NCIS: Sydney Showrunner Name-Dropped Tony And Ziva While Explaining To Us What Makes Evie And DeShawn Such A Great Pairing

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Warning: SPOILERS for the NCIS: Sydney episode “Fire in the Hole” are ahead!

Evie Cooper and DeShawn Jackson, played by Tuuli Narkle and Sean Sagar respectively, have been captivating to observe together on the series NCIS: Sydney. Their dynamic was particularly evident in last Friday’s episode, “Fire in the Hole,” which aired according to the 2025 TV schedule. In an interview with TopMob, showrunner Morgan O’Neill of Sydney elucidated why these characters work so well together and even compared them to Tony DiNozzo and Ziva David from the original NCIS series.

The TV series “NCIS: Sydney,” broadcast on CBS in the U.S. and available for streaming via Paramount+ subscription, began its second season a week ago, unveiling a significant revelation about Mackey’s past, along with hints of a formidable antagonist to appear later this season. In the episode 2 of Season 2, Evie and DeShawn infiltrated a pirate-themed vessel seized by the Sons of the Sovereign Soil, who had grievances against the U.S. Navy’s presence in Australia. Upon watching “Fire in the Hole” ahead of time, I questioned O’Neill during our interview about his favorite aspects of penning these two characters together. His response began by mentioning:

Evie and DeShawn are similar to certain character pairings seen throughout the franchise, such as DiNozzo and Kate or DiNozzo and Ziva in the past. These relationships began with a bit of tension, particularly between Kate, and had a sibling-like dynamic. Given that one is Australian and the other American, this dynamic was quite entertaining.

Tony and Kate shared a witty sibling-like rapport, but it tragically ended when Kate was killed at the end of NCIS Season 2. Ziva David took over on the team in Season 3, and during their initial years together, they often argued like siblings. However, their relationship evolved into something more by Season 11, as they became romantically involved. Now, they have a child and are set to star in an exclusive spinoff series called NCIS: Tony & Ziva on a streaming platform.

In the TV series NCIS: Sydney, it’s clear that Evie and DeShawn are siblings, as Evie often teases DeShawn. During our chat, Morgan O’Neill explained this further:

In my perspective, Evie’s primary objectives, beyond crime-solving and displaying remarkable prowess, seem to involve finding ways to irk DeShawn. She finds great pleasure in aiming her ambition at him, as we colloquially put it around here. And DeShawn’s inherent curiosity, coupled with his unique American Paddington Bear-like character, make him an ideal target for Evie’s antics.

In the incident of “Fire in the Hole,” DeShawn got hurt. However, when Evie, who can’t swim, bravely tackled the main villain off the ship to prevent him from shooting JD, she ended up falling into the water. Deshawn then courageously dove into the water to save and revive her. This kind of event is likely to strengthen their bond, and O’Neill not only hinted at this to me but also mentioned that Tuuli Narkle and Sean Sagar have a great relationship.

As a cinema enthusiast, I can’t help but notice the palpable camaraderie between Sean and Tuuli on screen. It’s evident they genuinely enjoy each other’s company, a connection that extends beyond their roles as siblings. Their playful banter in scenes is a reflection of their off-screen relationship, making every moment with them engaging and entertaining.

The more their chemistry ignites, the more we as viewers are drawn into their dynamic because there seems to be an endless supply of amusement derived from their squabbles. Their bond runs deep, and it’s evident that they care deeply for each other. This emotional connection is beautifully portrayed throughout the season, but it truly shines in Episode 2. In fact, you can feel the authentic emotional attachment between them in that episode, a bond that only strengthens as the story unfolds.

Every Friday at 8 pm ET, CBS stateside airs new episodes of NCIS: Sydney. As Season 2 unfolds, we’ll witness Evie and DeShawn’s bond deepen even further. Personally, as a die-hard fan, I’m rooting for them to preserve their sibling-esque camaraderie instead of venturing into the complicated territory that Tony and Ziva found themselves in.

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2025-02-16 22:07