For nearly two decades, Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs, portrayed by Mark Harmon, was the unwavering heart of NCIS. From its debut in 2003, Gibbs wasn’t just a character; he was the embodiment of the show itself. This made his exit in season 19 a seismic event, leaving fans worldwide asking: why did Mark Harmon leave NCIS? While Harmon remained behind the scenes as an Executive Producer, Gibbs’ physical absence resonated deeply within the series. NCIS, a cornerstone of CBS’s primetime lineup, thrives on the intricate lives of federal agents navigating military crimes, counter-terrorism, and national security threats for the Navy and Marine Corps.
Conceived by the visionary minds of Don McGill and Donald P. Bellisario, NCIS has navigated numerous cast changes throughout its illustrious run. Iconic characters like Tony DiNozzo, Abby Sciuto, Kate Todd, and Ziva David have all bid farewell, yet Harmon’s departure carried a unique weight. CBS, known for its ability to adapt and evolve its series, faced a significant test: could NCIS endure without its iconic leader? Gary Cole stepped into the breach, assuming a leadership role, but Harmon’s early season 19 exit left ample time to assess the show’s trajectory in his absence.
The Narrative Arc of Gibbs’ Farewell in NCIS
Gibbs’ Pursuit of Justice and a Killer’s Secrets
Gibbs’ departure from NCIS wasn’t abrupt; it was the culmination of a storyline that had been meticulously building tension. In the episodes leading up to his exit, Gibbs was deeply engrossed in a case involving a series of murders initially attributed to a serial killer. However, the investigation took a sharp turn when the team uncovered the truth: these were the calculated acts of a hired assassin (played by Jason Wiles). In a dramatic turn of events, Gibbs, in his relentless pursuit of justice, made the unconventional decision to release FBI Agent Alden Parker (Gary Cole) and accompany the hitman to a location of the killer’s choosing, hoping to extract crucial information.
The confrontation with the hitman reached a deadly climax when the killer detonated an explosive device, but not before revealing two critical pieces of information: he was responsible for the destruction of Gibbs’ beloved boat, and he disclosed the identity of his employer. This revelation propelled Gibbs to Naktok, Alaska, a remote location that became the focal point of his final NCIS case.
| Leroy Jethro Gibbs Timeline |
|---|
| Gibbs’ First Appearance |
| First NCIS Episode |
| Gibbs’ Final Appearance |
In the Alaskan wilderness, Gibbs’ investigation led him to Sonova Industries, a corporation whose copper mining project posed a severe threat to the pristine environment. He uncovered a sinister plot orchestrated by Sonova’s CEO, Sonia Eberhart (Valarie Pettiford), who had hired the hitman to silence anyone who could expose the environmental damage her mine would inflict. Gibbs and his NCIS team meticulously gathered evidence, ultimately cornering Eberhart for the murder of a journalist who was on the verge of uncovering her secrets.
Gibbs’ Departure: Finding Peace Beyond NCIS
A Quest for Serenity After Loss
The NCIS episode that marked Gibbs’ departure was rich with poignant moments shared between him and his team – Nick Torres, Timothy McGee, and Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard. These scenes, carefully woven throughout the narrative, served as subtle yet unmistakable foreshadowing of Gibbs’ impending exit. A symbolic gesture that underscored his decision was his disposal of his long-held phone, dropping it into a coffee mug, suggesting a detachment from his past and the demands of his profession. However, Gibbs wasn’t simply retiring; his actions had legal repercussions. By assisting the hitman and evading the FBI, Gibbs had technically broken the law.
Leroy Jethro Gibbs’ journey began in JAG, setting the stage for the NCIS universe.
Gibbs anticipated facing the consequences of his actions, even informing Parker of his whereabouts, expecting arrest. Yet, fate had a different path in store for him. Agent Parker, recognizing the depth of Gibbs’ integrity and the good he had accomplished, made a pivotal decision: he disobeyed orders and chose not to arrest Gibbs, a choice that cost him his FBI job. This act of defiance, however, paved the way for Gibbs’ newfound peace. In the Alaskan landscape, Gibbs discovered a sense of tranquility that had eluded him since the tragic deaths of his wife and daughter. This hard-earned peace became the deciding factor in his choice to remain in Alaska, leaving behind the world of NCIS.
Mark Harmon’s Reasons for Stepping Away from NCIS
Weariness and a Desire for Change
The on-screen narrative of Gibbs’ departure mirrored, to some extent, the real-world motivations of Mark Harmon. After an impressive 18 seasons at the helm of NCIS, Mark Harmon expressed a readiness to explore new horizons. While he agreed to a limited presence at the beginning of season 19 to ensure the show’s renewal, NCIS season 19 marked Harmon’s official exit as Gibbs. His long-standing commitment to the franchise as both a producer and lead actor underscored his investment in the series’ continued success, even as he stepped away from the forefront.
Harmon’s decision to exit early in season 19, rather than at the conclusion of a season, was a strategic move to provide NCIS with the best possible chance for renewal. This transition period allowed the show to demonstrate its resilience and ability to captivate audiences even without Gibbs’ constant presence. Agent Parker’s subsequent hiring at NCIS, after being dismissed from the FBI for aiding Gibbs, served as a narrative bridge, filling the void left by Gibbs’ departure. Mark Harmon himself shed light on his decision in an interview on The Kelly Clarkson Show:
“I think for the longest time, I was just tired. Part of taking the job [involved] being home, with a young family, not traveling so much doing movies. The first day, we worked 22 hours. So I thought, ‘That’s not exactly what I thought this was going to be.’ But we had a lot of days like that in the first four years.”
Harmon’s words revealed the demanding nature of his role and a desire for a less grueling pace after years of dedication to NCIS.
The Lingering Question: Could Gibbs Ever Return to NCIS?
An Open Door Policy from Showrunners
Gibbs’ farewell was intentionally crafted to allow for a potential return. His character opted for a peaceful life in Alaska rather than a dramatic, irreversible exit, leaving the door ajar for future appearances. Showrunner Steve Binder reinforced this possibility in a statement released following Harmon’s departure:
As an executive producer and dear friend, Mark continues to be an integral part of the fabric of the show … Our north star has always been staying true to our characters, and that truth has always guided the stories we tell and where those characters go. So regarding the future of Gibbs, as long-time fans of the show may have noticed over the years…never count Leroy Jethro Gibbs out.
This statement offered a glimmer of hope to fans who yearned to see Gibbs back in action, suggesting that a return was not entirely off the table.
NCIS’s Enduring Success After Gibbs’ Exit
Gary Cole and a Resilient Ensemble Cast
Despite the monumental shift of losing its central character, NCIS demonstrated remarkable resilience after Mark Harmon’s departure. While Gibbs was undeniably the linchpin of the show for many years, NCIS had cultivated a strong ensemble cast and compelling storylines that extended beyond a single character. NCIS season 19’s viewership figures became a crucial barometer, gauging whether the audience would remain engaged without Gibbs at the forefront.
Agent Parker’s introduction proved instrumental in mitigating the impact of Gibbs’ absence, injecting fresh energy and a new dynamic into the team.
Harmon’s departure at the season’s outset was, in part, a calculated risk to assess the show’s ability to thrive in a new chapter. NCIS has a history of successfully navigating character exits, preparing audiences for change. However, Gibbs’ departure was arguably the most significant character transition in the show’s history. Fortunately, Agent Parker effectively stepped into the leadership void, ensuring the continued vitality of NCIS.
Mark Harmon’s Reflections on His NCIS Legacy
“Not Retired” – Keeping Gibbs’ Spirit Alive
A year after Gibbs’ Alaskan sojourn began, Mark Harmon openly discussed his reasons for leaving NCIS and his perspective on Gibbs’ enduring legacy. Speaking on the DVD release of season 19, Harmon emphasized his desire to pursue “fresh” and “challenging” projects, a pursuit constrained by the demanding NCIS schedule after 18 seasons as Leroy Jethro Gibbs.
Mark Harmon’s presence may be gone from NCIS, but Gibbs’ legacy continues to shape the show.
However, Harmon offered reassurance to fans, stating that Gibbs is “not retired” as a character. This carefully chosen phrasing implied the potential for future appearances. “The character is living in Alaska as far as I know. Plot-wise, this character has taken the path that it did. I thought it was honest.” While Gibbs hasn’t yet returned to the main NCIS series, his presence is still felt, and the show continues to honor his impact.
Mark Harmon’s Post-NCIS Projects and Future
From Author to Prequel Narrator
In the aftermath of his NCIS exit, Mark Harmon initially took a step back from acting, using the time to recharge and explore different creative avenues. He collaborated with retired NCIS Special Agent Leon Carroll Jr. to co-author Ghosts of Honolulu: A Japanese Spy, a Japanese American Spy Hunter, and the Untold Story of Pearl Harbor, also lending his voice to the audiobook narration.
However, Harmon’s hiatus from the screen proved to be temporary. He is set to make his return to film in Freaky Friday 2, reprising his role as Ryan from the original 2003 movie. More significantly for NCIS enthusiasts, Harmon is deeply involved in NCIS: Origins, the prequel series.
NCIS: Origins and Harmon’s Enduring Connection to Gibbs
Narrating Gibbs’ Early Years
NCIS: Origins features Austin Stowell as the younger Leroy Jethro Gibbs, delving into his formative years. Crucially, Mark Harmon is not only an executive producer but also the narrator of this new installment in the NCIS franchise.
Harmon even appears as an older Gibbs in the two-part premiere of NCIS: Origins, “Enter Sandman,” on CBS. These scenes depict Gibbs in Alaska, reflecting on his early career with the Naval Investigative Service through journal entries.
| NCIS: Origins Cast | Role |
|---|---|
| Austin Stowell | Leroy Jethro Gibbs |
| Mark Harmon | Older Leroy Jethro Gibbs |
| Mariel Molino | Lala Dominguez |
| Kyle Schmid | Mike Franks |
| Tyla Abercrumbie | Mary Jo Hayes |
| Diany Rodriguez | Vera Strickland |
Harmon’s continued involvement in NCIS: Origins fuels speculation about potential future appearances in the original series or other spin-offs. While no concrete plans have been announced, his ongoing role in the prequel suggests that his connection to the character of Gibbs and the NCIS universe remains strong, keeping the door open for possible returns.
A Gibbs Return to NCIS: What Could It Look Like?
Crossover Potential and Unfinished Business
Three years post-Gibbs’ departure, NCIS has solidified its footing, proving its ability to thrive. Yet, the enduring popularity of Gibbs and the open-ended nature of his exit ensure that the question of his return remains a persistent topic among fans. While his appearances in NCIS: Origins are a welcome connection, many viewers long for a more substantial Gibbs storyline within the original series.
For a Gibbs return to be meaningful, it would necessitate a compelling reason to draw him back from his peaceful Alaskan life. A routine case wouldn’t suffice; perhaps a threat to his former colleagues or a deeply personal mission of revenge could serve as the catalyst for his comeback.
NCIS: Origins itself could provide the perfect framework for a Gibbs return. Harmon’s narration and cameo appearances in the prequel series create a bridge between the past and present. A crossover event, where a past case from NCIS: Origins resurfaces in the present-day NCIS, could provide a compelling narrative reason for Gibbs to rejoin the team, even if temporarily. This would not only be a thrilling event for fans but also a seamless way to integrate Gibbs back into the NCIS narrative, connecting the franchise’s past and present in a significant way.
Release Date September 23, 2003
Network CBS
Showrunner Donald P. Bellisario
Cast
See All
- Sean Murray – Timothy McGee
- David McCallum – Dr. Donald ‘Ducky’ Mallard
NCIS follows a team of special agents from the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, exploring cases involving Navy and Marine Corps personnel since 2003.
Seasons 22
Powered by ######
Sources: The Kelly Clarkson Show, Instagram
