‘NCIS’ Boss Explains Gibbs Helping Avenge Vance’s Death: ‘It Had to Be Worthy’
What To Know
- NCIS brought back Gibbs in a way in the penultimate episode.
- Executive producer Steven D. Binder explains why it was done in this way.
NCIS shocked fans at the end of the penultimate episode by not only having Parker (Gary Cole) take care of Rogers (J. Paul Boehmer), the former Army CID director part of the weapons smuggling ring that Vance (Rocky Carroll) died helping to take down, rather than let him go into witness protection, but also having him enlist a very familiar sniper to do so. As Parker revealed in the final moments, he was cooking salmon, fresh from Alaska, for his sister, Harriet (Nancy Travis). Only a sniper as skilled as Gibbs (Mark Harmon), who just so happens to be living in Alaska now, could have taken the shot. It’s a moment that executive producer Steven D. Binder tells TV Insider he’s very glad happened.
“Maybe if you gave me one hand to choose the things I’m most proud of on this series, that’s going to be on the hand for sure,” he says.
The series has mentioned Gibbs a few times since Harmon last appeared onscreen in Season 19 — he has since appeared twice on the prequel, NCIS: Origins — including money deposited into people’s accounts and hearing that Vera (Roma Maffia) is apparently in contact with him. But that’s it.
“One of the things we’ve resisted doing is placing him in any specific area or job or location. I know Origins has done that to some degree, but you don’t necessarily know what time when Gibbs is sitting around the fire, you don’t necessarily know when that’s storytelling’s occurring. It could be at any point. It could have been the night we dropped him off in Alaska,” Binder shares.
“We’ve been specifically avoiding Gibbs because I’ve always felt that Gibbs is a larger-than-life kind of guy, and you almost imagine he’s transitioned to another plane of existence. I don’t want to think of Gibbs living in an apartment in Anchorage. That’s not what I want to think of him,” he explains. “I want to think of him permanently in the woods, fishing, however that works. So I’ve been very careful about when we bring him back, if we were to bring him back in any way, that we don’t burst that bubble and we continue letting him be this larger-than-life character.”
And so there was that part of it, but there was another to bringing him back, albeit not onscreen, at least not yet, as well.
“The second piece is, it had to be worthy. It had to be worthy for Gibbs to come back,” Binder says. “And what happened in the penultimate episode, I think, is about as worthy as it gets: protecting his family.”
As we learned, Rogers’ transport into witness protection was stalled the same way that the car of someone from the Parkers’ siblings’ past was. Then, a sniper took him out from 4500 feet away.
What did you think of that “return” from Gibbs? Let us know in the comments section below.
NCIS, Season 24 Finale, Tuesday, May 12, 8/7c, CBS
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N
Loved the clues, especially the salmon!
58
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B
As soon as he said fresh Alaskan salmon, I knew for sure. There was foreshadowing with Alden cooking on the wood stove. I actually think Gibbs and Parker have a respectful relationship after all that happened. It's just not dwelt upon a lot.
51
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G
It was absolutely, 💯% one of the best things ever to be written & do. When they said no one could take a shot like that, I knew what the reference was immediately. Great job guys.
45
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S
It was perfect! Loved the clues. Well done NCIS.
38
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M
It was great! Loved having the clues to get to the Gibbs shot!
34
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B
Perfect, and worthy - one of the top 5 episodes of the series; if not THE best. Superb writing!!!
32
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S
Amazing end of the episode. Fresh salmon from Alaska was a nice touch.
28
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G
I knew it! I didn't pick up on the salmon reference but sure did when they said 'sniper'. Very cool! Well done.
27
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L
Always love having Gibbs around. Love that guy. I cried. It was a good cry. More Gibbs please. Parker held his own. I want to watch that episode again.
27
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D
I knew when Jimmy said it took a heck if a sniper to make that shot. It took me right back to the Ziva rescue by Tony, Tim and Gibbs. I laughed at the fresh Salmon. Great episode.
I want to see Tim as Director even if it means he won't be involved as much.
I think the writers are talented enough to work it in.
26
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T
It had to be that Gibbs avenged Vances death. Great touch to that ending.
15
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J
I think it was obvious what they did... an expert sniper? Alaskan salmon? They telegraphed it to the world.
14
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L
Absolutely Awesome!!!!!!
13
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T
LOVED it!! Made me cry. But OF COURSE he would want to help get the guy who killed Vance!
12
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F
The right way to keep him involved. Very well done.
11
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B
I'd love to see Gibbs return. Sounds like a fitting thing to happen for Gibbs.Not sure Mark wants to permanently though. So many stories could be done occasionally from/about/in Alaska. I suppose this is just one episode for Gibbs?
11
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S
That was awesome. How they put a few clues in. Especially the team mentioned
in the beginning about how to take Rogers out. You new the reference was about Gibbs. Then the TV reports a sniper shot. Only one answer to that...
Gibbs. But at the end about the fresh
Alaska salmon, you knew.
Nicely done. AWESOME
9
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R
They literally hit you over the head with the clues pointing to Gibbs. If you didn't get it you're not really a fan of NCIS.
9
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A
I loved it. I definitely figured it out that they would be bringing him back in some way when mcgee said the gibs way in the beginning of the episode.but i have always loved Gibb's character. He has always held a high reguard towards his ncis family and i absolutely love that about him. I was soooo hoping to see him again because i have missed his character so much. But i was so happy to know he was still around and willing to do anything for his ncis family. Much love to this episode.💝
6
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G
I am often unhappy with season endings that episode is one of the best I have watched & I've watched every season every spinoff.
6
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B
Phenomenal writing!!
What a great way to pull Gibbs back…suttle, but so significant for us NCIS old timers…kudos!!
5
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F
It's subtle.
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T
Brilliant and perfect.
5
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E
Any way to bring Gibbs back,whether by innuendo or in person is good for me. Marine up!!! Oorah!!!
5
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M
I loved it!!!
5
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J
Thought it was AWESOME!!
5
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W
I knew it was Gibbs just made sense.
4
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M
Loved it!!!!!
4
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N
It was great !! Loved it 😊
3
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S
It was perfect. He took out someone who needed to be taken out because they were getting away with murder. And he was avenging his friend Director Vance.
3
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R
They literally hit you over the head with all the clues pointing to Gibbs, if you didn't get it you really aren't a fan of NCIS.
3
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N
it was awesome
3
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C
I knew only Gibbs could have taken that shot. Parker messed with the car for it to stall and the rest was history.
2
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S
It was about as perfect a moment as I have ever experienced… Vance avenger, Parker final getting peace as well as a celebratory meal…. And Gibbs presence, not seen but present taking care of family… as a fan since Gibbs first appearance in Jag, I enjoyed this moment as one of the best of NCIS…. ( the Medal Honor episode with Charles Durning is also a favorite… very emotional as the son on a Marine.)
2
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M
I loved it! Very well written and the ending was terrific. My favorite episode.
2
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R
Gibbs was mentioned at least twice by team members early in episode and planted the seed. Kinda forgot about
it till Parker said Salmon fresh from Alaska. Great ending to the Director Vance saga.
2
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R
It was a surreal moment when you put two and two together..Enjoyed it now hoping Gibbs is onscreen next week ..
2
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G
Good episode
2
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P
It took me about 2 seconds to know who the sniper was. Then of course fresh salmon from Alaska-come on now!!
One of the best episodes this year.
1
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J
The fresh salmon was dead give away and the sparkle in Parkers eye confirmed the hit by Gibbs. Love it
1
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J
LOVED this episode with no doubt who the sniper was and Parker cooking salmon. Very cool!!
1
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E
Loved it! Perfect ending to a great show. Gibbs is still part of the team. We'll done!
1
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G
When agents were talking about taking care of Roger's Gibbs way and they showed broadcast of Rogers being killed by sniper. I knew it was Gibbs & was confirmed when Parker put Alaskan Salmon in pan. Great ending NCIS.
1
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B
I absolutely LOVED IT!!!! And yes the Alaskan Salmon ding ding ding
1
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G
Fantastic show..we and the show needs more GIBBS
1
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G
Thought the ending was perfect knowing Gibbs was there to help.
1
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M
It was a great!! Way to revenge The death of Leon!! And who better to complete that!! Watching out for family!!
1
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L
As someone who has watched NCIS
since it’s beginning it was one of the best episodes ever! Only a loyal fan of the show would have caught the references to Gibbs early and it was a delight to watch and know Gibbs came and avenged Vance death in true Gibbs style! Best written episode! Loved it!
1
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D
Mad!! Loved it. Knew right away he was involved.
1
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L
I knew when Parker was cooking in the fireplace , although I thought it was going to be a steak.
1
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T
That absolutely the best way to avenge Vance's death. You guys get a 10 out of 10!! Bravo!!
1
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B
As soon as I heard the word "sniper," Gibbs came to mind. Loved that "clue."
1
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H
As soon as they said sniper, I said Gibbs
1
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M
When they said the shot came from 4500 feet away, I knew immediately that it had to be Gibbes.
1
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M
I watched that episode...when the whoever said ..he only knew of one person who could have made the shot....first name in my brain was Gibbs
1
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D
It was great! Knew only Gibbs could make that shot.
1
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B
Loved it and the ending could of only been Gibbs
1
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A
Love Gibbs. His old and new teams respect him.
1
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R
Well done!!
1
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C
It was perfect. Parker was not going to wait for him and the NCIS family to be picked off like his father was. Gibbs being the one to help protect them was a very natural response.
1
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R
Loved it...so subtle
1
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O
Uuhuh. And they talked about him from the very beginning of the episode... pretty sure that was the entire point....
1
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J
It was a great day. I knew when the fresh salmon was talked about that Gibbs was the expert sharp shooter. Thanks
1
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C
Loved it, that Rodger’s was scum and he would never change he said it himself.
1
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R
I thought it was a fantastic. as soon as they mentioned a sniper then the salmon you knew it was Gibbs
1
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P
Five stars!!
IMO the last several episodes have been very … um … weak. This last episode saved the season for me.
1
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A
The looks between the team when it was revealed that the shot was 4,500 feet. The only thing better would have been to see the look on his face as he was taken out. I admit I detest how real life criminals get a free ride under witness protection. Just put them in solitary confinement. I dislike how criminals can be rewarded for bad behavior just because they can lead up the food chain. Probably one of the reasons defense attorneys always blackball me at jury selection.
1
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D
The only person I could think of that was fully qualified to do thd deed was Gibbs. Without hesitation.
1
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J
It was great. Love it.
1
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C
It was the Greatest way to end that episode. The writing was absolutely fantastic! Thank you NCIS.
1
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S
Sniper who better than Gibbs loved it
1
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V
As soon as they said 4500 ft. Shot I knew it was Gibbs. Was extremely happy with that ending
1
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S
Fantastic
1
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K
Perfection
1
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N
The very very BEST!!!
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E
Classic
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D
It would be nice if Gibbs came back either as a fill in director or a permanent director and take Vance’s place for a bit. Just an idea.
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S
I think the episode was great 👍 it was the exact way they need to use Gibbs. I knew immediately when they said it was a sniper that only Gibbs could do it. The Salmon at the end was the ultimate clue 😊
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M
Loved it!!
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D
Absolutely awesome!
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D
Fantastic job
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L
Apparently I'm gonna have to go back and re-watch some episodes because I missed whatever everyone is talking about.
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C
His return " awesome". But would love to see him on screen.
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T
LOVED IT
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J
It was good except for one thing: They said the vehicle was disabled by disconnecting the alternator. All vehicles going way back have a dash light for that. So there's no way they would've taken off on a long drive with a bad alternator. Serious plot hole. It would've been better had they indicated Gibbs put a .50 BMG into the engine block or something.
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K
Loved it!
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H
Loved it
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