NCIS season 21, episode 3’s case unexpectedly offers a clue when Mark Harmon’s Leroy Jethro Gibbs might return, and it’s surprisingly soon. Life goes on for the police procedural’s titular team even after losing several notable characters, including the squad’s fearless leader. Despite being an ensemble, Gibbs was NCIS’ main protagonist, with Harmon functioning as the franchise’s poster star for almost two decades. Given this, it shouldn’t be shocking that there is still interest in knowing when Gibbs might come out of retirement and rejoin NCIS, even at a limited capacity or just a cameo.
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.
