“Gibbs Is The Father Figure…Parker Is The Crazy Uncle”: NCIS Season 21’s Wild Parker Story Teased By Showrunners
NCIS showrunners David North and Steven D. Binder have teased a wild story for Alden Parker in season 21, which is teased as a very comedic episode. Parker became the team leader following Leroy Gibbs stepping down in season 19. Since then, he’s led the team across numerous cases, which have resulted in plenty of different situations he and others have found themselves in.
According to TVLine, though, North and Binder have a plan where Parker will be getting a wild focus episode in NCIS season 21. The duo teased that he will have to perform a surgery, but that the episode will also feature comedic moments for the character. They also explained what producer Mark Horowitz thought of Gibbs and Parker’s characters. Check out what the team behind the show had to say:
David North: [Parker] may possibly have to perform a surgery.
Steven D. Binder: Gary Cole is an incredibly funny actor, and he hasn’t had a lot of opportunities to expose his comedic chops [on NCIS ], so were hoping to do that.
David North: [Producer Mark Horowitz said] Gibbs is the father figure of the team, but Parker is the crazy uncle, so we want to let Gary spread his wings.
How Parker Has Stepped Into The Lead Role Of NCIS
Although he has been the team leader since season 19, the team leader is still a relatively fresh face on the cast.Parker was framed in NCIS season 19, however was cleared of the murder allegations later on. Beyond this, however, there hasn’t been a major chance to dig into the deeper dynamics of his character, something North and Binder seem keen on doing for season 21.
By giving Parker a more comedic episode, it will show a different side of his character that hasn’t gotten as strong a chance to shine throughout the show. It can also reveal how, despite being the leader of the team, he can still find himself in humorously stressful situations. Giving him a focus episode in this style can further cement him as a good replacement for Gibbs, even if the classic NCIS leader will forever be fondly remembered.
Although it’s unclear if NCIS season 22 will happen, the ongoing success of the show means Parker will likely be in his leadership position for a long time to come. This makes a more comedy-centric episode the perfect way to emphasize his development in an interesting way contrasted to the previous team leader. While it’s unclear which episode will see him in the scenario North and Binder tease, the shortened season means it may happen sooner rather than later.
