‘NCIS’ Fans Say Torres Is Like These 2 Characters Combined: For Better or Worse?

NCIS has seen its fair share of familiar actors and Hollywood newcomers — some come to the show to plant their faces on TV’s most popular program, while others — already developed in Tinseltown — come for a few seasons to satisfy their fans. From Jamie Lee Curtis and Maria Bello (falling into the latter group) to Cote de Pablo and Michael Weatherly, many actors have come and gone, and many mainstays have been replaced. However, as is always the case, when someone new tries to walk in the shoes of someone gone, it can only go one of two ways. 

One of the characters — who has been a subject of mixed reception — has grown similar to two other NCIS characters during his time on the show. And, while some fans find these connections to other NCIS agents endearing, others find it to be a sign of lazy writing. So, who is Torres (Wilmer Valderrama) reminiscent of in NCIS, and what do fans have to say about his likeness to other beloved agents? 

Is Agent Torres just Tony DiNozzo and Ziva David combined in ‘NCIS?’

When you think about Agent Torres in a general sense, he’s a handsome guy who knows how to have a good time, yet he can also take you down in hand-to-hand combat. As a result, many feel that the NCIS writers have sculpted a character who takes the best of Ziva and the best of Tony to create one, butt-kicking, quick-tongued agent. In an online discussion concerning Torres, one fan stated:

He’s like the perfect mix between Tony and Ziva, can have fun but knows where to draw the line and is a highly skilled investigator.

Reddit User

The above fan noted that Torres is like Tony; however, while Tony often went a little too far — sometimes completely forgetting that sobriety is necessary in certain moments — Torres can read a room. Another fan chimed in, concurring with the above fan’s comment, stating:

He’s literally Tony if Tony could fight like Ziva

Reddit User 

And, while some fans enjoy Torres as a character with Tony’s disposition and Ziva’s skillset, others find the comparisons to Tony lazy, for why does the good-looking male lead have to carry the same, trite narrative shtick as his predecessor?

Fans who feel the ‘NCIS’ writers dropped the ball with Torres (concerning his likeness to other characters)

Some NCIS fans note that Torres has grown more similar to Tony across time. They wonder if the writers are pushing the Tony demeanor as a way to gain brownie points among fans who do not love the agent. Fans noted:

I feel like they made him a carbon copy of Tony. And because of that, I don’t like the character. I don’t hate the character, but I don’t like him either, because it’s just a repeat of Tony, but without the Daddy issues.

Reddit User 

…the writers seem to be trying to force the Tony similarities when they really really aren’t needed or frankly wanted. Sure in TV land most handsome, charismatic smooth talkers are the same; however, in practicality they can be all sorts and shapes.

Reddit User 

So, are Torres’ similarities to Tony and Ziva for better or for worse? Do they enhance his character or ruin his potential for individuality? Fans remain divided.