Despite hopes for Leroy Jethro Gibbs’s return for Ducky’s funeral, NCIS season 21, episode 2 surprised fans by featuring Michael Weatherly’s Tony instead. His brief cameo served as the final emotional support Palmer needed to cope with his mentor’s death. While Tony’s appearance was short, it subtly hinted at NCIS: Europe and shed light on Ziva’s absence, suggesting their current situation as fugitives.
The absence of Ziva during Ducky’s funeral raised questions about their circumstances. Given their upcoming storyline in NCIS: Europe, where they find themselves on the run across the continent, it’s understandable why Ziva didn’t accompany Tony. Their situation likely required caution, making it safer for only Tony to attend the funeral to pay his respects to Ducky.