When Roma Maffia first stepped into the shoes of Vera Strickland on NCIS Season 11 Episode 3, she couldn’t have imagined that more than a decade later, her brief appearance would spark a whole new corner of the NCIS universe.
So when NCIS: Origins announced that Vera would return — albeit in younger form, played by Diany Rodriguez — Maffia was as surprised as anyone.
“I was shocked, and then I thought, what a compliment. How great is that?” Maffia said. “And then I got so confused. I was like, ‘Oh, is she younger in the past? Is she younger in the future?’ I couldn’t tell which way we were going.”
Even though she doesn’t watch a lot of television, Maffia was intrigued by what Origins was doing with her character. And when she got the call to reprise Vera for the NCIS side of the crossover event, she didn’t hesitate.
“They wrote it so beautifully and so completely with Vera in mind that it was easy,” she said. “It felt seamless.”
In the crossover, Vera’s return wasn’t just fan service — it had purpose. She reappeared to help bridge the investigation that began on NCIS: Origins to the modern-day case that unfolded on NCIS.
Her insight, along with Ducky’s old notes and that symbolic time capsule, helped the team connect past and present threads to finally close a decades-old murder case. It’s the kind of storytelling Maffia clearly appreciates, where history, memory, and humanity all intersect.
That seamlessness was felt across both shows, with the Origins storyline carrying straight into NCIS Season 23 Episode 5, creating what can only be described as a masterclass in crossovers.
Maffia hasn’t yet watched the two-parter but laughed when told that her episode was being praised for its cinematic flow and emotional depth.
“Oh, because of that, I have to watch it now,” she said.
Fans will no doubt recognize her for more than her NCIS work. Maffia is well known for roles on Nip/Tuck, Pretty Little Liars, and Profiler, but her return to NCIS reminded audiences why she’s such a scene-stealer.
Vera’s witty observations — like the instant-classic, “Who are they? The new Tony and Ziva?” no doubt delighted longtime fans and gave Maffia another chance to show off the character’s trademark blend of charm and candor.
When asked if she’d revisit Vera again, she didn’t hesitate.
“Yes, I would love to,” she said with a laugh. “She’s such a fun additive.”
Part of what keeps NCIS going strong, Maffia believes, is the camaraderie behind the scenes.
“The writing is really strong and they like each other,” she said. “Everybody likes each other. It makes a big difference in how the environment and the filming goes.”
She was also surprised to learn how many cast and crew members have stayed with the series since its earliest days — something she sees as a testament to the show’s staying power.
As for Vera’s connection to Gibbs, Maffia sees her as one of the few remaining people from his past still tethered to his present.
“I think she’s a touchstone,” she explained. “It might not be every day. Maybe twice a year. But I think she’s a touchstone for him in this world that he’s no longer a part of.”
And in true NCIS fashion, Vera didn’t just offer procedural insight; she brought heart.
Her message from Gibbs to McGee, reminding him of how proud Gibbs is of the man and agent he has become, gave longtime fans a rare and satisfying emotional moment.
Maffia delivered it with the easy warmth that now defines Vera, grounding the crossover in the kind of nostalgia that keeps this universe alive.
That notion adds another layer to Gibbs’ story — and opens the door for future appearances, which Maffia is clearly rooting for.
Outside of NCIS, the actress is staying busy.
She recently filmed One Night Only, directed by Will Gluck, and just wrapped her first horror film — though she admits she’s more of a thriller fan.
“I’m not into blood,” she said, laughing. But if you’re looking for recommendations, she’s praising Frankenstein to anyone who is interested. “So beautiful. I recommend it to everyone.”
For now, she’s open to anything that challenges her — and if that includes more NCIS, all the better.
“Everything on me is crossed,” she said. “So I say yes.”
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