Warning! Spoilers ahead for NCIS season 21, episode 2.
An original NCIS cast member returns in season 21 for Ducky’s tribute episode, but their future in the show is currently bleak. Once Torres’ personal crisis was averted, the team was faced with another challenge — losing Dr. Mallard, who died in his sleep. The character’s death reflects David McCallum’s passing in 2023, and the episode, “The Stories We Leave Behind,” honors him and his legacy, not just by the current roster of active agents in the squad, but also his former co-workers.
While there was an expectation that Ducky’s long-time friend, Gibbs, would be the original character to appear in the outing, NCIS season 21, episode 2 brought in Michael Weatherly’s Tony DiNozzo instead. The “Very Special Agent’s” cameo happens towards the end of the story, but it’s clear that he remains close with both Palmer and McGee. Unfortunately, Weatherly’s appearance is a one-off, Brian Dietzen confirms in a new interview with USA Today. Read his full quote below:
(Michael) was eager to help out with what was essentially an in-person flashback. It was a shoutout to the previous iterations of this ‘NCIS’ team as Michael too was an original cast member. But there are no plans for a return.
Will DiNozzo Return In NCIS Season 21
Dietzen’s comment is especially disappointing, considering Weatherly’s recent comments about wanting to revisit his role as DiNozzo in NCIS. Now that his TV show, Bull, has ended, he has the time to return to his old project full-time — something that he wasn’t able to do while his headlining procedural was still on the air. The actor explained that he feels like there are still stories left to tell for his character, and he wants to navigate all of that in case he is invited back.
While Weatherly’s return isn’t going to be a proper comeback for the “Very Special Agent,” DiNozzo can still return in NCIS season 21. The CBS police franchise is set to celebrate its 1000th overall episode, and since he was a pioneering member of the universe, it would only make sense if he’s involved in whatever the writers are coming up with to celebrate the occasion. It’s worth noting that NCIS didn’t feature any returning character in its groundbreaking 20th year — something that they can make up for in its upcoming milestone.
Did Gibbs Return For Ducky’s Funeral In NCIS Season 21? Mark Harmon’s Involvement Explained
There were theories that Mark Harmon would return for Ducky’s funeral in NCIS season 21, episode 2, but his involvement is much deeper than a cameo.
If DiNiozzo returns for episode 1000, he may even be able to cross paths with his former boss. Gibbs’ unfinished NCIS storyline sets up his eventual return, giving the show the narrative opportunity to bring him back. If CBS handles its storytelling right, a reunion between Gibbs and DiNozzo may be in the cards for season 21.
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
- Streaming Service(s)
- Paramount+
- Franchise(s)
- NCIS
- Writers
- Donald P. Bellisario
- Showrunner
- Donald P. Bellisario
- Where To Watch
- Paramount+
