We Know So Far
Before diving into Jimmy Palmer’s potential role, let’s recap what we know about the NCIS spinoff featuring Tony and Ziva.
The Premise of the Spinoff
The upcoming series will follow Tony and Ziva as they navigate life on the run, raising their daughter Tali while dealing with new threats. While they left NCIS behind, the duo’s past will likely catch up with them, bringing in familiar faces from the franchise.
Confirmed Cast Members
So far, Michael Weatherly and Cote de Pablo are the only confirmed main cast members. However, given their deep connections to the original NCIS team, it wouldn’t be surprising if a few fan favorites popped up along the way.
Brian Dietzen’s Response to Jimmy Palmer’s Possible Appearance
Did Dietzen Confirm or Deny Jimmy Palmer’s Cameo?
Brian Dietzen, who plays Jimmy Palmer, was recently asked whether he would be making an appearance in the NCIS spinoff. While he didn’t give a definitive answer, his response left the door wide open for possibilities.
During a recent interview, Dietzen stated:
“I love working with Michael and Cote, and if the opportunity arises, I’d absolutely be up for it. But right now, I can’t say anything official.”
What Does This Mean for the Spinoff?
While Dietzen didn’t confirm anything outright, his enthusiasm suggests that the possibility is on the table. It’s not uncommon for NCIS to surprise fans with unexpected guest appearances, especially when characters share such a deep history.
Why Jimmy Palmer Would Be a Perfect Addition to the Spinoff
1. His Long-Standing Friendship with Tony
Jimmy Palmer and Tony DiNozzo shared a unique camaraderie on NCIS. Tony often teased Palmer, but deep down, the two had a solid friendship. Seeing them reunite—perhaps over a case or an emergency—would be a nostalgic treat for fans.
2. His Medical Expertise Could Come in Handy
Since Tony and Ziva’s life on the run is bound to be dangerous, having a trusted medical expert like Jimmy could prove invaluable. Imagine a scenario where Tony or Ziva get injured, and the only person they trust to help them is Palmer!
3. A Connection to the Main NCIS Team
A Palmer cameo could also serve as a bridge between the spinoff and the flagship series, providing updates on Gibbs, McGee, and the rest of the squad.
How Could Jimmy Palmer Appear in the Spinoff?
1. A Video Call or Voice Cameo
If the spinoff is set in Europe, it might be difficult for Palmer to make a physical appearance. However, he could still pop up in a video call, offering medical advice or simply catching up with his old friends.
2. A Flashback Sequence
Another possibility is a flashback scene featuring Palmer and Tony during their NCIS days. This could provide additional context for Tony’s current situation and highlight his friendship with Palmer.
3. A Surprise Guest Star Appearance
If the storyline calls for it, Palmer could make a full-fledged guest appearance, perhaps traveling to Europe to help Tony and Ziva with a medical crisis.
Other NCIS Characters Who Could Appear in the Spinoff
If Jimmy Palmer joins the spinoff, he wouldn’t be the only character fans would love to see return.
1. Timothy McGee (Sean Murray)
McGee and Tony had a brotherly bond, and it would be amazing to see them reconnect.
2. Leon Vance (Rocky Carroll)
As NCIS Director, Vance might have intel that Tony and Ziva need, making a cameo highly plausible.
3. Ducky Mallard (David McCallum, in flashbacks)
While David McCallum sadly passed away, archived footage or tribute scenes could honor his legacy.
What Are the Odds of a Jimmy Palmer Cameo?
While nothing is confirmed, the chances of Jimmy Palmer appearing in the Tony & Ziva spinoff seem fairly high. Given Dietzen’s willingness to return and the strong connection between Palmer and Tony, a cameo—whether big or small—feels likely.
If NCIS loves anything, it’s rewarding longtime fans with nostalgic reunions. And what better way to do that than bringing Palmer into the mix?
Conclusion
While Brian Dietzen hasn’t officially confirmed Jimmy Palmer’s appearance in the Tony & Ziva NCIS spinoff, his response suggests that it’s definitely a possibility. Given Palmer’s history with Tony and his valuable skill set, it would make perfect sense for him to pop up at some point. Whether through a video call, a flashback, or a surprise guest appearance, fans would undoubtedly love to see Palmer reunite with his old friend.
With the spinoff’s premiere drawing closer, all we can do now is wait—and hope for an epic NCIS reunion!
