Mark Harmon’s return as Leroy Jethro Gibbs in NCIS season 21 is quite easy to pull off, meaning the show doesn’t have any excuse not to do it. A few years have passed since Harmon ended his stint in the CBS police procedural and yet, there are continued hopes that he will return, even just for a cameo. For almost two decades, Harmon was the face of the franchise, so it’s understandable that the void he left remains unfilled despite Gary Cole taking the role as the team’s new lead and doing a great job at it.
Gibbs officially left in NCIS season 19, when he decided to retire in Alaska after succeeding harrowing events. By then, Harmon’s character was being targeted by the FBI, although he remained an effective leader of the show’s eponymous team. As expected, his departure was difficult, especially for people with whom he had worked with for years. That said, the idea that he was going to come back for NCIS’ groundbreaking 20th season kept hopes up that he would be back soon. When that didn’t happen, all eyes turned to season 21 for a potential cameo.
NCIS Season 21 Will End A Heartbreaking Streak That Started In 2003
When NCIS returns for season 21, it will effectively end a heartbreaking trend that the CBS police procedural has had since it premiered.
NCIS Season 21 Gibbs Return Can Be Via Ducky’s Funeral
Harmon will return in NCIS: Origins, which will tackle the early years of his character in the organization, but he could come back as Gibbs earlier via NCIS season 21 — particularly via Ducky Mallard’s upcoming farewell episode. In light of original cast member, David McCallum’s death, the CSB police procedural is dedicating one outing to send off the beloved medical examiner-turned-historian, with the team solving a case that he was working on before passing away. Considering Gibbs’ friendship with Ducky, which pre-dated the events of the show, it only makes sense that he shows up for his expected funeral.
The good thing is, NCIS season 21 doesn’t need to make a big hoopla about Harmon’s return to the franchise, which is the presumption, considering how vital he was to the franchise. Instead of getting involved in the actual case, Gibbs can simply show up quietly during the funeral rites for Ducky. No one else needs to see him — not even Tim McGee, despite having worked with him the longest among the remaining active agents of the force. The priority is for him to pay respect to one of his oldest friends, and bid him farewell properly.
Why A Brief Cameo Is Best For Gibbs’ NCIS Season 21 Return
Admittedly, Gibbs’ return to NCIS could have been under better circumstances. Seeing him for a brief moment may seem like a waste, considering that the show could have staged a more elaborate story for his proposed return. Maybe it could be via a proper reunion with his old agents, including Tony DiNozzo, especially given Michael Weatherly’s recent comments about returning to the series.
However, skipping Ducky’s funeral in NCIS season 21 would be a massive disservice to one of the best friendships in the franchise. It would also be uncharacteristic of Gibbs to not make the trip, but given his demeanor, he would rather do it quietly, so as not to take away from the real focus of the occasion. It would also be easier for Harmon since he wouldn’t need to be on location to shoot his short appearance.
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.
- Release Date
- September 23, 2003
- Cast
- sean murray , Wilmer Valderrama , Katrina Law , Brian Dietzen , david mccallum , Mark Harmon , Rocky Carroll , Gary Cole , Joe Spano
- Seasons
- 21
- Writers
- Donald P. Bellisario
