Mark Harmon Discusses His Role and Potential Return in NCIS
Mark Harmon’s Leroy Jethro Gibbs remains a cornerstone of the NCIS universe, even as he transitions to narrating the upcoming NCIS: Origins prequel series. Despite his last on-screen appearance in early Season 19 back in 2021, fans are eager for his return.
PASADENA, CA – JANUARY 11: Actor Mark Harmon (L) and actress Cote de Pablo of the television show “NCIS” speak during the CBS portion of the 2012 Television Critics Association Press Tour at The Langham Huntington Hotel and Spa on January 11, 2012 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)
At the Television Critics Association summer press tour on July 13, Harmon detailed his exit, stating, It wasn’t so much a decision to leave, but the right timing to push away a little bit. He further expressed satisfaction with how the storyline progressed and affirmed, I was thrilled with the storyline they came up with and how they handled the character. And the show continued on.
The Last Chapter in Alaska
The final sight of Gibbs came in the 2021 episode “Great Wide Open,” where Gibbs and McGee tracked a serial killer in Alaska. The episode concluded with Gibbs choosing to stay in Alaska after discovering peace there post-family tragedy.
A Possible Return?
“Face the Strange” – The NCIS team investigates the death of a Navy commander whose body suddenly explodes before Jimmy can examine it, on the CBS Original series NCIS, Monday, Oct. 18 (9:00-10:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network, and available to stream live and on demand on Paramount+. Pictured:Sean Murray as NCIS Special Agent Timothy McGee. Photo: Cliff Lipson/CBS ©2021 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
While updates on Gibbs have been sparse, Season 21 hinted at his presence when McGee received an envelope from Southwest Alaska, containing a photo of Gibbs, McGee, and Dr. Ducky Mallard (David McCallum). This suggests Gibbs is likely still residing in Alaska.
Though an executive producer on NCIS, Harmon was notably absent from both the tribute episode for David McCallum and the milestone 1,000th episode aired last April.
Lingering Questions About a Comeback
Addressing his potential return, Harmon commented, I have been asked that a lot… I’ve always let the writers do what they want to do. He revealed there hasn’t been direct communication about returning, stating,Directly, like a phone call…? Not that I’m aware of. Asked about possibly reappearing for an eventual series finale, he remained ambiguous,I don’t know. It’s really about feeling like you’re fulfilled with a role or complete with a role.
