With the upcoming premiere of Season 21 of CBS’s long-running series NCIS, there is increasing speculation about the potential return of Mark Harmon as Leroy Jethro Gibbs. Despite the recent loss of David McCallum, who portrayed Ducky, the chief medical examiner for 20 seasons, Harmon remains uncertain about Gibbs making a tribute appearance.
In a recent interview with Entertainment Tonight on November 16, Harmon disclosed that he is not aware of any plans for Gibbs to reprise his role in the upcoming season, scheduled to premiere on February 12, 2024. Despite holding the position of executive producer on the show, Harmon has been tight-lipped about the details, hinting that he may be preserving an element of surprise.
Previously, Harmon hinted that Gibbs retired to Alaska, indulging in his favorite activities of fishing and boat-building. The intentional mystery surrounding Gibbs’ post-NCIS life has been curated by showrunner Steven D. Binder, who prefers to allow fans to imagine the character’s off-screen journey through occasional cryptic dialogue.
The enigma surrounding Gibbs’ whereabouts and his adherence to the 91 rules has sparked speculation about a potential return. If Harmon were to make a brief appearance, fans would likely appreciate it, particularly considering the on-screen and off-screen relationship between Gibbs and Ducky. However, adhering to Gibbs’ character would involve following Rule 91: “when you decide to walk away, never look back.”