Ziva's absence from Mike Franks’ funeral in the NCIS season eight finale has been noticed - and in some cases heavily criticized - by many loyal fans of the CBS procedural.

Executive producer Gary Glasberg says not to read too much into it.

Due to Ziva’s training as a Mossad operative, "her life experiences, and how she personally deals with death, not attending Mike Franks’ funeral was in no way a sign of disrespect," Gary tells TV Line regarding her much-debated absence. 

"We’ve all seen Ziva grieve. I think it’s fair to say she would do so in her own way. Ziva also knew she had limited time to say goodbye to Ray before he left."

Glasberg adds that "Mike Franks would never hold that against her. In fact he would probably insist she ‘stop hangin’ around a cemetery and follow her heart.’”

What do you think? Do you accept that explanation, or should Ziva have gone anyway? On a related note, what mission do you think Ray left on? Discuss.

Steve Marsi is the Managing Editor of TV Fanatic. Follow him on Google+ or email him here.