Alden Parker, portrayed by Gary Cole, faced the challenging task of stepping into the iconic shoes of Leroy Jethro Gibbs (Mark Harmon) in the NCIS franchise. To the credit of Cole’s performance, he not only kept the show running metaphorically and literally but also instilled confidence in a fanbase that was uncertain about the show’s continuation without Gibbs.
As the anticipation builds for Season 21, a crucial question looms: Will Parker stay? Given the significant investment in his character, his departure would not only be a considerable waste of time on the part of the writers but would also raise questions about the show’s leadership.
Addressing concerns about Gary Cole leaving NCIS after Season 21, there is fortunately no need for worry. In a 2022 interview with TV Insider, Cole discussed the challenging task of replacing Harmon and shared insights into his character. The show’s writers strategically addressed the audience’s concerns through a moment in the squad room, signaling that although this transition would be different, it would also maintain familiarity due to the show’s longstanding presence.
Co-star Sean Murray highlighted Parker as a deliberate departure from Gibbs’ personality and decision-making, describing Parker as an entirely different character. NCIS executive producer Charles Floyd Johnson acknowledged the potential challenges of the transition but praised Cole for avoiding direct comparisons and becoming the new flagship actor for the show.
According to Johnson, they struck gold with Gary Cole, emphasizing that many names were considered, but Cole’s portrayal stood out. They assured him that he wasn’t stepping directly into the shoes of someone who had been there for 18 seasons, allowing for a smoother transition.
Looking ahead, the hope is to see Alden Parker’s character further developed now that the transitional period has passed, and he is guaranteed to be the focus of the show for years to come. Season 21 holds the promise of exploring glimpses of his past and moments of complexity, providing viewers with a deeper understanding of the character beyond his initial introduction.