Cote de Pablo's desk on NCIS Season 11 remains vacant. The desk reservation scene in Episode 3 reminds the NCIS fans of how Ziva David was initially refused access to "Kate's desk." Roma Maffia guest stars in "Under the Radar," but she's practically forbidden to take Ziva David's desk. Meanwhile, Emily Wickersham ("Sopranos") is set to appear in at least three NCIS episodes. Is she Cote's replacement?

Spoiler alert: This feature contains spoilers from NCIS Season 11, Episode 4, "Anonymous Was a Woman."

In NCIS Season 3, Cote de Pablo's Ziva David took "Kate's desk" without any instruction from Gibbs (Mark Harmon) at the end of Episode 4. Gibbs takes one reluctant look at Ziva. But she says, "She's gone, Gibbs. I don't think Kate (Sasha Alexander) would mind."

In NCIS Season 11, Episode 4, "Anonymous Was a Woman," Muse Watson "returns" as Mike Franks, the original Major Case Response Team head. Roma Maffia's Vera Strickland sparked a lot of Franks mentions in the previous episode. And it all ties up to this week's glimpse into Franks' past.

Tony DiNozzo Joins Tiva Fans in Dealing with a Big Loss

Tiva fans are still wishing Cote will return to NCIS Season 11, even for special appearances. The good news: Ziva David is alive. The bad: She has a lot of stuff to deal with, and she has to do it on her own, away from NCIS.

Keeping Ziva David a strong presence in NCIS is Michael Weatherly's Tony DiNozzo. In an interview, NCIS executive producer Gary Glasberg said Tony will figure in Ziva remembrance scenes "that will carry through in episodes to come."

"We are trying to deal with Tony handling Ziva's absence in as real and organic a way as we can. This was a big deal," Glasberg told Xfinity Comcast.

Who will replace Ziva David at NCIS?

There were reports that Emily Wickersham will soon join NCIS as Ellie Bishop, the replacement of Ziva David. But Glasberg said he's not replacing Ziva.

"I'm not looking to replace Ziva. I'm looking to add something new and different to the mix," Glasberg said. But this does not eliminate the possibility that Ellie Bishop will be the next NCIS special agent to take Ziva's desk.

NCIS Season 11, Episode 4 ("Anonymous Was a Woman) airs tonight (Oct. 15) in the U.S. network CBS. In Australia, the air date for 11th season premiere ("Whiskey Tango Foxtrot") is Oct. 22 on TEN.

More 'NCIS Season 11' and TV Guide Features:

NCIS Season 11 Episode 2: Cote de Pablo Exits, Ziva David Kisses Tony Goodbye - For Now? [PHOTOS]
Arrow Season 2, Episode 2: Stephen Amell Promises 'Identity' is 42-Min Movie; Black Canary, Bronze Tiger in Oliver Queen's Starling City [PHOTOS]
How I Met Your Mother Season 9 Spoilers: Katie Holmes Spotted, Show Creator Drafts Episode 20 - in Tears [PHOTOS]

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