Warning! Spoilers ahead for NCIS season 21, episode 2.
New set images offer a closer look at Michael Weatherly’s return as Tony DiNozzo in NCIS season 21. Almost a decade after the actor left the long-running police procedural, he returns in time to participate in sending off Ducky — the team’s beloved medical examiner-turned-historian. Weatherly’s unexpected cameo happens in the final moments of NCIS season 21, episode 2, “The Stories We Leave Behind,” just as Palmer tries to keep his emotions in check before delivering his mentor’s eulogy.
The official NCISVerse Instagram account shares new images of Weatherly’s DiNozzo cameo in Ducky’s NCIS season 21 tribute episode. Check out the fun snaps below:
The batch of images features a mix of behind-the-scenes fun snaps, including Dinozzo goofing around set with Sean Murray, and a different angle of him entering the autopsy room to see Palmer. Meanwhile, a group photo with Murray and Brian Dietzen in the elevator is sure to evoke nostalgia for those who watched all three of them in the early seasons of NCIS.
Why DiNozzo Returns in NCIS Ducky Tribute Episode And Not Gibbs.
While there were ideas to feature more returning characters for Ducky’s send-off episode, the writers of the police procedural opted to feature just one single cameo in Weatherly. Admittedly, Mark Harmon’s absence in the NCIS episode as Gibbs may have been saddening, especially since he was closest to Dr. Mallard. That being said, Dietzen, who co-wrote the outing, explained that DiNozzo’s return was more for Palmer than the late doctor. He and DiNozzo were such close friends, and he was the perfect person to console him amid this massive loss.
True enough, DiNozzo brings some levity to the episode. Gibbs’ appearance would have been more emotional since the storytelling would be focused on him losing one of his longest friends. However, the NCIS tribute’s decision to bring in Weatherly and take advantage of his humor allows the show to be more of a celebration of Ducky’s life. This idea, coupled with DiNozzo’s silly antics, which include an impressive impression of Dr. Mallard, gives Jimmy the strength he needs to move forward with the eulogy for his mentor.
DiNozzo’s NCIS Surprise Return Is Bigger Than Gibbs (& Better For The Future)
Michael Weatherly unexpectedly returns as Tony DiNozzo in NCIS season 21 and his comeback means bigger and better things than a Gibbs cameo.
For now, Weatherly’s return is supposed to be a one-off. He says in the NCIS episode himself that he is just passing through. Despite that, it’s worth noting that Weatherly has been forthcoming about wanting to properly revisit his time as DiNozzo in the police procedural. If CBS and the writers deem him needed in the franchise, it’s safe to say that he can easily return.
NCIS
NCIS (Naval Criminal Investigative Service) focuses on the sometimes complex and always amusing dynamics of a team forced to work together in high-stress situations. Special Agent Alden Parker, a quirky former FBI agent who solves his cases with calm professionalism and sharp, sarcastic charm, leads the NCIS team, which includes NCIS Special Agent Timothy McGee, an MIT graduate with a knack for computers who has now graduated to senior field agent; the charismatic, unpredictable and resilient NCIS Special Agent Nicholas “Nick” Torres, who has spent most of his career on solo undercover assignments; and sharp, athletic and tough NCIS Special Agent Jessica Knight, a formidable REACT agent who specializes in hostage negotiations and high-risk operations. The naïve Jimmy Palmer is assisting the team, who graduated from assistant to fully licensed medical examiner and now runs the morgue; and forensic scientist Kasie Hines, Ducky’s former graduate assistant. Overseeing operations is NCIS Director Leon Vance, an intelligent, highly trained agent who can always be counted on to shake up the status quo. From murder and espionage to terrorism and stolen submarines, these special agents investigate all crimes with Navy or Marine Corps ties.
- Cast
- sean murray , Wilmer Valderrama , Katrina Law , Brian Dietzen , david mccallum , Mark Harmon , Rocky Carroll , Gary Cole , Joe Spano
- Release Date
- September 23, 2003
- Seasons
- 21
- Network
- CBS
