NCIS Season 21 Teases Mark Harmon's Gibbs Return Coming Up

NCIS season 21, episode 3 hints at the potential return of Mark Harmon's Leroy Jethro Gibbs sooner than expected. Despite the loss of key characters, including the team's leader, the show continues with its ensemble cast. Gibbs has been the main focus of NCIS for nearly twenty years, making it natural for fans to wonder when he may make a comeback, even if only in a limited capacity or a brief cameo appearance.

NCIS Season 21, Episode 3 Retired CIA Reveals The Truth About Gibbs Retirement

Ducky's tribute episode was the perfect opportunity to bring back Gibbs. The pair's friendship predated the events of the series, which would be enough motivation for the former Special Agent to come out of retirement in Alaska. However, instead of Harmon, NCIS season 21 featured the return of Michael Weatherly's Tony DiNozzo for a brief appearance to console the grieving Jimmy Palmer. The wait for Gibbs' return continues, and while NCIS season 21's storytelling has moved on from nostalgia, the team's new case offers a clue as to when Harmon may get involved in a case again.

Mark Harmon as Gibbs and the cast of NCIS season 21 - NCIS Season 21, Episode 3 Retired CIA Reveals The Truth About Gibbs Retirement

In NCIS season 21, episode 3, "Lifeline," the team comes together to support a troubled former NCIS agent attempting to prevent a domestic terror attack and make up for past mistakes. As they delve into the case, they enlist the help of his friend, a retired ex-CIA operative. Unlike other individuals called in for assistance, he eagerly embraces the opportunity to be involved, finding excitement in the otherwise mundane days of retirement. This eagerness mirrors Gibbs' own enjoyment of his time away from NCIS in Alaska.

Gibbs may have been retired for around two years, but with each season lasting about 12 months, there is a possibility for his return in NCIS season 22. Upon retiring, he shared with McGee that Alaska provided him with a sense of peace that had eluded him since the tragic deaths of Kelly and Shannon. However, as someone who dedicated his life to service for many years, the potential for boredom to set in is real, especially if he lacks meaningful activities beyond fishing and leisure. Gibbs requires a sense of purpose, something that his job at NCIS once provided him.

Gibbs wearing a baseball cap near the docks on NCIS - Why Gibbs Still Needs To Return To NCIS

Retiring from NCIS leaves the possibility open for Gibbs to make a comeback, with various opportunities available to reintroduce him, despite missing Ducky's funeral. One option is his involvement in the franchise's upcoming milestone 1000th episode, where Director Vance takes the spotlight in the storytelling. This would be a fitting tribute to the show's past, present, and future, as Gibbs joins forces with the current team. Additionally, Gibbs is said to be the executor of Ducky's will, a responsibility that would be challenging to fulfill if he is not present.

NCIS season 21 airs new episodes every Monday, 8pm ET on CBS.

Editor's P/S:

The article hints at the tantalizing possibility of Mark Harmon's return as Leroy Jethro Gibbs in NCIS season 21. While Gibbs' absence has been felt, the show has continued to captivate with its ensemble cast. The recent episode "Lifeline" offers a glimmer of hope, suggesting that Gibbs may not be as content in retirement as he initially let on. The character's unwavering dedication to service and his restlessness could lead him back to the team.

However, the article also acknowledges that Gibbs' return may not be imminent. The show has moved on from nostalgia, and the upcoming 1000th episode will likely focus on other characters. Nevertheless, the door remains open for Gibbs' reappearance, either in a limited capacity or as a brief cameo. The show's writers have the opportunity to craft a compelling storyline that honors the character's legacy while also respecting the current direction of the series.