The NCIS season 21 premiere focuses on Nick Torres’ case, but it also shows how Leroy Jethro Gibbs’ final unresolved plot continues to impact that team years after he left. Mark Harmon left in NCIS season 19 with a less dramatic exit. CBS’ procedural has seen its share of character exits in its more than two decades on the air, but Harmon’s is arguably the biggest, considering his role in the show. So, while Gibbs’ departure from the team wasn’t exactly action-packed, it was always expected that his absence from the organization would be felt long after he was gone.
NCIS has experienced a variety of cast departures. Some of them are devastating, such as Caitlin Todd’s unexpected murder in season 2, while others are brought by another calling, like Tony Dinozzo having to take care of his surprise daughter with former teammate, Ziva David. For Harmon, Gibbs simply decided to retire in Alaska after a harrowing case that gave a father closure regarding the death of her daughter. It was the perfect send-off for him, who spent decades of his life in the force while still haunted by the death of his first wife and daughter.
Gibbs’ Unresolved Case Continues To Make NCIS As FBI’s Target
Undoubtedly, Gibbs deserves his peace, but he did leave his old team in a difficult spot as they continue to be targeted by the FBI. In its final case, Gibbs was being hunted by the bureau for a flimsy case that was reinforced by years of his unorthodox way of handling cases. Gary Cole’s Alden Parker was the agent who was supposed to lead his arrest in Alaska, but after realizing that Gibbs wanted nothing but to solve the case, he allowed the NCIS boss not just to solve the mystery but also refused to arrest him.
Cole was eventually fired by the FBI and subsequently hired to replace Gibbs, but as seen in the NCIS season 21 premiere, his old organization continues to harp on what went down in Alaska. So much so that they were willing to overlook the facts and decide Torres was guilty without properly conducting an investigation. Had it not been for the NCIS’ underground work, he could have been charged with murder and sent to prison. Gibbs not coming back and tying loose ends with the FBI will continue to be a cause of conflict between them and the NCIS.
Will Harmon’s Gibbs Return In NCIS Season 21?
The upcoming Ducky Mallard tribute that was set up in the NCIS season 21 premiere cliffhanger is the perfect opportunity for Gibbs to return. It doesn’t need to be a massive welcome episode for the character and it sure won’t resolve the ongoing rift between NCIS and FBI, but as life-long friends, it would be off-putting if Gibbs doesn’t come back to pay respects to Ducky. No concrete indication, however, that Harmon is slated to make an appearance. Still, it shouldn’t be difficult to pull off, considering that Gibbs can just secretly sneak in during Ducky’s funeral without anyone noticing.
