NCIS 1000th Episode Sneak Peek: Familiar Character Makes a Comeback

Some new behind-the-scenes images have been released for the NCIS 1000th episode, hinting at the return of a beloved character. Instead of a major crossover event, the focus of the milestone episode will be on the original series. Special Agent Alden Parker and his team will be racing to solve a case that puts Director Vance in danger. In addition to the main squad, they will receive assistance from an old ally, Tobias Fornell, played by Joe Spano.

Sean Murray recently shared set images on his Instagram for an upcoming NCIS season 21 episode airing on April 15. The pictures feature Fornell with Tim McGee and Parker. Check them out below:

Instagram article posted by therealseanhmurray

The pictures were captured on the NCIS interrogation room set. Spano is seen standing behind the one-way glass panel that divides the room from the viewing area. This suggests that Fornell will not be a suspect in this situation. Instead, he teams up with NCIS to assist in solving the mystery.

Fornell's Return to NCIS and Its Impact on Gibbs' Possible Cameo

Mark Harmon is confirmed to make a comeback to the NCIS franchise through NCIS: Origins, a prequel series focusing on Gibbs' early days in the agency. Harmon will serve as the show's narrator.

Fornell and Gibbs talk in front of a car in NCIS Head Of The Snake - How Fornell’s NCIS Return Impacts Gibbs’ Possible Cameo

However, Spano's Fornell already coming back reduces the chances of Gibbs also showing up.

Having Spano appear in the 1000th episode of NCIS is a special treat for fans who have been following the show for a long time. Even though he was not a part of the main team, his recurring role as an FBI liaison brought a friendly face to the typically tense relationship between the two agencies. In addition to his professional role, Fornell also shared a close friendship with Leroy Jethro Gibbs, played by Mark Harmon. Unfortunately, they were not able to bid farewell before Gibbs left for his retirement in Alaska during NCIS season 19.

There is anticipation among viewers that Gibbs will make a return in a future episode, especially since he did not appear in Ducky's tribute episode. The 1000th episode would be a perfect opportunity for his comeback, given its significance as a milestone and the potential need for his assistance in solving Vance's case. However, the return of Spano's Fornell character may decrease the likelihood of Gibbs appearing. It is possible that CBS decided to bring back a beloved character like Fornell to compensate for the absence of Gibbs in the special episode from a storytelling perspective.

Beyond Gibbs, there is a possibility for other NCIS characters to make a comeback. Michael Weatherly's return as Tony DiNozzo could open the door for more appearances. Maybe this time, he will be joined by Ziva David. However, it seems unlikely that Pauley Perrette will reprise her role as Abby Sciuto, given the circumstances of her departure.

NCIS season 21 can be watched every Monday at 9 pm ET on CBS.

Source: Sean Murray/Instagram

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Editor's P/S:

The upcoming 1000th episode of "NCIS" promises a captivating storyline centered on the original series, with Special Agent Alden Parker and his team investigating a case that threatens Director Vance. The episode marks the return of Tobias Fornell, played by Joe Spano, an old ally who will assist the team. This development hints at a focus on the show's established characters, rather than a major crossover event.

While the return of Fornell is exciting, it may have implications for the potential cameo of Mark Harmon's Leroy Jethro Gibbs. Gibbs' absence in Ducky's tribute episode has fueled speculation about his return, especially considering the significance of the 1000th episode. However, Fornell's presence may suggest that CBS opted to compensate for Gibbs' absence with another beloved character. Fans will have to tune in to see if Gibbs does indeed make an appearance, or if other familiar faces from the past will join Fornell in this milestone episode.