It's hard to see one of your favorite characters leave. Television fans hold their favorite characters in the highest regards. They create relationship with them. When you find your character on a particular program, you don't let go. You stand your ground no matter what anyone else says. That's your favorite character and nothing is going to change. So when that character leaves, whether they die or simply move on, it can be difficult. It can be heart wrenching. That's why many fans of "NCIS" are lamenting the loss of Cote de Pablo, who will be bidding farewell in the new season's early episodes.

Pablo, whose contract expired at the end of season 10, will make an appearance at the onset of the upcoming season, according to TVLine. She's making her brief return to conclude Ziva's story. Then it's time to say goodbye.

Fortunately, the goodbye won't be brisk. Instead of making a one-off appearance, it looks like Pablo will stretch out her farewell stay. She will appear in several episodes, which suggests that her story will be properly wrapped instead of quickly tossed aside as an incomplete thought. Although Pablo may be anxious to move on, the show is in its 11th season afterall, it's promising to see that she and her producers found a solution that will cater to her adoring fans. Instead of taking the easy way out and putting a bullet between her eyes, they'll get to say a proper goodbye.

In wake of her decision, CBS was cordial and accommodating, indicating that she's leaving on good terms with intentions to end things the right way. "We respect Cote's decision, thank her for being an important part of the NCIS team, and for eight terrific years playing Ziva David," the network said in a statement. "Cote and CBS share a great respect for the NCIS audience, and we look forward to working with her and the producers on appropriate closure in this chapter of Ziva's story."

"NCIS" will return to CBS September 24 for Ziva's heartfelt goodbye.