‘NCIS: Tony & Ziva’ Has a Secret Weapon That It’s Neglecting and That’s a Problem md24

Given the show is named after them, Tony (Michael Weatherly) and Ziva (Cote de Pablo) are undoubtedly at the heart of NCIS: Tony & Ziva. Their dynamic relationship and the espionage chaos around them are why we watch this highly-awaited NCIS spin-off, but we have to give the supporting cast some credit, too. They add texture to this tech-driven, high-stakes world, and each of them is immediately likable in their own distinct ways. More recently, one unassuming character has been taking us by surprise, making us excited about what the future holds in store for them.

Tony may be the self-proclaimed “wild card” in NCIS, but in this spin-off, Fruzsi (Anne-Marie Waldeck) is the one to keep our eye on. She may have started slow in the show, but in recent episodes, her character has sparked our interest in a handful of brief, yet memorable scenes. While it may not be feasible to give her character the limelight during this season (since it is really Tony and Ziva’s comeback), Fruzsi has definitely earned the opportunity to get a longer backstory or arc in the future.

Fruzsi Started as Underrated in ‘NCIS: Tony & Ziva’

During the spin-off’s three-episode premiere, Fruzsi’s role was strictly as a foil character. Or, more specifically, her relationship with Boris (Maximilian Osinski) provided a stark contrast to the tumult of emotions between Tony and Ziva. Unlike the central couple, Fruzsi and Boris’ relationship is refreshingly simple. Even when they are dragged into Tony and Ziva’s fugitive run, they have a steady trust and love for each other that seems almost mythical in its simplicity. They refuse to let any external factors take that away from them, unlike Tony and Ziva, whose relationship is constantly reacting to outside forces.

Fruzsi, as a character herself, is vastly underrated in these three episodes. She was clearly placed into the story as comedic relief, with many of her one-liners eliciting chuckles. She is painted as an air-headed, doe-eyed female archetype, and that is admittedly refreshing in the context of the serious espionage show. Even her name is derived from the Hungarian version of a Greek word that translates to “joy” and “mirth” — how delightfully unserious. But apart from her unintentional guffaws and her undying support for Boris, she doesn’t necessarily have a larger role. That is, until the last two episodes, which reveal a surprising, promising, and intriguing side to her character.

‘NCIS: Tony & Ziva’ Needs To Give Fruzsi Some Spotlight

Credit: Image via Paramount+

In Tony & Ziva Episode 4, we get a deliciously dramatic scene that could potentially turn the tide for Fruzsi’s character. Before the fake wedding used to lure the show’s antagonist in, the crew held a real, intimate wedding for Fruzsi and Boris. While they are dancing, the police storm the area and arrest Fruzsi for shoplifting. When she is being handcuffed, she dramatically flicks her hair back, turning to Ziva, and drawls, “I have a few outstanding warrants.” Then, the fashion icon walks back down the aisle with her handcuffs on and her head held high.

The scene is completely out of the blue, just like many of Fruzsi’s scenes are, and is tonally so removed from the seriousness of the show. It is a beautifully absurd wrench in the crew’s plans, one that gives Fruzsi a harder edge to her bubbly character, even if it is just shoplifting. In Tony & Ziva Episode 5, the show further references her past kleptomania as she solves Tony’s acronym and relates it to shoplifting. It’s a crime that fits perfectly with her character, but could also hint at something more.

Considering she is utterly loyal to a hacker who created a dangerous program that has been used for evil more than good, it is not far-fetched to assume she has a darker streak in her. Combined with the wry reaction of her being arrested, Fruzsi totally has the potential to be a wild card character with a dark past. It would be a fun contrast to her caring, girlypop, and slightly eccentric characterization and will be a missed opportunity if the spin-off doesn’t do anything with it.

Waldeck Gives an Immediately Likable Performance as Fruzsi

On top of Fruzsi’s promising characterization, Waldeck’s performance is simply too engaging to waste on a foil character. Weatherly and Pablo may be killing it on the screen with their meaty roles, but it is hard not to notice what Waldeck can do within her very limited role. Every time she appears on the screen, there is a layer of frivolity and innocence at the forefront, from when she is gushing about hairstyle options for her wedding to taking selfies when they’re stealing a plane. She adds just the right amount of absurd to match the show’s wild ideas of self-driving murder cars or twisted prison break-outs, but reins her performance in to make sure it doesn’t feel outlandish.

Other times, beneath the innocuous layers are emotionally charged performances that genuinely tug at our heart strings. It’s why we cannot outright scoff at the idealism in Fruzsi and Boris’ relationship, as Waldeck’s and Osinski’s chemistry has deeper undertones of complete understanding and acceptance. As mentioned before, it is unlikely that Fruzsi will get a bigger part to play this season, since Tony and Ziva have years of catching up to do with the audience. But with hopeful updates from stars about being willing to revisit these characters in future seasons, we can hope that the spin-off will take the opportunity to give Waldeck’s Fruzsi a meatier role. And if her backstory and arc ends up being fleshed out during this season instead, we certainly won’t complain either.