Exclusive: Gibbs’ Shocking Gesture to McGee Revealed in NCIS Season 21 Episode 2!

It’s been over two years since Mark Harmon’s character, Gibbs, last appeared in NCIS during Season 19. In that season, Gibbs broke the law to assist a hitman, ultimately choosing to stay in Alaska after resolving a case.

However, in Season 21, Episode 2, there’s a nod to Gibbs when senior field agent Timothy McGee receives an envelope from Naktok Bay, Alaska, where Gibbs had retired. Inside is a Polaroid featuring Gibbs, McGee, and the late Dr. Donald “Ducky” Mallard, paying homage to Ducky following actor David McCallum’s death.

Although Gibbs didn’t physically appear in the NCIS tribute to Ducky, he was present in a flashback scene with his lifelong friend. His departure from the team leaves his whereabouts open to interpretation, reflecting actor Mark Harmon’s desire for new challenges after his long tenure with the CBS series.

In an interview with TVLine, showrunner Steven D. Binder discussed Gibbs’ mysterious exit, suggesting that his character is both nowhere and everywhere, waiting to be called back to duty.

When asked about a possible return of Gibbs in a Q&A session with Entertainment Tonight, Harmon hinted at Gibbs enjoying a quiet life in Alaska, but left his character’s future open-ended.

Although Harmon has left the show as an actor, he remains involved as one of its executive producers.