Did Gibbs Just Ruin His Reinstatement? Gary Cole Joins NCIS Cast – Shocking Turn of Events!

In the season 19 premiere of NCIS, Gibbs (Mark Harmon) collaborates with his former team to take down a serial killer. However, he maintains the ruse of being dead to avoid the killer’s retaliation. The team convenes at the McKeever barn, where Gibbs is hiding, joined unexpectedly by Director Vance (Rocky Carroll), who tacitly approves of Gibbs’ actions.

A new kidnapping prompts the team to gather information, with Kasie (Diana Reasonover) tracking the victim’s last location through a pace bracelet. Torres (Wilmer Valderrama) and Jessica Knight (Katrina Law) investigate, leading them to the suspect’s apartment. Fornell (Joe Spano) also makes an appearance, revealing he believes Gibbs is alive, providing relief to the team.

Gibbs visits Marcie (Pam Dawber) to share a photo of the killer and notices a potential accomplice. A sting operation is set up, and Fornell joins Gibbs on a stakeout, prompting a heartfelt conversation about loss and the pursuit of justice. The accomplice is revealed to be undercover FBI Special Agent Alden Parker (Gary Cole), adding a surprising twist to the case.

As the team interrogates the accomplice, Torres rearranges Knight’s belongings to Bishop’s old desk, leading to a personal moment between them. The serial killer makes a mistake, and Gibbs confronts him at the cemetery. Despite the opportunity to shoot, Gibbs is persuaded otherwise by Parker and his team. In interrogation, they discover the killer, Paul Lemere, is a hitman, not a serial killer.

Gibbs wraps up loose ends with Marcie, contemplating asking her out, only to learn she’s spending time with Michelle (Jaxy Boyd). Back at NCIS, Lemere escapes custody and attacks Knight. In a tense situation, Gibbs arrives, assesses the threat, and takes a shot, neutralizing the threat. The episode concludes with the team dealing with the aftermath of the intense confrontation.