‘NCIS’ Seems to Be Setting Gibbs Up to Go Part-Time If There’s a Season 19
Leroy Jethro Gibbs’ (Mark Harmon) role at NCIS will likely never be the same as a result of his ongoing arc in Season 18. But it does beg the question: Is NCIS going to be saying goodbye to Gibbs full-time because of it?
A quick recap: Gibbs got (rightfully) angry when he discovered a man was running a dogfighting ring and killing the losers. He beat up the suspect, and because he only regretted not killing him, Director Leon Vance (Rocky Carroll) suspended his agent indefinitely. But let’s be honest: Gibbs could have easily come back from that. After all, his admission was only to Vance. It’s his move after that that could spell the end of his time at the agency or a change to his position there, assuming he even wants to return.
In the latest episode, “Gut Punch,” Gibbs told all to an investigative reporter, Marcie Warren (Pam Dawber), after she tracked him down — first at his favorite diner, then at his house. “What I am most proud of is my investigative work, which is about exposing the truth,” she said. “I know you know something about the truth and I want to be the one to write about it because that’s who I am.”
Considering the article that was printed by episode’s end — “Everything Gibbs said and did is in here almost word for word,” McGee (Sean Murray) noted — she won him over. Whether it’s her words or the fact that she knows about boat engines (the way to Gibbs’ heart or gut or whatever he listens to), he talked.
“I only told the truth,” Gibbs told Vance.
“I came here to tell you face to face whatever comes of this story, whatever happens next, Gibbs, I can’t save you,” his boss made clear.
There has to be some sort of fallout of his actions because by speaking with the press, Gibbs made it bigger than NCIS and went against what the agency was asked to do: not comment. Instead, it was being handled “internally and appropriately,” according to Vance. Did Gibbs just put the wheels in motion for Harmon to potentially be part-time if there is a Season 19? Rumors have suggested that might be the case.
Bill Inoshita/CBS
Could this lead to Gibbs taking on a different role, a consultant of sorts or some new position created for him (like was done with David McCallum‘s Ducky when the former chief medical examiner became the agency’s historian)? His team did, after all, show they can handle investigations without him (even if it’s another team’s they technically shouldn’t have been working).
Whatever happens, we expect to see Marcie continue to have some impact on Gibbs, with Dawber in three more episodes. Sure, it would be easy to assume she’ll be his next love interest since Dawber is Harmon’s wife and Marcie knows boats, but instead, it looks like she’s going to change his life professionally and could very well have set him on his path for the rest of the series by tracking him down in “Gut Punch.” (If Harmon is only around part-time in a 19th season, chances are it would be NCIS‘s last.)
Whatever the case, something tells us that Gibbs hasn’t made the last move that will put him in opposition with NCIS.
NCIS, Tuesdays, 8/7c, CBS
Grab Your News!
Get absolutely everything about NCIS in your inbox!
Conversation13 Comments
Please read the TV Insider Community Guidelines.
Comments are closed on this story.
-
M
I think that Gibbs was pretty clear about not wanting Vance to come to his rescue. It was a continuation of when he told the team to "Tell the truth." He knows what he did and he knows he has to face whatever comes next himself.
I also think that this is a continuation of the yearly 'will he or won't he' game that is played when we are reminded that Harmon has a contract to sign...or not. Whoever is responsible for this game should be ashamed of themselves. It got boring years ago.
I haven't calculated it, but it seems to me that there has been more time with the team without Gibbs than with him in the past 2 seasons. I truly don't want to spend more time with Torres. Ellie has evolved into a rather good agent. McGee is actually still enjoyable - he hasn't lost all the quirks. I have enjoyed Jimmy's growth and Kasie is an excellent replacement for Abby. They all bring something to the show but Gibbs really is the glue that holds it all together. If Harmon leaves, the show is over.
8 2
-
J
Yeah, the whole arc of Gibbs & Fornell was (imho) boring and pointless. I didn't watch many of those episodes, but I think the rest of the team was forced to function without Saint Jethro... and they did quite well at it. If Gibbs is going to continue acting out of character--and being moody like an angsty 14-year-old--I'm fine with the rest of the team going on without him.
2 7
-
-
O
As much as I love NCIS and have watched it from day one I think if Harmon wants to really leave then pull off the band aid and end the show with the class ending it deserves.
6 1
-
B
The show will not survive without Gibbs! Tony would be the only one that could have carried it without Gibbs!
5 1
-
O
I have been watching NCIS since day one. In all honesty I haven't been as faithful since Tony and Ziva left and I will DEFINITELY NOTwatch at all if Gibbs isn't part of it. End the series and give the amazing show the respectful retirement it so richly deserves.
5 1
-
B
If Gibbs leaves so will I.
4 1
-
P
No Gibbs I’m gone
1
-
-
D
Harmon has been in this role for nearly two decades and he wants to leave is basically the story here.He wanted this year to be his last but reluctantly stayed because he wanted both the show and his castmates to get a good ending when CBS told him no Gibbs means no NCIS.Now the likely plan is part time next season as they close the series out.This gives them a chance to wrap this show up well with full stories and conclusions.It might even allow things like an appearance by Tony and Ziva etc.I expect Gibbs will be suspended or something similar for the rest of the series.In real life that's how it would be,Gibbs would be done.I'll miss this show but it had a long mega successful run and you can't ask for more than that.
1
-
O
I’m not happy if Gibbs doesn’t come back. Show will not be the same they might as well cancel it. Don’t understand such a good show with good cast and someone had to screw it up. What gives??
-
G
If Gibbs leave, I'll give it a chance. It may still be good.
-
C
Always leave with folks wanting more! Part time Gibbs has ruined the decades if excellence. This season doesn't make sense. It was a gamble and gibbs and his fans lost big time.
-
C
Ncis without Gibbs. Give it a go for a year with some good shows. I like Gibbs but if he wants out. Give him some advice to a new leader from his cellar. Torres Ellie and McGee make a good team. I would like to see a new director. Kasie is o.k. too. I just hope they can continue NCIS.
1
-
O
This show is no where near as good without TIVA!! Can't stand torres
1
-
Watchlist Easy access to only the shows you care about — all in one simple place
Alerts Only important notifications — when a show is returning, when it becomes available to stream, and more.
Special Offers Exclusive products we release related to your favorite shows and streaming services