Mark Harmon, who portrayed Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs for nearly two decades, made the heartbreaking decision to leave NCIS. The 70-year-old actor felt his time on the iconic police procedural had come to an end, and although he received a great deal of backlash from fans, he knew quitting was the correct decision.
The manner in which Gibbs was written off, however, suggests that he could return in the future. When eliminating a character, death is one of the most common outcomes. The character is killed off (typically in a dramatic manner), his or her fellow characters grieve, and the series receives a nice dose of drama to begin or end a season.
Jethro Gibbs was not, however, eliminated. Instead, the character’s passing was very tranquil. After completing a particularly difficult and taxing mission, Gibbs announced that he would not be returning. Instead of returning to this NCIS unit, Gibbs chose to remain in Alaska, where he found “peace.”
Since Gibbs is merely in Alaska and unharmed, Mark Harmon could theoretically return at any time. But does he desire it?
Fans of ‘NCIS’ hope that this season 19 event will lead to the return of Gibbs.
Due to Gibbs’ absence in Alaska, Special Agent Parker (Gary Cole) assumed Gibbs’ duties within the unit. Although the fatherly leader has been absent for less than an entire season, fans are already pleading for his return. Fans are constantly discussing how NCIS could bring Gibbs back, as hopeful theories flood the Internet.
Alden Parker quickly acclimated to the fictitious unit, but Season 19 was quite difficult for the newly appointed supervisory special agent. Not only did he have a turbulent relationship with his ex-wife, but he also appears to have attracted the attention of the FBI.
Some fans expressed hope in a recent Reddit thread that Gibbs would return in Season 20 due to this conflict with the FBI. The thread’s creator posed the question, “Do you all believe the FBI is after Agent Parker because he let Gibbs go?” “I was just curious because Parker’s former boss was very agitated when he reminded Parker that his job was to bring Gibbs in, not to set him free in Alaska.”
In the comments, the majority of fans opposed the original post. Fans believe that Gibbs is perfectly content at home, despite the fact that his return to the NCIS would be fantastic. One fan wrote, “I believe Mark is content to be off-screen.” “I believe we’ve seen the last of Gibbs,” said a second character. “He won’t return to aid Parker. McGee perhaps… but not Parker”
“I’d be surprised if we ever saw Mark Harmon portraying Gibbs on screen again,” chimed in a third. “Except possibly in/during the series finale’s lead-up (whenever that occurs. Hopefully, not for many years to come).”
