THE NCIS TEAM MUST LEARN TO WORK WITHOUT GIBBS WHEN ZIVA IS WANTED BY THE FBI AFTER WITNESSING A POLITICALLY CHARGED ASSASSINATION, ON THE FOURTH SEASON PREMIERE OF "NCIS," TUESDAY, SEPT. 19

"Shalom" -- With Gibbs retired and boat-building in Mexico, the NCIS team must learn to work without him when Ziva is wanted by the FBI after she witnesses a political assassination, on the fourth season premiere of NCIS, Tuesday, Sept. 19 (8:00-9:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network. William Webb directed the episode from a script by John C. Kelley.

As each team member deals with the absence of Gibbs in their own way, Ziva's past comes back to haunt her when she inadvertently witnesses an assassination of a military attach� by her former Mossad partner. Convinced her father ordered the hit, Ziva seeks refuge at the Israeli Embassy only to find she is wanted by the FBI. As the NCIS team, now headed by Tony, works to prove her innocence, Ziva reaches out to the one person she has always been able to trust.

NCIS (Naval Criminal Investigative Service) is more than just an action drama. With liberal doses of humor, it's a show that focuses on the sometimes complex and always amusing dynamics of a team forced to work together in high-stress situations. NCIS Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs, a former Marine gunnery sergeant whose skills as an investigator are unmatched, previously led this troupe of colorful personalities. Gibbs, a man of few words, only needs a look to explain it all. The team includes NCIS Special Agent Anthony DiNozzo, an ex-homicide detective who may come off as the world's oldest frat boy, but whose instincts in the field are unparalleled; forensic specialist Abby Sciuto, a talented scientist whose dark wit matches her Goth style and eclectic tastes, NCIS Special Agent Timothy McGee, an MIT graduate whose brilliance with computers far overshadows his insecurities in the field, and Ziva David, a former Moussad agent who shares a bond with Gibbs over the death of his arch nemesis, Ari, the terrorist who killed former NCIS Special Agent Kate Todd. Assisting the team is medical examiner Dr. Donald "Ducky" Mallard, who knows it all because he's seen it all, and he's not afraid to let you know. Rounding out the team is NCIS director Jennifer Shepard who has a romantic history with Gibbs. From murder and espionage to terrorism and stolen submarines, these special agents travel the globe to investigate all crimes with Navy or Marine Corps ties.

NCIS is produced by Belisarius Productions, in association with CBS Paramount Network Television. Donald P. Bellisario is the executive producer. Charles F. Johnson, Mark Horowitz and John Kelley are co-executive producers.

SERIES REGULARS

Leroy Jethro Gibbs: Mark Harmon
NCIS Special Agent Anthony DiNozzo: Michael Weatherly
Dr. Donald "Ducky" Mallard: David McCallum
Abby Sciuto: Pauley Perrette
NCIS Agent Timothy McGee: Sean Murray
Ziva David, Mossad Liaison: Cote de Pablo
NCIS Director Jenny Shepard: Lauren Holly

GUEST STARS

Jimmy Palmer: Brian Dietzen
Mike Franks: Muse Watson
FBI Agent Ron Sacks: Don Franklin
NCIS Agent Michelle Lee: Liza Lapira
Namir Eschel: Eyal Podell
Faatin Amal: Saba Homayoon
Camila Charo: Susan Santiago
Mossad Officer Michael Bashan: Eli Danker
ZNN Reporter Debra Green: Sheila E. Frazier

RATING: To Be Announced