‘NCIS’ Theory: Could Gary Cole Be Tied to Gibbs’ Storyline in Season 19?
The NCIS cast may look a bit different in the upcoming 19th season and we can’t help but wonder if that will include finding a replacement for Leroy Jethro Gibbs with Mark Harmon possibly shifting to part-time.
Gary Cole (The Good Fight, Veep) “is in talks for a major role” on the CBS procedural, according to Variety. (CBS has declined to comment.) There are no details yet on the character Cole would be playing, but it’s hard not to speculate that he might come in as a seasoned agent and take over as team leader.
Yes, Timothy McGee (Sean Murray) has been doing a great job during Gibbs’ indefinite suspension (for not regretting beating up a man who ran a dogfighting ring and killed the losers), but that doesn’t mean that Director Vance (Rocky Carroll) will have him take over full-time. There hasn’t been any indication that Gibbs has plans to come back, and it’s not like the agency is rushing to reinstate him, either.
If not for Variety‘s report adding that “sources [say] that Cole may not be the only new face to join the show’s main cast in the upcoming season,” we might even wonder if he could be coming on to play the serial killer Gibbs and investigative reporter Marcie Warren (Pam Dawber) were tracking at the end of Season 18. But NCIS isn’t exactly the kind of show to bring on a villain as a “main” cast member. That could always change, so we can’t rule that out.
The possibility of other additions isn’t surprising, given that the team is currently down two members. Emily Wickersham left at the end of Season 18, with her character Bishop going on an undercover op. Katrina Law appeared in the last two episodes as Jessica Knight, who lost her entire REACT team, and it does seem possible that she could stick around to join McGee and Torres (Wilmer Valderrama) moving forward. If that’s the case, the team would still need at least one other person. Plus, NCIS also said goodbye to Maria Bello (who played forensic psychologist Jack Sloane) last season.
Time will tell! But we’re excited to see if Cole makes it onto the main cast. The actor, whose TV credits also include mixed-ish, Chicago Fire, Suits, and Archer, is always a great addition to an ensemble.
Sonja Flemming/CBS
NCIS, Season 19, Fall 2021, CBS
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Comments are closed on this story.
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G
I would understand if they bring him in for some story arc, but if replacing Gibbs is what is going to happen, I may just be done watching NCIS.
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O
I think that would be a hard NO for me. Cole is ok but I think not nearly good enough to try and fill Gibbs shoes.
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G
Without Gibbs there is no NCIS show.
6 1
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C
NCIS is in the December of it's life. Cole would be a bandaid with the loss of so many main characters the show is/has lost the family dynamic. The addition of Katrina Law didn't help. It is more of a distraction than part of a cohesive ensaumble. The development of Tim from provide to Gibbs stand-in has been a great ongoing story line. Tim could become the SAIC and Gibbs hired by SECNAV as an Asst. Director after being exonerated of the assault. (The "victim" actually stabbed Gibbs, something if which he did not disclose at the time.
There are numerous ways the writer think tank could resurrect the interest but they need some new writers or rethink the current storylines.
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O
I will probably stop watching!
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R
I can't see anyone but Mark Harmon as the team leader, even only on a part-time basis... Maybe he could be promoted to Leon's position whereas Leon could replace SecNav or some other position of importance in the Pentagon or the White House...
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C
Hopefully for a short stint only but prefer McGee to lead the Team in Gibbs absence and really why do we need more actors? Katrina Law is fine as she replaces Emily but no more please. Just write good stories to keep us fans engaged is all we need!
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C
They better not end
Gibbs. I love his character.
Plus McGee has been filling in for Gibbs so why take that away for some newbie?
I hope they keep Gibbs.
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G
Ziva.
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O
If they try to replace Mark with Cole as team leader they better get ready for a major mutiny!!! Gibbs/Mark fans would not tolerate it, myself included!!!
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D
Supposedly next season is Harmon part time and the only reason he's there at all is that CBS told him No Gibbs No NCIS and he wanted to let his castmates have a proper ending.What that says to me is next season is the likely last season of the show.So if they bring in someone to fill he gap of a not full time Gibbs it probably only matters for one year.
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B
mark harmon, please stay with/on NCIS. It wouldn"t be the same without you. 😢
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O
The addition of a character played by Gary Cole is actually quite interesting. The character played by Katrina Law should be dropped, though. She doe not fit and the story line to introduce that character was rushed & uninteresting. I wish the producers would just take the time to introduce a character who meshes with the others & deserves to be on the team. A character played by Meaghan Rath might be a game changer!,
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O
Katrina Law is the new “Cousin Oliver” of the TV programming. She was added to Hawaii 5-0; it was done. Now adding her to NCIS will result in the end of the series. The producers need to take the time to find someone who has a personality to blend with McGhee and Torres. Her character added NOTHING to NCIS.
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B
Sounds like the fans have spoken
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O
Replacing Gibbs (or McGee) will be the straw that 💔 breaks this Fan's back .... Let's just end it like Scorpion no ending at all.
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G
If Gibbs leave I will stop watching
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O
Ncis is non-existent without Gibbs. The powers that be should promote Gibbs to assistant director, then promote Tim to saic. then bring Harmon Raab on as an agent, as well as Mac as a Probie.
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O
Gary Cole could be an interim boss and do a walk on but im not a fan of his to be a permanent figure on the show. Im an obsessed fan who watches every day but would be totally turned off with that. And im not diggin the new girl. Bring back someone relatable like Susan Kelechi Watson who Was on in the earlier years and show her growth
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M
Looking at comments and reflecting on the way this addition was announced (?) I can only say that it reminds me of the yearly "OMG Harmon hasn't signed a new contract yet!" panic that has become a standard from wherever.
First, Harmon HAS signed a new contract.
Second, there are lots of options on the table that won't take Gibbs away from his team in some form or other.
Third, even if Gibbs is no longer in charge of the team, do you really think that he won't be part of their work in some way? Really? If so, you obviously haven't been watching either very long or very closely.
Turn the hose off, kids, the house isn't on fire yet.
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C
Looking at Cole, I would say bring Harmon back.
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O
GREAT addition!
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M
This is interesting, exciting news. I've no doubt Cole will bring a lot to the table, no matter what type of role he ends up with on the series. A peruse of his resume shows just how flexible his talents and the wide range of projects he has worked on.
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P
I am with the rest..No Gibbs no NCIS. If Cole replaces Gibbs. Goodby NCIS. No longer will be watching.
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C
If Cole comes on, I’m done watching, I’d rather have Mark Harmon part time, than have him , I don’t like him, final
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